FAQ

All good FAQs should start with a question that's best answered with a 500 page novel! The short answer is that PaperCut MF enables user and device level management and control for all your printers and multifunctional devices (i.e. MFPs - copy, print, fax and scan). It has grown from the popular print software application PaperCut NG and builds on this with embedded software and hardware support. PaperCut MF software may be teamed with 3rd party off-the-shelf Copy Controllers and card readers. PaperCut MF is typically used to manage:

• User access rights based on function e.g. students, staff and accounts
• "Off the glass" copy quota's, charges and per page costs
• Print, scan and fax tracking at the MFP
• Secure "Find Me" print release at both MFPs and printers
• Device access via user ID and building access cards
• Cash payment - for pay-for-print environments

Both PaperCut MF and NG are very similar and at a technical level share the same code base. The difference is that PaperCut MF has the ability to interface with hardware devices (e.g. MFPs) to deliver extra features. Examples of this integration include:

• Embedded software that runs on the MFP to track and control access (e.g. copier use) at the device.
• Integration with 3rd party copier hardware terminals and controllers for devices (MFDs and printers) that don't yet support embedded or onboard solutions.
• Network card readers to facilitate secure print release and find-me printing via card swipe at any print device.
• Cash payment hardware - enabling users to reload their PaperCut MF user account in pay-per-print environments.
• A few other complex integration areas which are too obscure to list here in an FAQ!

All other features, including general print tracking, print quotas, rules based printing and driverless web print, etc. are identical on both PaperCut MF and PaperCut NG.

This is a good question and one we've wrestled with for some time. In an ideal world there would just be one edition of PaperCut and historically this is how it started. We however quickly learned that hardware (MFPs, devices and controllers) mixes in a whole new set of issues. PaperCut NG is distributed online and can be installed and supported by any network administrator - the main level of integration is at the Operating System level. Hardware integration however is specialized at the device level. Even embedded software solutions on copiers can be difficult to setup (there is no current standard) and often need special firmware settings or hardware option changes. In support of the copy and print manufacturers, PaperCut must also ensure a correct notification and acceptance procedure is followed before any device can be loaded with PaperCut MF embedded software. Because of this complexity we've split PaperCut into two editions so there is a clear separation. The two are however very related and many PaperCut MF users started out with PaperCut NG (in-house install) before migrating to PaperCut MF later. Migration between editions is very easy and no data and settings are lost.

The previous question covers why there are two editions. The same holds true for why there are two methods of distribution. PaperCut NG is a software-only application and is sold and supported direct online and available for direct download. PaperCut MF, because of the extra complexity and need to integrate with the device at the hardware level, is sold via a channel of approved solution centers and resellers that understand the requirements and processes to ensure the whole implementation goes well. Resellers provide assistance and advice during the pre-installation phase, through to going live. Onsite training localized ongoing support is also available from most resellers.

As you'll see throughout our www.papercut.com website, our company culture is based on transparency and this covers almost all areas of our business: pricing, documentation, blogs, twitter, source code access, open APIs, bug disclosure, etc. However unlike PaperCut NG where typically a single component license is all that is needed, PaperCut MF consists of a significant number of software and hardware variations where consistency in pricing to all PaperCut users cannot be guaranteed under a single pricing model. For example each embedded application from the various suppliers can require either a hardware, software or license code to enable. Each of these varies in price and PaperCut has no control over these. To be fair to our valued resellers and partners it is also impossible for us to dictate a fixed price for installation and support. To do so might be to over charge some and under charge others so price by quotation ensures the best fit of solution and cost. To benchmark our resellers and ensure our end user receive the highest value for money we have instigated a suggested RRP that the majority follow. Lastly, if you wish to price check then you may do so by obtaining competitive quotes or contacting us directly for advice.

