It's official! At BriForum Chicago (advertised on Bink.nu), Microsoft's Nelly Porter confirmed the rumor that has been going around for some time now: Longhorn (Terminal) Server will have its own "universal printer" functionality. This functionality will be included for the first time in the upcoming Beta 3 of Longhorn Server.

Microsoft calls it: Easy Print. It's based on the Microsoft XPS document standard (which is similar to PDF). The "Easy Print" feature of Longhorn server is quite comprehensive though and is more than just a universal print driver in that it:

• Supports (nearly) every printer
• Compresses the data stream send to the TS Client
• Enables you to use the properties (UI) of the native printer driver
• Allow you to specify which printer gets redirected into your Longhorn TS Session

If you want to see it as soon as possible, Microsoft already has planned a webcast where you can find out more about Longhorn (Beta 3). It's planned for the 24th of May:

"Windows Server code name "Longhorn" delivers flexible ways to access centralized applications, enhances secure application delivery, and integrates server and local resources to enable greater productivity. In this webcast, we cover the new ways that Terminal Services (TS) provides for better centralized application access than before, helping IT professionals become IT heroes. Join this session to learn about specific Terminal Services features, including TS Gateway, TS Remote Programs, TS Web Access, and TS Easy Print."

So, sign up for the TechNet Webcast: Windows Server "Longhorn": Centralizing Application Access with Terminal Services (Level 300)
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