Launch of Cloud Printing Service “StarIO.Online™”
Enables to Minimize the Development Costs for Cloud-based Software for Retail Stores
Star Micronics Co., Ltd. is pleased to announce the launch of a new service, “StarIO.Online™”, which enables easy cloud printing (*1) through our Star Micronics Cloud Services(*2). The free trial period starts from April 1, 2025.
Background and Features of the Service Development
With the spread of IoT services, there is now a demand for cloud connected peripheral devices in retail store systems. We have ever provided technology through our cloud printing solution “Star CloudPRNT™” (*3), allowing direct printing from a cloud server to printers without the need for local interfaces in stores. This technology is used in many online ordering services and mPOS (*4) systems.
The newly launched StarIO.Online™ is Star’s managed cloud service that further develops the technology of Star CloudPRNT™ with the concept of our original device control software “StarIO™” (*5) for retail stores. By using StarIO.Online™, users can control and centrally manage printers online from Star’s hosted servers. This allows to minimize the set-up time and costs normally required to build and manage servers specifically for printer control, enabling printing and other integrations from users’ applications with minimal resources.
In the future, we plan to expand cloud connection support to our various devices and add new features, aiming for further user’s experience. This cloud service, StarIO.Online™, is available in Japan, the United States, Canada, and Europe.
Trial Period
From April 1, 2025, to September 30, 2025, the service is available for free of charge.
We will announce details on usage fees after October 1 separately, but the schedule may be subject to change.
Key Features of the New Service “StarIO.Online™”
Easy Integration with API
By using Star’s Web API (*6), printers and host applications can be easily connected without the need to develop a new application.
Easy Setup
With advanced Star CloudPRNT™ technology, connection could be simplified just registering the StarIO.Online™ server URL on the device. Additionally, it supports the Star Document Markup (*7) format which enables to generate print data easily.
Efficient Operation and High Scalability
With Star’s hosted regional servers, users can minimize the set-up time and costs to build and manage servers. Furthermore, as businesses grow, simply add more printers as needed without concerns about server upgrades.
Integration with Webhooks (*8)
Supports Webhook-based notifications to monitor device status, track print jobs, connect new devices in a single or multi-store environment, and more.
*1. Sending print commands to printers over the internet.
*2. Star’s cloud-based platform released in 2015.
*3. Star’s original protocol for direct printing from the cloud server to printers.
*4. A POS (Point of Sale) system that lets merchants process payments using a wireless device such as smartphone or tablet with low cost and easy implementation compared to traditional POS systems.
*5. Star’s original input/output technology that seamlessly connects native applications and printers.
*6. Application Programming Interface for web applications or web servers.
*7. A markup language that easily generates print data for POS applications.
*8. A system that provides real-time notifications of status changes in devices or systems.
