Zebra printers see XML and SAP extensions; more wireless security

Zebra Technologies has expanded its line of XML-enabled thermal printers, making direct-connect capabilities available for the 105SL, S4M, and Z Series. Enabling firmware with Zebra XML technologies means XML output can be sent directly from a company's ERP system—e.g., SAP, Oracle, and Microsoft—to the Zebra printer. A free XML download is available at www.zebra.com/id/zebra/na/en/index/drivers_downloads.html.

Zebra tabletop printers now support 802.11b/g and advanced Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA2) security standards for wireless security. The 802.11b/g architecture and advanced WPA2 also are part of the ZebraNet Wireless Plus print server option for ZM400/ZM600 industrial/commercial printers; XiIIIPlus, 105SL, and S4M printers; and PAX4 print engines.

Using the Advanced Encryption Standard, WPA2 protects confidential data transmissions with performance, security, and manageability. A free firmware upgrade to enable 802.11b/g and WPA2 support on existing printers is available at www.zebra.com/id/zebra/na/en/index/drivers_downloads/firmware.html.

Zebra’s enhanced QL 220 Plus printer suits complex mobile printing applications with increased levels of wireless security to process complex labels up to four times faster.

The label design environment allows generation of complex label designs featuring both fixed and variable fields. Label designs also include scripting elements to enhance flexibility.

ZebraDesigner highlights:

• Printer-specific design features enable users to leverage their printers' real-time clocks, internal serial number counters, scalable fonts, and RFID tag support as part of their label content.
• Windows-based interface and extensive wizards make it easy to create and modify complex label formats, and download them to one or many printers with a single click for later recall and printing.
• Variable wizard creates fields to receive variable data from the SAP Business Suite.