ExcelliPrint from Brooks Internet Software is marketed as a replacement to IPDS (Intelligent Printer Data Stream) DIMMs or SIMMs for standard Windows printers.

IPDS DIMMs plug into typical Windows printers (lasers, inkjets, etc.) and enable them to connect to and print IPDS print jobs as sent from IBM mainframes. ExcelliPrint is installed on a Windows (2000/XP/2003) PC, and performs the same function; receiving the IPDS jobs from the mainframes over TCP/IP connections, and translating/routing them to standard Windows printers. In addition, two-way communication is facilitated between the Windows server and the IBM mainframe (in the ExcelliPrint Premium edition), allowing the end user to perform iSeries spool file or print device management tasks. According to the vendor, the platform offers support for all IPDS towers, including Text, IM Image, IO Image, Graphics, Font, and Bar Code (Barcode).

In addition to the iSeries management capabilities in the Premium edition, the user interface facilitates log viewing, setup, control of output destinations, and other features and is accessed via a Web browser (IE 5, Firefox 1, or compatible) with JavaScript and Cookies enabled. The interface communications are protected via SSL; the vendor states that neither IIS nor Apache are required to be installed.

Other features of the platform include the ability to run as a Windows service, support for role-based administration, and support for multiple simultaneous connections; either multiple connections on a single port or multiple ports.

ExcelliPrint is now offered in two flavors: Premium and Standard. The Standard version is a restricted version which offers only the ability to redirect IPDS jobs to Windows PCL printers. The Premium version adds the aforementioned iSeries management capabilities, the ability to output print jobs to any Windows based printer (including dot matrix), and the ability to convert/save IPDS output to disk in multiple formats including PDF, EMF, TIFF, JPEG, PNG, and PCL. An additional feature available only in the Premium edition is support for IPDS Watermarks; the application of PC Graphical Overlays to IPDS spool files in PDF Format.

Both versions are available now. The Standard version is priced at $495 per output destination, and the Premium version is priced at $795 per output destination.

Visit the Brooks Internet Software Web site for further information.