Microsoft’s Azure Universal Print: Here’s Everything You Need to Know

Microsoft has recently come forth with the announcement of Universal Print going public. The latest service is planned to become a part of Office 365, attributing to a convenient, prolific, and safe printing experience for users around the world. The objective is also to assist the domain of IT in reducing the amount of time and energy spent on the process.

Universal Print Explained

In the following points, we are going to help highlight the key features of this handy application and how it’s built for the future.

  • As it is made right into Windows, there’s no need to install any printer drivers.
  • Provides access to print from untrusted networks through single sign-on (SSO) when you have a stable internet connection and verified to Azure Active Directory (Azure AD)
  • Searches for printers nearby you as well as outside your location

In the vast field of IT, professionals can avail the following traits:

  • A resolution for unfreezing any moves to the cloud storage and compatibility for printing with Azure AD
  • A handle scenario with zero-trust networks
  • A consolidated gateway that consists of strong management skills
  • Terrific intuition that provides insights about your print
  • Data of the print stored similarly as other data of Microsoft Office.
  • Printer disposition along with the original configuration of the printer using Microsoft Endpoint Manager
Universal Print Functioning

Universal Print Functioning

The public preview of Universal Print is going to be made available throughout North America, Europe, and the Asia Pacific in intervals over the next few weeks.

Microsoft has affirmed that the operation of rolling out Universal Print is going to start with users of the 365 A5 and E5 plans. This is going to proceed with the service landing on E3 or A3 subscriptions, followed by giving access to those who are actively subscribed to Windows 10 E3, A3, and E5 memberships. Lastly, they intend to finish the roll-out with Microsoft 365 Business Premium and Microsoft 365 Firstline F3 users.

The following are some commonly asked questions that need prompt answering.

When Can I Use Universal Print?

As the plan here is to release the service to different types of subscribers gradually, the process is going to take time accordingly. Nevertheless, Universal Print is going to be accessible before you know it!

Phase Target Month Eligible Microsoft 365 Subscriptions Currently Eligible?
1 July 2020 Microsoft 365 E5/A5 Coming soon
2 August 2020 Microsoft 365 E3/A3 Coming soon
3 August 2020 Windows 10 Enterprise E3/E5 Coming soon
4 September 2020 Microsoft 365 Business/F3 Coming soon

How Can I Add Universal Print To One of My Subscriptions?

If you have an eligible subscription, a configuration is required to enable Universal Print. However, the public preview cannot be used with a trial subscription of Office 365, and only a Global admin can make changes to their subscription.

Can I Use Universal Print If I’m Not Subscribed to Microsoft 365?

In the public preview phase of Universal Print, it’s only available to users who have a Microsoft 365 subscription. The intention here is to invite valuable feedback and provide excellent support as well.

Can I Request Support During the Preview?

Yes, Universal Print also falls under the same support category as you would opt for using our other services. To get the best solutions, please use your existing support options to address your issue. On the other hand, if you do not own a support plan, contact us using Universal Print’s very own support community.

Where Is Universal Print Going To Launch?

Universal Print is released in Azure datacenters in the following areas.

Brazil Canada Australia
  • Brazil South
  • Canada Central
  • Australia East
United States Europe Asia
  • West US 2
  • East US 2
  • North Europe
  • West Europe
  • Southeast Asia
  • Japan East

Note: Universal Print does not currently support customers residing in India. 

Furthermore, here are a few quotes from what the partners have to say about Microsoft’s Universal Print. Similar reactions are seen from most of the others affected in the industry.

Brother-

Brother is working with Microsoft to offer integration with the Universal Print service on select Brother devices in order for organizations to manage their print infrastructure through Microsoft 365 cloud services. This integration should be complete in early 2021.” — Frank Martin, Senior Director, Solutions Development Business Machine Group

Canon Incorporations-

Canon, a leader in digital imaging solutions, will support the Universal Print solution natively with current imageRUNNER ADVANCE products beginning in 2H 2020. uniFLOW Online Express, a free SaaS solution running on Microsoft Azure, can provide device authentication, print/copy/scan/fax reporting, and scan to myself while using Universal Print.” — Isamu Sato, Senior General Manager, Digital Printing Business Operations, Canon Inc.

HP-

By collaborating with Microsoft to integrate Universal Print with HP Managed Print Cloud Services, we’re providing our customers with the flexibility to choose the solution that best suits their needs.  This cloud-to-cloud integration will enable Universal Print users to print virtually anywhere, simply and securely.” — David Prezzano, General Manager and Global Head, Print Services and Solutions Category, HP Inc.

For those who want to learn more about the technical side of the service can do so by visiting the official documentation.

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