A typical PaperCut MF implementation will be made up of a number of components:

1. A base software license following the same user-based model as PaperCut NG, however due to the additional features to support copy, fax and scan the PaperCut MF base license is higher in cost than the PaperCut NG base license.
2. Licenses for embedded or onboard software - per-device. Note that these vary between manufacturers and in some cases a cost from the manufacturer to use embedded on their device may also be levied by the manufacturer.
3. Connection licenses for various hardware components if used.
4. Hardware itself - e.g. card readers or extra MFD "add-ons".
5. Professional services such as consulting, installation, training and ongoing local support.
6. Annual support and upgrade assurance.

Item 1 is similar to PaperCut NG's pricing (typically 30% higher). Item 2 depends on the device type but can range from as little as US$90 to $400 per device. Items 3 through 6 are very much a function of your network, requirements, and location/region and are set by our resellers and partners who can provide and support you locally. Items 3 through 6 also can make up a significant portion of the project costs. As you can see it's hard to estimate costs without analysis. This is why we rely on our resellers. They will work with you to design a setup, and conduct and install that is appropriate to your budget, requirements, and location.

Adding hardware, professional services and more into the mix makes things quite a bit more expensive. Having said that, time and time again our customers have said that the implementation costs of PaperCut MF are a fraction of similar featured products and that of other industry providers in this hardware/software space. The costs are however high when compared to PaperCut NG itself - a self-install software-only solution. There are a number of reasons for PaperCut MF being priced higher than PaperCut NG. The first is that (per device) hardware components, embedded software and their installation can significantly add to a project. The other factor is complexity of development. Developing embedded hardware solutions for MFDs is quite involved particularly when as a vendor neutral solution; PaperCut must equally target all device types. To undertake embedded development across all major devices, we've had to put together a fantastic development team with guys that have worked on projects like the BMW iDrive and the Linux kernel (yes. many copiers run *unix under the hood!). There is also costs associated with copier manufacture certification programs, royalties, partner fees and compatibility testing. Navigating all this across organizations like HP, Lexmark, Toshiba, Konica Minolta, Sharp, Kyocera, Ricoh and Fuji Xerox makes the Apple App Store approval process look like child's play!

Many of our users first implement PaperCut NG, our print-only edition, as the first phase of their deployment. PaperCut NG is available for self-download and install and hence is very easy to set-up and does not require any assistance from a 3rd party. PaperCut MF's setup on the other hand is more involved (see other FAQs for why). The process of converting an existing PaperCut NG install across to PaperCut MF can be summarized as follows:

A very valid question and one we get all the time. Five or ten years ago copier use was the majority of paper output. Today printing and computer driven content dominates output (e.g. printing web pages!). We are aware that copy control is not for everyone and we encourage those sites to first start out with simple self-install print control with PaperCut NG.

There are however a few industry changes that are making copier control attractive again. The first is the move to embedded/on-board solutions. Embedded solutions are implemented in software at the device firmware layer and usually don't require extra hardware. This means that the cost of implementation and maintenance over time is much less. We'd encourage you to consider copier control and also look at the other benefits the system can provide such as secure device access, secure print release, tracking of scanning and minimization of waste, etc. Often the question administrators ask is not the cost to implement, but the cost of not implementing a complete solution that ties off all loopholes e.g. print once then copy many.

At a licensing level, sites running another edition of PaperCut are given credit and this is used to offset the changeover price to PaperCut MF. There is no need to buy a whole new license. At a technical level, the process is very simple and all your data and settings can be transferred across meaning implementation time is much less than starting afresh. Often sites running PaperCut NG can switch over to PaperCut MF in as little as half an hour.

This depends on the model and make of copier. There are a few fundamental approaches:

• Embedded software - software which runs on the copier/MFP firmware level.
• On-board Web Services - The PaperCut server controls and tracks device access via remote operation calls via web service requests between the PaperCut server and the device/MFD.
• Hardware - an external device called a "Copier Terminal" or "Copier Controller" is connected to the copier. This device prevents copier use until a user has successfully authenticated via a card swipe and/or username or PIN entry. The copy terminal monitors paper output for charging/tracking, communicating with the PaperCut server and acting on its rules and directions as set by the administrator.

