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November 22, 2022

Tricerat vs Citrix UPD

ScrewDrivers® vs. Citrix Universal Print Driver

It might be tempting to use the out of the box universal print driver (UPD) that come with many virtualization platforms, such as Citrix Digital Workspaces. For any companies whose business processes, customers, and employees require stable, seamless printing every time, ScrewDrivers by Tricerat should be considered. ScrewDrivers provides better print output, access to Advanced Print Features, easier changes, better visibility, and more

Download the ScrewDrivers GuideScreen Shot 2018-07-10 at 12.38.18 PM

Print Output

Tricerat's virtual driver technology delivers the highest possible print fidelity for printing across remote environments, so your users know that when they hit print, things will just work. The proprietary TriMeta Format (TMF) is engineered specifically for virtual driver technology and remote desktop or VDI scenarios. When dealing with a wide range of printers, applications, and documents, this format can provide better output accuracy than the UPD. Tricerat has also pioneered Advanced Print Feature technology to enable full device capabilities even in a driverless environment.

Alternative to Policy Management

Unlike UPD, a big advantage that ScrewDrivers offers is the simplicity and flexibility of the single pane console. Instead of flat lists in policy objects, administrators can see a realistic snapshot of the printers assigned to users and devices in the environment. New printer assignments take only moments and bulk imports can be done in seconds. Citrix Administrators and help desk staff can quickly learn the ScrewDrivers Console and the time efficiency possibilities that it offers.

Watch the how-to VideoScreen Shot 2018-07-10 at 12.38.18 PM

ScrewDrivers integrates with the Windows logon process to immediately begin processing during session start. Since ScreDrivers is database-driven, user and device assignments can be retrieved quickly without processing through long GPO’s. Using UPD, all policies must be processed before the logon can continue, which can be a time-consuming operation. The multithreaded processes of ScrewDrivers ensures the logon can continue without interruption while printers are built quickly in the background. The result is an optimized logon process ensuring the best user experience.

Cross-Platform Compatibility

ScrewDrivers can manage printers for windows sessions on a variety of platforms and is not locked into managing printers from Citrix sessions only. Most environments have a hybrid environment that might consist of a mix of Citrix Desktops, VDI, RDS, and physical desktops. A solution that covers all platforms offers a consistent user interface and standardized printer mappings across devices and platforms. Additionally, administrators have a central management point for printing across all Windows sessions.

Native Print Driver Management

For times where the native print driver is preferred, Tricerat offers Driver Management to automatically deliver print drivers to Windows endpoints. For environments with network printing without print servers, administrators can now choose the best technology option for the situation. In many cases, a mix of both technologies can be used and managed through the same common management console. The UPD offers some driver-specific capabilities, but only ScrewDrivers can show the native driver dialog including all features offered by the manufacturer, including department or PIN code release printing.

Dedicated to Printing

Tricerat is a company that has been dedicated to printing in Citrix for over 20 years. The virtual driver technology, management interfaces, and advanced print features have all evolved to meet the demands of complex printing challenges including Citrix Desktops and Virtual Apps. Our team of engineers are focused on consulting with administrators to provide the best possible print solution for a given environment.

Return on Investment

ScrewDrivers is an additional cost to a Citrix environment that includes a built-in universal driver. When considering the return on investment for an add-on product, one must consider the efficiency gains for both IT staff and users. Users can lose valuable productivity when printing fails due to either failed printer mappings or incorrect output, requiring help desk calls or repeated work. Administrators can realize time savings through print management efficiencies and reduced help desk calls. 

Calculate your Hidden Cost of PrintingScreen Shot 2018-07-10 at 12.38.18 PM

The Direct Comparison

 

Citrix UPD

ScrewDrivers by Tricerat

Output Screen Shot 2018-07-10 at 12.38.18 PM

Printouts can have problems with certain applications or documents.

Best possible print output from a virtual driver.

Advanced Print Features Screen Shot 2018-07-10 at 12.38.18 PM

Some settings exposed in the UPD dialog.

Native driver dialog in remote session for access to all print features including secure PIN-code printing.

Management Screen Shot 2018-07-10 at 12.38.18 PM

Policy-based management that is difficult to scale.

Drag-and-drop for easy changes and visibility.

Logon Screen Shot 2018-07-10 at 12.38.18 PM

Policy processing can add to logon times.

Parallel processing of printers for short logon time with quick database queries.

Native Drivers Screen Shot 2018-07-10 at 12.38.18 PM

Old deployment options for print drivers, no management.

Automatic driver management using same administrator console.

Cross-platform Screen Shot 2018-07-10 at 12.38.18 PM

Citrix only.

All windows sessions and virtualization platforms.

Company focus Screen Shot 2018-07-10 at 12.38.18 PM

Printing is an add-on.

Printing is the core focus.

ROI Screen Shot 2018-07-10 at 12.38.18 PM

Free component but added time for management and user inefficiencies.

Reduced help desk calls, easier and faster management, better user experience.

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