> >From:  Bruce Leonard[SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
> >Sent:  Monday, November 03, 1997 11:23 AM
> >To:    [log in to unmask]
> >Subject:       [HP3000-L] network printing.
> >
> >Hello. We are currently using a product called Xspool to transfer files
> >from our HP3000 to a Novell Network for printing. Since Xspool is out of
> >business we need some sort of replacement to be able to print HP
> >reports (with environment files attached) on network printers. I'm looking
> >for anyones help in finding a suitable replacement for Xspool. Any
> >suggestions? Thanks in advance.

An answer depends on how much hardware do you already have installed.

1) If you're already using HP's Jet Direct cards, then you might as well
upgrade to MPE/iX 5.5 and configure it from the host.

2) If you have a large installation of say, a dozen or more Intel Netports
or another brand.  You might want to try RAC Consulting's Espul.  For
about the same price you would pay for replacing a dozen of your other
non-HP name brand print servers with Jet Direct cards, Espul will do the
same job.  It comes with several flavors, two of which pertain to this
thread:

2a) It can be used from the HP3000.  You create a "pseudo-DTC" with
"pseudo-LDEV" numbers in NMMGR and add them to an Espul specific
configuration file.  Then you stream a batch-job that runs it all the
time.  This works as long as your print server brand can handle IP
addressing.  If the print server is an external model, it can be used on
almost any printer with a Centronics printer interface.  Some print
servers come with an additional serial port which could work with your
old HP256x printer.

2b) Espul also comes with an NLM that can be dowloaded to your Novell
server which forwards printouts received from your HP3000.  The cool thing
about this item is that you can use your older print servers that are not
capable of IP addressing, as it uses IPX.  (You also get a reverse
NLM that sends PC orginated Novell printouts to your HP3000 to be
printed on a regular LDEV.)

Tracy Johnson
Minister of Propaganda, Justin Thyme Productions
[log in to unmask]
"Semper Pollus"
 ADC-2239-5531