LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., - Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced the availability of uniFLOW Version 5.1 (v5.1) print management software. uniFLOW v5.1 offers businesses the ability to consolidate enterprise output management in a single, unified platform including device management, print management and scanning while expanding uniFLOW's capabilities to smartphones, tablets and other mobile devices. uniFLOW v5.1 also eliminates the need for customers to use multiple tools to maximize output management capabilities while enhancing device management and information security capabilities to streamline Managed Document Services deployments and enable businesses of all sizes to securely link mobile workers, contractors and even guests to their print network.

With an increased emphasis on mobile print technology, uniFLOW v5.1 offers support for Internet-enabled mobile devices allowing jobs to be easily printed from smartphones and tablets via multifunction products (MFPs) and single function printers. In addition, organizations can now enable their employees, guests and mobile staff to print directly from their mobile devices while controlling the release of the print output to networked devices. This level of functionality is enabled as part of an organization's managed print infrastructure, allowing for the retention of full cost-control, print and network security while also facilitating the creation of potential revenue-making opportunities from onsite mobile printing services (e.g. airport business lounges, universities and hotels).

"With the launch of uniFLOW v5.1, Canon delivers an innovative mobile print solution that also improves core performance by providing customers with an higher level of document security, cost-control and multi-vendor fleet support," said Sam Yoshida, vice president and general manager, Canon U.S.A. "uniFLOW Version 5.1 is a comprehensive fleet management solution for today's 24/7 connected work force."

Available in January 2012, uniFLOW v5.1 includes a host of productivity enhancing features including:

Mobile Submission

uniFLOW v5.1 provides several different methods* for users to submit jobs including via email, uploading a job via a web browser and printing directly from an application using an Internet-enabled driver. uniFLOW also supports the integrated print functionality of iOS devices.

Mobile Release

All of the print release capabilities within uniFLOW are seamlessly supported for mobile users. Mobile jobs can be released from any uniFLOW controlled printer via card access or pin code. There is also a uniFLOW native app for Apple iOS devices like iPod, iPhone and iPad. The app enables the mobile device to identify the printer, for example by a QR code, select a print job from the user's personal print queue, make necessary print settings and release their job.

Advanced Device Management

uniFLOW v5.1 allows IT Managers to control the print environment by collecting information about device status, meter and consumables. Information is gathered across a complete, multi-vendor (Canon and third-party devices) print fleet and can be used to effectively manage consumables, inform customers and service providers about issues and maintain device uptime.

Scanning Enhancements

uniFLOW v5.1, in addition to its core document scanning capabilities for document capture, routing and workflow, offers more scan destinations with direct desktop integration to enable convenient post-scan document processing and manipulation. With improved scan security, uniFLOW v5.1 scanning also delivers advanced features including linking to external databases for validating index information against pre-existing database content.

Improvements in Universal Driver technology

The uniFLOW v5.1 universal driver contains an improved image compression technology resulting in smaller file sizes and faster processing. Further, the Canon PCL6 Generic driver is now supported for secure printing workflow, allowing organizations using the Canon PCL6 Generic driver to enjoy the benefits of making finishing changes at the imageRUNNER ADVANCE, which in the past was only possible with the uniFLOW Universal Driver.

Embedded Applets for Secure Printing

To extend third-party device support, uniFLOW v5.1 features embedded applets for Konica Minolta devices. This applet provides secure printing capability when configured with the uniFLOW server. In addition to the Konica Minolta applet, NT-ware has previously developed applets for HP and Xerox devices.

uniFLOW v5.1 is available through Canon Authorized Dealers, Canon Business Solutions and Océ North America. For more information please visit www.usa.canon.com.