If your device supports one of our embedded/on-board software solutions then this is usually the first and preferred option as implementation costs are less than an equivalent hardware copy controller solution.

Embedded solutions are implementations where a component of PaperCut is installed directly on the MFD/copier itself. One of our developers summed up embedded solution as follows: "It's like a smart phone (iPhone, Android) App but one that runs on copiers." Embedded apps work by interacting with the user via the device's touch screen. Users must first authenticate at the panel or card swipe and then device access is granted. All usage is tracked and reported through to the PaperCut server in real-time. Usage is not just limited to off-the-glass copying, but may also encompass fax and scan tracking. Embedded solutions also provide functions to:

• release printed jobs from hold/release queues
• allocate usage costs to shared accounts (e.g. cost centers, departments, clients)
• enable access by low cost (e.g. USB) card readers for authentication
• associate swipe cards with domain user accounts (self-association)
• automatically stop jobs and deny usage when quota/credit is exceeded

Embedded solutions usually take the form of firmware level software that is physically installed on the device. Install methods vary but typically involve either loading software on via a memory card and/or uploading files via the MFDs administration web interface. All embedded software supplied with PaperCut MF is developed in-house by the same development team that develops the core PaperCut product.

The majority of copiers have hardware interface ports to allow the control of copier access (enable/disable and count detection). These ports/points/plugs go via names like vending ports, or foreign interface ports. The use of these ports dates back to the days of pay-per-copy coin boxes. For devices that don't support an embedded/on-board solution, or where an embedded solution is not suitable, a copier terminal/controller should be considered. Copier terminals/controllers have been in use for over 10 years. They work by interfacing with the copier on one side, and the network and PaperCut MF on the other. They present the user with the option to authenticate (keypad and/or card swipe) and account selection if appropriate. Usage is tracked by the hardware terminal/controller and in turn forwarded through to PaperCut MF via the network. In alignment with our goal of remaining vendor neutral, PaperCut works with a variety of manufactures. Options range from account entry keypad only versions through to sophisticated touchscreen terminals supporting almost all card formats. The touch screen terminals are also being used extensively as secure print release terminals, thereby providing a similar user experience at the printer to that which is offered by PaperCut MF embedded at the MFP.

This may be an option in the event that PaperCut do not have a qualified reseller in your area or your MFP supplier does not wish to complete due to lack of exposure or experience. In either case, you must not try to install without contacting us first as we have an obligation to each manufacturer to follow process. Installation of the PaperCut software onto devices varies a lot. In some cases installation of an embedded application is very simple while on some MFD models, the process is quite involved. Some installs require actions like:

• Copying files on to internal memory cards
• Conducting firmware upgrades/flashes to particular revisions
• Entering special service codes to enable features to allow installation

In each instance the method and control as dictated by each manufacturer is constantly changing.

In the majority of instances a PaperCut MF reseller will work with you to work out the best method of installation. This may involve assisting you with self-installation, arranging assistance by a local copier technician, or attending the site to coordinate the install. One day we hope installing an application may be as easy as installing an App on an iPhone! Today it's a little more involved and we suspect the manufacturers will wish to ensure even greater control to protect your investment in their products, while opening up a whole new range of approved applications!

Embedded/on-board solutions are a new and emerging space and the functionality is likely only to be supported on the new models. Your PaperCut Authorized Solution Center will also be able to assist and advise on suitability. When in doubt always contact a PaperCut Authorized Solution Center (ASC) or approved reseller.

We urge all to be cautious of statements by copier sales people. We've had a few cases where sales people have incorrectly indicated that their MFD's are compatible with PaperCut MF only to find out that it's not the case after purchase (e.g. you may need to purchase extra options/add-ons ). Our ASCs are always here to help and offer advice of what's required on the MFD side.

