System and method for distribution of network printer software

A method for distribution of network printer software by an end user, comprising the steps of:

• presenting a user interface to the end user;
• providing a plurality of spatial printer area designators for a defined printer site in the user interface;
• selecting a spatial printer area designator via end user interaction;
• activating a printer script for the selected spatial printer area designator in response to the end user selection;
• loading a printer profile associated with the spatial printer area designator and a printer name;
• executing the printer script to install and configure a printer driver for the local user based on the selected spatial printer area designator and the printer profile.

A method for installation of network printer software using a web interface and installation database, comprising the steps of:

• creating a site profile in the installation database;
• storing a plurality of print servers and printer locations with the site profile;
• setting a plurality of spatial level designators that are linked to the site profile;
• entering at least one printer name designation that is connected to a spatial level designator;
• completing a printer profile that contains detailed printer information, the printer profile being associated with the printer name designation;
• linking a printer install script with the printer profile;
• and
• defining a web page interface to enable a user to select the spatial level designator, which is configured to initiate the installation and configuration of at least one printer for an end user without technical assistance.

A system for installing and configuring network printer software, comprising:

• a printer group means for storing a base definition for a group of client computers assigned to at least one physical printer;
• a plurality of printer name designation means each configured for representing an individual physical printer, the printer name designation means being linked to the printer group means;
• a printer profile means for containing detailed printer profile information, the printer profile being linked to each of the printer name designation;
• a printer install means containing executable steps for installing printer drivers, the printer install means being linked to the printer profile;
• and
• a web browser interface means for selecting the appropriate printer group designation and printer name designation and for activating the corresponding printer install script.

An article of manufacture including a computer usable medium having computer readable program code embodied therein for distribution of network printer software by an end user, comprising computer readable program code capable of performing the operations of:

• presenting a web interface to the end user;
• providing a plurality of spatial printer designators for a defined printer site in the web interface, wherein the spatial printer designators represent a plurality of printers assigned to use certain printers;
• selecting a spatial printer area designator via end user interaction;
• activating an install script for the selected spatial printer area designator in response to the end user selection;
• loading a printer profile associated with a printer name as directed by the install script;
• executing the printer script to install and configure a printer driver for the local user based on the spatial printer area designator selected.