Print authentication

Modern large multi-user networks, like those typically seen in higher education, are made up of mix of operating systems, authentication methods, personal student laptops, print protocols and disparate networks. This heterogeneous mix poses problems for SysAdmins working towards a unified and centralized print management system. PaperCut NG supports an array of tools to help administrators meet their unification goals. PaperCut NG's flexibility is, however, a double-edged sword and the multitude of options also bring complexity. This section discusses cross-platform support in detail, and hopes to arm the reader with the knowledge needed to make the correct architecture decisions. Solutions are presented as "recipes" with the aim of directing the reader to appropriate procedures and other sections.

The objective of a centralized and unified PaperCut NG system is to offer all users, irrespective of their operating system or access method, access to the full array of features in a secured and authenticated way. PaperCut NG offers cross-platform client software providing end user features on all major operating systems, however, the need for secured and authenticated access adds an extra, somewhat complex dimension.