Xerox releases a 'universal print driver' for printers besides its own

The ability to plug a laptop into a network and quickly print documents on any available printer has historically been difficult, if not impossible. Now, a new Xerox software tool designed for office workers could change that equation.

Each time a new user connects to a network, Xerox' new Mobile Express Driver (X-MED) software searches and identifies new printers on the network subnet. X-MED also shows device status and capabilities of each printer -- for instance, double-sided printing. The user makes a single choice from a list of all available printers, and simply clicks Print. A "favorites list" allows users to create custom printer lists for each network.

In a typical work environment, an employee wanting to print to multiple printers needs drivers for printers from different manufacturers. That can quickly gum up a laptop, especially when drivers have system tray tools that must run continuously. Also, each printer manufacturer typically has different interfaces users must learn. X-MED is an attempt to replace all that mess with a single driver.

Xerox claims X-MED can be used for both Xerox and non-Xerox printers, with similar print drivers not offering the same luxury. It does not list specific manufacturers, however.

Not having to rely on each manufacturer to update its printer drivers also means IT managers can switch out printers without employees being forced to waste time updating drivers for each printer.