XPAF

Xerox Printer Access Facility (XPAF) is Xerox's flagship software solution software solution that uses the power and security of IBM’s z/OS Mainframes.

XPAF provides a single, unified interface for:

• Printer resource management

• Data stream conversion and formatting: AFP, LCDS (Metacode and DJDE), and Linemode (SYSOUT) to PCL, PDF, and/or PostScript

• Job accounting

• Remote and local printer access

In the IBM z/OS Mainframe environment, XPAF enables the printing of high resolution, personalized documents that combine variable text and full color support, as well as precision forms, fonts, and logos. XPAF also supports AFP, LCDS (DJDE), line mode, and Xerox-formatted data streams on a wide spectrum of feature-rich, local, and remote Xerox Intelligent Laser Printing systems. Print data is taken directly from the JES spool, converted/transformed when necessary, then sent directly to the printer of choice: it's that simple. Users can even convert their documents to PDF which can be emailed to directly to the end user or stored for subsequent archiving, viewing or emailing.

With XPAF, customers can send any document to any Xerox printer within the enterprise, resulting in improved site flexibility, productivity, and investment protection.

Transparent Data Conversion: Provides comprehensive data conversion in order to transport documents to Xerox production and departmental printing systems. All conversions are performed without operator intervention or modification to the application.

Host-based Printer Resource Management: Enables coordinated management and distribution of Xerox and IBM printer resources throughout the enterprise. This provides the ultimate in security for sensitive resources and eliminates labor intensive file transfers between printers. Users can store resources centrally at the host as well as on the printer.

Connectivity Solutions: Provides an array of solutions, such as Bus & Tag channel, TCP/IP (LPR and Direct Socket), Email, Save-to-DASD (PDS, PO, and U/ZFS), and SNA, to integrate the entire printing Enterprise. These solutions enable a rapid response to an ever-changing environment.

Document Formatting via Extended JCL: Provides extensions to the standard IBM JCL facility and offers greater formatting and document control capability, without touching the application.

Formatting Made Easy: Xerox Page Formats: Includes Xerox Page Formats that enable users to incorporate highlight color forms, fonts, logos, and graphic images into the document, all external to the application.

Conditional Document Formatting: Enables users to analyze any field in the data stream and to change the way the document is printed in real time, providing the ultimate in personalization and efficiency. Billings, mailings, and other applications are greatly simplified.

Improved Accounting: Generates SMF Type 6 records to deliver extensive job accounting and data tracking for use by host applications. Enhanced accounting capabilities let you analyze resource information, simplex or duplex, and physical or logical page count.

Consistent Operability: Means that XPAF runs as a Functional Subsystem (FSS) using the IBM-defined Functional Subsystem Interface (FSI) to communicate with JES. Operators use the same JES commands to control XPAF-defined printers as the existing JES printers. Additional query commands provide greater system access and control. Checkpoint restart capability gives operators simple and complete job recovery.

Any Page to Any Xerox Printer: Enterprise-wide Document Portability with TCP/IP connectivity combined with PCL and PDF transforms PCL transform let you print your AFP, LCDS (DJDE), XES, line mode and Page Formatted data streams to a wide range of Xerox printers anywhere in the world.

Add Value to Your AFP Investment: Maximize your investment in IBM Advanced Function Printing software. Because XPAF is a system-level print manager, users gain the following benefits without impact to the Print Service Facility (PSF):

• Print AFP documents at remote locations

• Exploit Xerox printer features including multiple paper trays, full color and in-line stapling

• Improve IBM graphics resolution from 240 dpi to 300 dpi