Method for building a peripheral information database

摘要

A novel method for building a computer peripheral information database for a plurality of peripherals operably connected to a network for sharing between a plurality of users provides a valuable tool for network management and administration. A preferred embodiment of the method is for use with networked printers. Configuration data for the printers is input by at least one user, and printer usage data is obtained by repeated queries over the network to the printers. The information database will contain printer duty cycle and cost data for each of the printers.