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Table Of Contents
Tasks Requiring Other Services
PlanetPress Watch/Server is designed to run continuously and to perform all input tasks, if the two following
conditions are met:
The process that includes the task is enabled (PlanetPress Watch/Server Configuration gives you the
option to enable or disable each process as desired).
The process is currently scheduled to run.
A process really starts when its initial input task is performed, or in other words, when data is captured and
channeled down the process.
The PlanetPress Watch/Server service can perform some tasks, such as taking files from a local folder, on its
own. For other tasks, though, it requires the help of other services. To perform a Serial Capture input task, for
example, it must use the Serial Capture service. If that service is not running, then PlanetPress Watch/Server
cannot perform the task and therefore generates an error.
The PlanetPress Watch/Server service produces a standardized batch log to track the processes it runs. The
log lists processing tasks performed, and any problems with the PlanetPress Watch/Server processes that
occur.
Input Services
Input services are used to pull in data files. The input services used by PlanetPress Watch/Server are:
LPD (Line Printer Daemon) Input service: Inputs data sent from an LPR client. The LPD/LPR printing
protocol is a common way to send print jobs that, in turn, use the TCP/IP protocol to communicate
through the network.
Serial Input service: Monitors a single serial port for incoming data. Note that all Serial input tasks use
the same serial port (set in the user options of the PlanetPress Watch/Server Configuration program).
Telnet Input service: Monitors multiple telnet ports for incoming data. Note that each Telnet input task
has its own telnet port number (set in each task).
HTTP/SOAP Server service: Monitors web pages and web sites as well as SOAP servers.
Note that all input services used by PlanetPress Watch/Server run under the same account.
Output Services
Output services are used to output jobs. The output services used by PlanetPress Watch/Server are:
FTP Output service: Places output jobs on a server via the FTP protocol.
LPR (Line Printer Requester) Output service: Sends jobs to an LPD server or LPD compatible printers.
The LPD/LPR printing protocol is a common way to send print jobs that, in turn, use the TCP/IP protocol
to communicate through the network.
PlanetPress Image: Outputs jobs as PDF files or in a variety of image formats. You can also use
PlanetPress Image to archive and/or email the files it creates. You can use PlanetPress Search to search
the PDF files PlanetPress Image creates. You can install multiple instances of the PlanetPress Image
service on your network, and have PlanetPress Watch/Server send jobs to one or more of these
instances. Each instance of PlanetPress Image can generate PDFs or images and dispatch them from the
host on which it runs.
PlanetPress Fax: Outputs jobs as faxes. You use PlanetPress Fax as an interface to WinFax PRO or
Windows Fax, to send faxes you create from documents. You can install multiple instances of the
PlanetPress Fax service on your network, and have PlanetPress Watch/Server send jobs to one or more
of these instances. Each instance of PlanetPress Fax can generate faxes and dispatch them from the
host on which it runs, using a local faxing program, such as WinFax PRO, Captaris RightFax or Windows
Fax.
Understanding PlanetPress Suite Workflow Tools - Key Concepts
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