This page provides a brief summary of the LPT:One development history. Detailed information is published in the printed and electronic manuals provided with licensed products.
First Installation [1998]
Oconee Regional Library. (12) Clients, (1) Release Station, (1) Reporting Module, (1) EnvisionWare Software Vending Interface using a debit card system.
Authentication and Accounting Module [2001]
First version of the AAM was installed for several customers, providing on-line accounting capabilities in a SQL-based print accounting system.
Enterprise Manager [2001]
The Enterprise Manager and the Remote Release Station were introduced to permit staff management of the Release Stations from any staff location. The Enterprise Management functions add the ability to managed and copy settings from one Release Station to another from a central location.
Copier Interface Module [2001]
The introduction of the Copier Interface Module permitted multi-function devices to be managed from a single Release Station for both print and copy functions.
Pass-through Mode [2002]
The pass-through mode was released at the request of a customer to permit charging for print at the Client instead of at the Release Station.
Macintosh Printing [2002]
The ability to integrate Macintosh systems into an LPT:One enterprise solution was added in 2002. In keeping with core principles, the Macintosh solution has the same look, feel, and features as the Windows Client experience.
TCP/IP Architecture [2002]
EnvisionWare redesigned the communications architecture of the entire system by replacing key components in favor of pure TCP/IP sockets in the Version 3.3 release.
First Agile Release [2003]
Late in 2002, EnvisionWare adopted the Agile programming method which permits frequent releases of small sets of features. This allows customers to have quick access to new developments and reduces the impact of new releases.
.Net Release [2003]
EnvisionWare was the first time and print management developer to release systems that supported the .Net framework.
Consortia Accounting Mode [2003]
At the request of a large multi-type consortium, EnvisionWare added the ability to segment funds in the AAM database so that each library could manage funds independently while sharing a common central database. Funds deposited at a library can only be used at that library.
Multiple Validating Authorities [2003]
To support large consortia that may connect to multiple ILS servers from the same or different vendors, EnvisionWare added multiple validating authority capabilities to LPT:One so that Release Stations can validate patrons against more than one ILS server on a prioritized basis.
Third Party Interoperability [2004]
A special 3rd Party Interoperability Mode was added to LPT:One that allows it to automatically pick up the user ID from sources other than PC Reservation and allows customers to adopt LPT:One and then later migrate to PC Reservation as budget permits.
LDAP [2004]
In September 2004 EnvisionWare released the LDAP interface for Release Stations. The system requires no special gateway service. Each Release Station connects to the network and uses LDAP server information to access student accounts which populates the AAM database for print accounting.
Localization [2004]
September 2004 also brought localization features throughout the product in support of international date and currency formats.
Privacy Modes [2004]
Responding to U.S. concerns over the PATRIOT Act, a new Privacy Mode was added that allows administrators to control what data is logged in the reporting system's files.
New Vending Devices [September 2004 and February 2005]
The latest of over 50 models of industry-standard vending devices was incorporated into the EnvisionWare Software Vending Interface. This brings the number of supported manufacturers to over a dozen.
LPT:One Next Generation Early Release [August 2005]
The first public installation of LPT:One Next Generation was installed at a public library system in Georgia. The upgrade from 3.x to 4.x was a seamless experience occurring in a couple of hours. There were no major incidents reported during the 90 days of operation. The Company continues to roll out minor updates to this and other early release sites.
Pessimistic Connection Method [November 2005]
EnvisionWare's new PCM was retrofitted to LPT:One 3.x series. This supports the widespread migration to Next Generation as well as providing a more robust operation of the currently released system. PCM eliminates dependence on assumed connections and works similar to the method used in web browsers, proven to be robust and unaffected by poor networking conditions.
LPT:One Next Generation Version 4.0 Release [6/2006]
Next Generation provides a new level of scalability, a new architecture, and a robust database to store print job information.
LPT:One 4.1 [2/2007]
New installer technology supports silent install and more intuitive installation; support for patron-owned portable computers/laptops; seamless Citrix and Terminal Services support; new Quick Reporter; and other features.
LPT:One Version 4.2 [1/2008]
Version 4.2 provides complete parity with all features of the 3.x generation and includes all of the new features of a Next Generation design. Version 4.2 features a new Virtual Printer/Universal driver model that frees a user from the nuances of individual computer drivers. Other remarkable features include: new auto-update architecture; two auto-release modes; updated wireless support; cross-platform design; Dynamic Language Manager and improved text customization; new diagnostic technology; enhanced security.
This list is not intended to represent all updates and releases or all features added to the product. Detailed information about product releases is contained in the EnvisionWare On-Line Knowledge Base and in Release Notes.