The alternate option to an embedded solution is to use a Hardware Copier Controller/Terminal. This is a proven control method and one that's popular and well supported by PaperCut MF. Hardware copier controllers/terminals are manufactured by 3rd party hardware manufactures. PaperCut remains vendor neutral in this space and supports a number of different hardware options ensuring there is choice. PaperCut's Authorized Solution Centers can all supply, install and support the various hardware options we have interfaced with.

Yes. All our embedded, on-board and hardware copier controller solutions will work with any server based OS. There is no need to run a Windows server in a non-Windows environment. This level of cross-platform support in PaperCut MF is unique in the industry and has required a significant engineering investment. Even though many PaperCut users are in a 100% Windows only environment we've had many say they are impressed by our efforts and see PaperCut's cross-platform position as a stamp of engineering excellence. We've had to work closely with the copier manufacturers to accomplish our cross-platform support and our very proud of this achievement. (Not to mention many Mac, Linux and Novell sites that are very happy to see PaperCut supporting their platforms!)

Yes you can. All of the hardware copier controller options and most of PaperCut MF embedded solutions support card swipe based authentication (and also card swipe for print release). Where technically possible we ensure there is a choice of card reader technologies ranging from proximity card, magnetic stripe and bar code. With PaperCut MF's embedded solutions, we've put a lot of engineering time in to support commodity USB based card readers. This ensures you have a choice of cheap readily available reader types (and also ensures our embedded developers have lots of fun writing USB device drivers :-)

For completeness it should be mentioned that some MFPs "white list" approved USB card reader devices. Again your ASC or MFP supplier can advise on the most appropriate reader type for your MFD and card technology.

Support and upgrade assurance has always been optional for our internet download version (PaperCut NG). Due to the added cost and complexity to offer and supply PaperCut MF with either hardware or embedded we have found it necessary to include the first years Premium Upgrade Assurance with each PaperCut MF license. This ensures good piece of mind on both sides that your site will be well looked after even if an action or event outside our direct control (e.g. the firmware level requirement in your MFP changes in the first year) occurs. Following the first year the choice is yours, with 99% of customers opting to remain under a support agreement. This hybrid position ensures your PaperCut MF installation is supported during setup, while still ensuring your options are open their after and there is no mandatory lock-in.

In addition to PaperCut Premium Upgrade Assurance, resellers and authorized solution centers (ASCs) will offer additional value added support and professional services at their standard rates of the day. Determination of whether you should take up these services is yours, however we can advise as needed on the value our ASCs bring.

An authorized solution center (ASC) is our most qualified reseller level. They are best thought of as local PaperCut specialists. We carefully select ASCs based on a set of criteria that carefully match PaperCut's own business approach:

• Independent - no alignment with a copier brand
• Experienced - Most ASCs have been in the copier control space for many years
• Skilled in both software and hardware
• Technically focused - not a marketing heavy organization
• Easy to get along with!

A value added resellers (VAR) is typically a company "in the trade" - a printer or copier vendor aligned organization such as copier/printer supplier, reseller, or MPS provider, where PaperCut MF forms an integral part of their solutions offerings. VARs usually either supply a limited PaperCut MF option (e.g. embedded solutions on their device) or partner with a PaperCut ASC to deliver a complete solution under one roof.

A list of ASCs and VARs can be found on our website here. When making a request to purchase from a reseller, they will need to know (at least) the following:

1. Are you a current PaperCut NG user?
2. What type of institution are you? (e.g. education or corporate)
3. How many users will access the service?
4. What are the makes and models of MFPs/copiers do you have?
5. How will users access/authenticate at the devices? (e.g. card type, account code or login)
6. What environments do you operate? (Windows, Novell, Mac, Linux)
7. What are the main objectives (e.g. charge students or patrons for use, account for staff billing, minimize waste or implement "Find-Me Printing")

First of all, we should highlight that PaperCut server software is very easy to setup and support. The success of PaperCut in the self-download and install environment is testament to this ease-of-use. PaperCut MF is the same as PaperCut NG on the server-side and your in-house IT staff will be in an ideal position to install and support this area. Where support is often required is in the area of device (e.g. MFP) integration.

