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Status Not under consideration
Workspace IBM i
Categories IBM i Access Family
Created by Guest
Created on Aug 7, 2019

Add option to open spooled files in AFP Viewer in IBM i Access Client Solutions Printer Output

It is difficult, if not impossible, to view *IPDS type spooled files in AFP Viewer using Navigator for i with the latest browsers. IBM used to provide a version of the AFP Viewer with IBM i Access for Windows and this is the Viewer that was used to open spooled files in System i Navigator.
There is an AFP Viewer Plugin option available in Navigator for i, however, the plugin is only allowable in Internet Explorer, which Navigator for i is not supported. Navigator for i is supported in Chrome, Mozilla and Safari, however, the latest versions of Chrome and Safari do not allow for plugins. Due to security changes, browsers have also been disabling download capabilities so downloading spooled files from Navigator for i may not be possible or will require the use of an older browser.
ACS Printer Output is not subject to browser restrictions, but spooled files can only be viewed in TEXT or PDF format. One could not view an *IPDS type spooled file in either of these formats. AFP Viewer can also be used to view *SCS and other type spooled files.
If an option to view spooled files in AFP Viewer (if available) were added to ACS Printer Output, and the PC has Ricoh's AFP Viewer installed, this would give those that need to work with IPDS type spooled files an option.
The requirement would be that the AFP Viewer would need to be downloaded from Ricoh's website (http://www.afpdriver.com/free-afp-viewer.html) and any support of the Viewer provided by Ricoh.


Use Case:

I have an *IPDS type spooled file that I need to view for accuracy or to ensure the correct overlay/page segment/fonts, etc. are being used. I need to use the AFP Viewer to view this type of spooled file. I am unable to install AFP Viewer Plugin in any browser other than Internet Explorer, but Navigator for i is not supported using Internet Explorer. I am unable to load the plugins in the latest versions of Mozilla or Safari as they do not allow for plugins. I can download and install the AFP Viewer from Ricoh's website and using an earlier version of Mozilla, I can download the *IPDS spooled file and select to open it using the AFP Viewer. But this only works if the browser will allow the download.


Idea priority Low
  • Guest
    Reply
    |
    Oct 28, 2019

    We currently have no plans to provide this support in ACS.

  • Guest
    Reply
    |
    Aug 29, 2019

    I realized that I documented this for IPDS type spooled files when in fact, the AFP Viewer cannot open *IPDS type spooled files, rather *AFPDS type spooled files. Thus, any mention of IPDS should be replaced with AFPDS in this RFE. Sorry for the confusion.