Method to keep copies of device queued jobs in the network queue until print delivery is guaranteed

A method of handling print jobs between a network server over a communications network to a print output device comprising:

• transmitting a first print job from the network server to the print output device and processing the first print job to form a processed first print job, including:
• storing the processed first print job in the internal print queue;
• physically printing the processed first print job in the print output device;
• generating an acknowledgement message of the print output device;
• transmitting the acknowledgement message to the network server;
• deleting the first print job;
• and transmitting a second print job to the print output device during said processing of the first print job.

A method of handling print jobs between a network server over a communications network to a print output device, wherein the network server includes a network print queue and wherein the print output device includes a processor for readying print jobs for physical printing;

• and an internal print queue;
• comprising:
• allowing the network server to transmit print jobs to a print output device while other print jobs are pending in the print output device;
• transmitting a first print job to the print output device and processing the first print job, including:
• processing the first print job to produce a processed first print job;
• storing the processed first print job in the internal print queue;
• physically printing the processed first print job;
• providing the print output device with an acknowledgement mechanism, which generate an acknowledgement message for acknowledging completion of a print job to the network server only after a print job has been physically printed by the print output device;
• generating the acknowledgement message;
• transmitting the acknowledgement message to the processor and transmitting the acknowledgement message to the network server;
• deleting the first print job;
• and
• transmitting a second print job to the print output device during said processing of the first print job.