ASCs and VARs offer different levels of service. We recommend all sites deal with their ASC/VAR for 1st level support, however the door is always open for any PaperCut users to contact us directly for support. PaperCut Software also works closely with our resellers and many advanced issues are often elevated through to us.

PaperCut is vendor agnostic/neutral which means that we endeavor to support as many operating systems, platforms and devices as possible. This position is part of our core development philosophy and ensures that you as the PaperCut user have choice. We surveyed our user base a few years back and the overwhelming voice was that our vendor neutral position is important. It means that you have the ability to change operating systems, printer brands, MFD makes, etc. with minimal impact on PaperCut and its core features i.e. your implementation can remain intact. This however is at times a difficult position for us. Aside from the engineering investment required to develop across multiple environments in parallel, we're also under "pressure" at times from organizations that would prefer "lock-in" to a particular environment or hardware/device. We've committed to remaining neutral and will continue to support an open approach to infrastructure, hardware and other services. Please note however that a vendor neutral approach does not mean that all embedded offerings are created equal as we are reliant on the quality and feature-set of the underlying device (MFP) firmware and supporting SDK used to create our embedded software. In this regard some manufacturers can claim better integration and fuller feature set thereby setting their devices apart. In every case we strive to supply the very best user experience at the device.

Embedded solutions to track off-the-glass copies are a very new and emerging technology. Not all devices have the power or functionality to support an embedded cost recovery option, and many of the devices that do, don't yet have the power to deliver all features we aim to provide in PaperCut. For devices that do not yet have a suitable embedded or on-board solution, hardware copier controllers are the recommended path. Of course PaperCut MF can always track the "printing side" of any MFD device as this is done at the OS level.

We're working with all leading manufactures to bring PaperCut to their devices. We treat all manufacturers equally (the same as we do for operating systems). At the time of writing PaperCut has embedded solutions for latest generation devices world-wide including:

• HP
• Konica Minolta
• Kyocera Mita (Triumph Adler, Olivetti, UTAX)
• Lexmark
• Ricoh (Lanier, Nashuatec, Gestetner)
• Sharp
• Toshiba
• Fuji Xerox/Xerox Corp

The notable exceptions are Canon and Samsung. We are working with Samsung to bring PaperCut to their devices and expect this to be released soon (late 2011) and have been contacted by Brother to investigate their new release devices. We are committed to a vendor agnostic path supporting all operating systems, devices and languages equally.

If your device does not offer an embedded solution, or the solution does not yet offer the features required for your environment, we suggest that you contact your device manufacturer and ask why. If embedded is not an option then hardware copier controls are the recommended solution.

Yes. It is true that not all environments are equal. Copiers/MFDs are a bit like operating systems - they each work differently and each has its area of strength. A good example would be card reader support for user authentication. Some MFPs only support card readers supplied by the copier manufacturer, while others have given us access to the device's full USB stack. This allows us to write our own drivers to support a wide array of generic USB card readers. All PaperCut ASCs and VARs have access to a feature matrix enabling them to determine which product offers a best fit for your needs.

That's a very difficult question for us to answer as a provider of vendor agnostic/neutral solutions. As mentioned in the previous question not all environments are equal and it is true that some models/makes offer more features than others. Examples of differences include:

• Faster response to button presses and screen redraw.
• More powerful screen layout options allow us to design a more usable system.
• Ability to present a series of screens to help the user through tasks such as authentication and account selection (workflow).
• Support for USB card readers, while other devices don't support readers at all.

