Google Cloud

The Future Of Printing?

Put your hand up if you actively seek printing news? None of you? How about Google news? A few? Well let me quickly enlighten you. Google believe the future of computing and data storage is NOT on your computer, phone or little memory sticks. Instead, imagine a "cloud" database, a series of always-on information servers used to store everything an individual needs. Meaning you can access your files no matter where you are.

A grandiose idea..... but how is it relevant to printing?

Google Cloud Print

Cloud-friendly or "aware" printers, tied in to the Google database and accessible from any machine on the planet. No more drivers/installations/compatibility issues. The ability to print to any machine, from any computer. Beautiful.

Imagine....

You've purchased a new printer, try to use it and are met with....

Error: Printer Driver not installed

Updates, fuss, an issue for each computer trying to use the printer. Any way you look at it, it is an annoying fuss.

Google Clouds Solution

What if the printer driver is not required on your computer. But stored in Google cloud? Now what if it was ALL drivers? ALL cloud-aware printers? Now you simply send a print request, select the desired target printer, and voila - job done. No potential for driver errors, simple, hassle free printing.

Security Issues?

I doubt Google will globalise access to any printer and enable the freedom to print without permission, but it will be interesting to see how they get around this concern.

In my mind it will be a double-barrelled process. Firstly, you will need a password and/or profile on the printer you are trying to send a request to. Secondly, the owner of the printer will need to confirm permission, so they get a list of all individuals trying to connect to the printer and need to filter out the inevitable spammers.

What are the benefits?

In addition to the aforementioned printer driver hassle and the return to plug-and-print machines, how else can it help? My initial thoughts turn to:

· Waiting for a fax at the end of work hours, simply forward print requests to your home printer

· Unsure of your document layout before printing? Grant file access to colleagues in the Cloud and they can all edit the base file and print their own copies.

· Office printer servers become the epitome of simplicity. No more multiple installations across a network and undue fuss.

Is it actually helpful?

One interesting point I came across was

'How is this different to just emailing the file to someone at that location to print?"

I feel this misses the point of cloud printing, and to a larger extent Google Cloud itself. It is about bringing everything and everyone together, free access to data and computer functionality like never before. In regards to this specific comment, emailing would require the upload of the file to send, the downloading of the file to receive. Then a continuing back and forth until the final file is acceptable for both. With Google Cloud:

· The initial file is already saved in the cloud as it was created in Google docs - thus no upload and download time

· Changes made to the file? Anyone involved can make them and post updated versions for all to see

It is the simplifying of everything, the perfection of accessibility. What the internet is meant to be about!

In Conclusion

I think the initial wall Google will hit in the public eye is:

Why not just get a modern universal protocol for printing that all manufacturers can implement, the standardisation of formatting meaning no need for drivers? If we can't already get that, how does Google Cloud have a chance? Why aim for small jumps instead of 1 giant leap?

What about those not connected to the internet? I would assume USB printing is still available No internet means you are already isolated, you would be missing out on a perk not on a necessity.

Where do I go if I send a personal file to the wrong printer? Are my details safe? I am as eager as you to see the safeguards in Cloud.

But I think those nay-sayers should wait and see. When Google do something, they usually do it right, so I wait in anticipation for a potentially ground breaking move in the market, and suggest that the only question you should all be asking is:

When?

John Sollars is the Owner and Managing Director of StinkyInk a website specialising in Ink Cartridges and Toner cartridges. Having been selling online since 2002 he brings a wealth of online experience to internet sales and marketing.