AFP Printing
AFP is a protocol that delivers document data and manages resources. AFP is a page-description language. When an IBM host (or AS/400) generates a document it uses AFP to format the data. IBM's Advanced Function Printing (AFP) architecture controls IPDS print jobs from initial print request to final output.

HostServe's™ brings AFP printing to the Windows 2000/XP/2003 environment. Users generate AFPDS using a mainframe or remote application. This may include text, graphics, bar codes, or scanned images. PSF(Print Services Facility), the AFP print driver, manages the AFP printing resources including fonts, images, overlays, signatures, and bar codes combining them with the source data stream. AFP resources are stored in libraries on the host, in databases at the server, or in the printer. Once PSF receives the appropriate resources for the job, it interacts with HostServe via a TCP/IP connection or Microsoft SNA/Host Integration Server to verify its ability to handle the request. The PSF then:

• Translates the AFPDS data into PCL, PostScript.
• Manages and tracks resources, downloading all non-resident fonts and overlays to the target printer.
• Tailors the AFPDS print stream to the target printer (e.g. sends barcodes as images).
• Delivers the print stream to the printer and handles error recovery.
• HostServe's AFP printing converts the print stream into the appropriate output format (if applicable), and sends the data to the destination device.

IPDS Conversion
Intelligent Printer Data Stream (IPDS) is a bi-directional SNA protocol that delivers print data and manages resources, handshaking, security, and error recovery. IPDS is both a page-description language and a printer-control protocol. When an IBM host (or AS/400) generates EBCDIC output, it uses IPDS to transmit the data to a destination device. IBM's Advanced Function Printing (AFP) architecture controls IPDS print jobs from initial print request to final output.

IPDSXpress™ is a cost-effective, software-only IPDS LAN Print Server product, which can be installed in a matter of minutes on a Microsoft Windows PC, where it runs as a Windows Service.

This product is able to convert Intelligent Printer Data Stream (IPDS) into a format supported by Windows print drivers. Thus, it leverages your investment in IBM’s AFP/IPDS application technology by offering a much broader group of printing choices than those provided through hardware solutions such as embedded cards and conversion boxes.