It's also a rapidly changing environment and what is true one week might not be so the following. Hence we've taken the position to not endorse any one vendor over any other. Instead we strive to offer the best set of features technically possible for each manufacturer's device. Our ASCs and Resellers have access to information on each embedded environment as well as any technical limitations that may exist and can work with you to ensure the solution will meet your requirements.

At the current time we're in a cross-over phase. There is no doubt that the functionality of embedded solutions (in all devices, not just copiers - phones, cars, and even your fridge) are always improving. Embedded software (the "app model") will be the predominant technology to implement copier, fax and scan control with as time goes on. Embedded technology is however new and Copier Control Terminals offer a number of advantages.

Copier Control Terminals Pros:

• Provide a common user experience across different device types.
• Able to support almost all MFDs including older devices without embedded options.
• Often can support a wider range of authentication card technologies.
• Can be moved to new copier brands and models with minimal costs.
• Increased security. Device control is done at a hardware-level.

Embedded/On-board Control Pros:

• May be implemented with zero hardware or minimal hardware (e.g. USB card reader)
• Lower purchase/license costs because there is no hardware outlay.
• Able to track other device usage other than "paper out" events such as Scan and Fax
• New features become available with software updates (i.e. PaperCut updates)
• Offer a seamless user experience - the MFP touchscreen being the only interaction point.

All PaperCut Authorized Solution Centers have experience in both software and hardware solutions and can advise on the best solution for your environment. They will factor in aspects such as your MFD models, your requirements and your future objectives to recommend the best solution.

PaperCut MF versus other options:

We'd love to offer trials of PaperCut MF like we do with PaperCut NG. The problem is that PaperCut MF requires a process of involvement from the copier manufacturer/vendor to assist, or at a minimum agree that the implementation of onboard embedded software can proceed. We can't have a situation where a copier technician arrives to your site without any prior knowledge that the device now runs embedded. For some devices, components only available from the copier manufacturer/vendor are required and need to be sourced and supplied separately. Because of this we can't offer a self-download-and-install model for the onboard embedded applications. To get a taste of what PaperCut MF can do, we recommend giving PaperCut NG (print tracking only) a try. Many sites deploy PaperCut NG as phase one and this gives you access to all server and print features you'd expect to leverage. You can then work with a PaperCut MF reseller to implement PaperCut MF on your copier/MFD equipment. Some resellers may consider free evaluation periods and/or on-site demo for larger opportunities.

The answer varies depending on the type of device and interface:

All software licenses are made out in the end-user organization's name - not in the name of a reseller or a service provider. You are the licensor. This is in-line with software industry practice and it also makes sense seeing that 95% of what PaperCut MF does is installed on your server. If you switch printer or MFD supplier in the future, your PaperCut MF license will continue to work and is owned in your organization's name. It should be mentioned that if your MFP models/makes change you will require from your current reseller the correct embedded software to suit the new makes. See changing copier/MFD brands FAQ above. In the event an alternate reseller to your current reseller wishes to offer PaperCut MF embedded on the newly proposed devices, then the only cost you will pay is for the embedded software on these newly proposed devices as supplied from the new reseller. In many instances to win your valued business a new supplier might bundle or fund the cost of the embedded software. In all cases the ownership of the software remains with the end user.

Yes. Where possible we support the same set of languages the PaperCut admin web interface supports. There are however some caveats to this:

• Some embedded/onboard solutions can't support Asian or full Unicode character sets. Contact your PaperCut ASC for more information.
• Many copier control hardware terminals have fixed interfaces and only support English.
• Right-to-left languages such as Hebrew may have screen layouts more suitable to left-to-right text.

No. PaperCut MF is able to authenticate users at devices/MFDs using a number of different methods including username and password or ID and PIN. In both cases credentials can be extracted out of the user network directory (e.g. Active Directory). It is also possible to issue a subset of users with cards while others use username/password login. For example it may be common in small schools to issue cards to staff but not students (because they lose everything you give them!).

