Print by reference is REALLY tough for the printer to do. Up until this
point, the printer only had to do http server capabilities (which can be
implemented fairly easily). However, print by reference now would require
the printer to implement http client capabilities (which is HUGE!!, not to
mention how unstable the client features are and the fact that the printer
most likely won't ever have a flash upgrade). What about all of the
embedded graphics files (gif, jpeg, pcx, tiff, etc.)? Does the printer
have to have code to convert all of these to printable output? What about
other files (.doc, .prz, .ppt, .xls, .mov, .avi, .pdf, etc.)? Does the
printer have to have code to handle all of these? What about plug-ins and
applets? Does the printer have to have a Java Virtual Machine to run Java
applets? The client (i.e. Browser) is quite large and has too many
features to be able to support by a printer.
I have to strongly protest print by reference as it causes the requirement
load on the printer to skyrocket.
--
Stephen Holmstead
Hewlett Packard Internet Solutions Operation
stephen_holmstead at hp.com