“What are the system requirements to support and install a DCA (data collection agent)?”

The CARBON SiX Data Collector Agent (DCA) is a software application that collects printer and copier metrics from a client’s network. The DCA is installed on a networked computer running Windows 2000/XP or higher. It does not require a dedicated computer. The DCA runs as a Windows service, allowing it to operate 24/7.

The Carbon Six DCA software is secure and offers no threat to network security. The Carbon Six DCA operates through outbound communication only, and communicates to the printing devices through SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol). Collected data is sent through HTTPS (the same security levels as internet banking) and is 128-bit encrypted using SSL (secure socket layer) protocol.

It is also important to point out that the Carbon Six DCA software only collects information on network attached printing devices. It cannot track information on user behavior (i.e. Jane, in accounting, printed 12 financial spreadsheets on June 27th @ 2:00pm). Carbon Six offers specific documentation in regards to network security and specific documents to support compliancy acts such as HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act).

“What about heavy network traffic when collecting and sending data to your database?”

Network traffic with Carbon Six is very minimal. When the data is collected from the printing devices, it is sent in .CSV format, averaging 1.5KB to 3 KB in size. Each subnet scanned results in network traffic approximately equal to viewing a single web page.

The Carbon Six data collection agent has the ability to “smart scan” and only look at IP addresses for previously discovered printing devices. A full network scan can be programmed to occur on a weekend or late in the evening, in the event that the network traffic is a concern at your site.

“Will our IT team need to manage or administer the Data Collection Agent?”

No. Carbon six actually eliminates the amount of work for the IT staff by managing and supporting their printers and copiers. The software will reduce the amount of help desk calls received on printing devices as well as all device management requirements. All will be managed by United Laser remotely. This frees up your time and resources to focus on other important IT projects.

“What about liability? Who is responsible for the software in the event of an issue and how am I protected?”

The Carbon Six EULA (End User License Agreement) protects you in the unlikely event that an issue arises at the network level as a result of the Optimizer software.