Organizations with existing issued employee/student cards should consider the card option, while others may find ID numbers the most convenient. The card numbers are stored in the PaperCut database (in the Card ID field) and are put into the system using various methods including:

• Self-association - users can self-register their cards automatically on first use at the device.
• Import from a text file
• Looked up in real-time in an external database (e.g. Door security system database)
• Extracted and synchronized from the network directory (LDAP or Active Directory)

At the software layer, PaperCut MF has been developed in a way where it can support any card type - the underlying technology is abstracted. Production installs of PaperCut MF today cover a wide array of card technologies ranging from popular Proximity Card formats (near field communication) such HID, MIFARE, i-Class and other card technologies including common magnetic stripe cards and bar coded cards. It should be pointed out that identity cards are also not mandatory. Many sites simply use card-less authentication methods such as username/password or ID numbers and PINS.

Even though PaperCut MF is able to support a wide array of card technologies, the supporting hardware layer may impose restrictions. For example many of PaperCut's embedded solutions rely on the USB interface provided by the MFD vendor to support commodity based USB card readers from manufactures like RFIdeas, Elatec, Onmikey and Magtek. Some MFD vendors "whitelist" a limited range of card readers and this range may limit the choice of card type. Other factors such as card encryption, encoding formats, or proprietary card technologies (as often seen in the security door access environment) can also impose restrictions.

In conclusion the topic of card authentication is a mixed bag. It can be as simple as plugging in an off the shelf reader into the MFD's USB port, or may end up being a complex tail of endeavoring to match up reader technology with an existing proprietary card system. This is where our resellers and Authorized Solution Centers can assist. They draw on their past experience and access to testing hardware to put together a card authentication approach that best suits your environment.

When integrating these types of cards the common approach is to utilize the card serial number (CSN) where possible as this number can be openly read by the majority of card management and card ID personalization systems used in educational and corporate offices globally. The CSN can then be made available to PaperCut MF enabling single card support and access for all onsite services. Should additional security be required, a user PIN can be added.

If there is no CSN present, then the only method to read these cards is via the supplier's readers i.e. the same used for door access. These readers are typically not suited for managing copy and print access alone, but can be combined with hardware copier controllers to provide an in-line solution. The cost of combining proprietary access control readers and hardware terminals is typically high and a sample card will need to be provided for testing to confirm compatibility Our ASCs or resellers can assist here. Other options exist. A common one is to use an RFID sticker/dot. A small sticker is attached to the existing card (using a non-clashing frequency) effectively turning the card into a dual frequency card. The door system reads the card while the MFDs read the number off the sticker. Our ASC's have a few provisioning tricks up their sleeves to streamline such a process.

PaperCut MF offers the popular payment methods offered with PaperCut NG. Because PaperCut MF is "PaperCut NG plus hardware integration", even more methods of handling end-user payments are available. The full list of options, listed in order of popularity are:

• Top-Up Pre-paid cards (a voucher system)
• Online Payments via leading online payment gateways
• Manual Payments - Web Till
• Self-serve hardware (cash loaders and kiosks)
• Custom system via PaperCut's open APIs

In K-12 environments it's recommended that sites first consider Top-Up Pre-Paid cards. This is the most popular form of managing payments. Administrators print out a set of cards/vouchers with a value such as $5 and these are sold at venues around campus like the office, cafeteria, library or book shop. Each voucher has a unique code and students simply enter this code on a web page to redeem the amount and have it added to their account. The concept is similar to iTunes Music cards or pre-paid mobile/cell phone accounts - concepts students are very familiar with!

Online payment gateways are popular in higher education. They allow parents and or students to make payments into their account using popular credit cards or equivalent. PaperCut has a vendor neutral position on payment gateways and offers a large choice of providers ranging from popular well-known names such as PayPal and CyberSource to local banking providers.

