NuOffice utilizes the Salutation Architecture to locate and communicate with paper processing devices. The Salutation Architecture was created to solve the problems of service discovery and utilization among a broad set of appliances and equipment in an environment of widespread connectivity and mobility.
The architecture provides a standard method for applications, services and devices to describe and to advertise their capabilities. The architecture allows others to discover these capabilities. The architecture also enables applications, services and devices to search for other network connected products supporting particular capabilities, and to request and establish interoperable sessions to utilize products found in this manor
NuOffice is an add-on to Lotus Notes Domino server. As such, there is no modification of the Notes Client. Therefore, there is no loss of productivity for user installation or retraining. The user is only aware of an increase in printer selection and the inclusion of inbound fax in the e-mail in-basket.
NuOffice seeks out and exchanges capabilities with Salutation enabled devices. These can be single function devices like a network scanner, or multifunction devices that can scan, print, and fax. NuOffice determines the functionality of the devices for the system. This lets the IS department purchase equipment to meet current needs. If scanning is the only requirement, a Salutation-enabled scanner can be installed. If faxing is a primary concern, a Salutation-enabled fax machine may be installed. As needs grow and change, a Salutation-enabled multifunction device may be added. If equipment must be moved to another department or a paper handling feature is installed on an existing device, NuOffice will recognize it immediately and advertise the new functions to the users. Upgrading, reconfiguring, and removing equipment is managed automatically by NuOffice.
NuOffice can discover Salutation equipment locally or remotely. If the equipment can attach to the NuOffice server through a LAN, WAN or Internet, it can reap the benefits of NuOffice.
NuOffice provides an interface between the Salutation-enabled devices and the Notes Data Base. This provides simple integration with existing vertical applications that monitor Notes Data Base content.