In the self-serve payment area PaperCut is vendor agnostic and has worked with a number of hardware manufacturers to ensure self-service cash loading devices can connect to PaperCut's database. Again, your local Authorized Solution Center is the best point of call to discuss hardware reload and payment options. It is possible to use self-serve hardware alongside online payment gateways and/or Pre-Paid Top-Up Cards.

More information in the tour here.

PaperCut MF is an online system where value is stored in a user's online account. Value is not stored on a card. One of our primary design principles is "do stuff in software rather than hardware". User balances are stored on the server in the software layer similar to how a bank stores your account details on their servers rather than on your credit card. The card is simply an authentication source (or a part-factor in the authentication process). This approach means that PaperCut is able to be deployed in a 100% software-only environment and cards or card readers are optional.

Using the balance in the PaperCut MF database is however not the only method supported by PaperCut MF. PaperCut MF has an open API and hence has been used to interface with various value-on-card systems. With these systems there is no central database storing a user's balances but the credit is secretly encoded onto the card itself.

Where the investment in stored value hardware and stored value cards prohibits the site or supplier to changeover to a full online system, PaperCut MF is implemented as the supporting print and reporting system. Stored value systems have been integrated with PaperCut MF using one of two methods:

1. Every print device has a PaperCut MF release station next to it and the release station is configured to connect with the special card hardware reader. Users can release jobs using credit in their card (or also optionally their online PaperCut MF account).
2. Pay stations are set up at various locations around the campus. These stations allow users to transfer funds from their card across to their online PaperCut MF account. This approach is often more cost effective than method 1 as the special readers are not required on every printer (in some cases stored value card readers cost more than the printer itself!)

We do not promote or endorse any particular stored value system. Instead we have opened up our APIs and have left the task up to our users and 3rd party vendors to interface their hardware with our software. Please contact PaperCut MF support if you'd like to get more information.

Yes. Blackboard and CBORD are two popular campus cash card solutions. PaperCut MF has real-time connections with both these popular systems (and other campus card systems) via the payment gateways interfaces. Having said that, real-time integration can be quite expensive to setup and many CBORD and Blackboard colleges have taken other integration approaches such as simply selling PaperCut Pre-Paid Topup cards (e.g. a voucher) at venues around campus that accept payment with the campus card (e.g. cafeteria, book shop, etc.)

At the time of writing we have over 200 resellers and are working hard to ensure all PaperCut users no matter what language or part of the world they are in have access to the technologies in PaperCut MF. The world is however a big place and there are some regions/countries where we don't have Authorized Solution Centers or Resellers.

If you are in this position, please contact us first. On the server-side PaperCut MF is very easy to setup (you may for example already be running PaperCut NG) and it's on the copier side where you'll need setup assistance. In many cases your local copier supplier may qualify as a PaperCut MF reseller and with our support would be able to sign up and support your installation. Today we have global relationships with many MFP and printer manufacturers and hearing your interest in PaperCut will in most cases provide a positive response and approach to assisting you as we are assisting them. Most copier suppliers have the skills in-house to set up an embedded solution or copier terminal for the brands they supply and manage, therefore your key area of responsibility will be on the server side. As noted, PaperCut MF like PaperCut NG is very simple to install. Alternatively we may have an ASC or Reseller who services your area either under a remote support arrangement or in partnership with your local copier provider. Please let us know.

The PaperCut MF reseller program is limited to organizations that work in the IT industry and have strong experience with both hardware and software. This includes organizations like:

• Copier dealers/suppliers/resellers
• IT services companies (with skills in both hardware and software)
• Organizations providing managed print services (MPS)
• Organizations that specialize in print/copier cost recovery and print tracking

If you're interested in becoming a reseller, please contact us. We will advise you of the requirements and pre-requisites to making the grade with PaperCut MF either as a Value Added Reseller or Authorized Solution Centre.

No problem! After all this FAQ covers only frequently asked questions and it's often the less frequently asked questions that are the important ones. Shoot us an email and we'll get back to you. You may also find the general PaperCut FAQ and Knowledge Base useful.