Cloud-based POS systems allow businesses to manage sales and other operations through internet-connected software. Printing remains an important part of many POS workflows, from receipts and kitchen orders to labels and fulfilment.
A suitable cloud POS printer should work with the software platform, provide the required connectivity and support the way your business needs to print.
What is cloud POS printing?
Cloud POS printing allows a cloud-based application to send print jobs to a printer without relying on a traditional locally installed printing workflow.
Depending on the platform, this may involve a cloud printing service, an API, an SDK or software running between the application and printer.
What should you look for in a cloud POS printer?
Cloud compatibility
Check that the printer supports the cloud printing technology used by your POS platform.
Connectivity
Network-connected printers are commonly used in cloud printing environments, although the appropriate connection depends on the solution.
Software integration
The printer should work with your POS platform and any required APIs or SDKs.
Device management
For businesses operating multiple locations, remote monitoring and device management can be useful.
Print requirements
Consider whether you need receipts, kitchen tickets, labels or multiple types of media.
Star Micronics cloud printing
Star Micronics provides cloud printing technologies designed to connect Star printers with cloud-based applications.
StarIO.Online is a cloud-based printing and device-management platform that can manage compatible Star CloudPRNT devices. Star’s documentation says its Web API allows cloud applications to integrate printing and device-management functions without requiring developers to maintain the same infrastructure traditionally associated with CloudPRNT deployments.
Star’s current documentation lists compatible StarIO.Online printers including the mC-Label2, mC-Label3, mC-Print2, mC-Print3 and TSP100IV.
CloudPRNT and StarIO.Online
CloudPRNT is Star’s technology for cloud-based printing, while StarIO.Online provides a cloud-based platform for printing and device management.
For developers, the right solution depends on how the POS or application has been built and what level of control and device management is required.
Related: What is CloudPRNT? | What is StarIO.Online? | POS Printer Integration Guide for Developers
Cloud printing vs local printing
| Cloud printing | Local printing |
|---|---|
| Designed for cloud-based applications | Often relies on local software or drivers |
| Can support remote workflows | Typically tied more closely to the local environment |
| Useful for multi-location deployments | Useful for standalone/local POS systems |
| May support centralised device management | Management can be handled locally |
Neither approach is automatically better. The appropriate solution depends on the POS architecture, connectivity and business requirements.
Choosing a cloud POS printer
Ask:
- Does the POS platform support the printer?
- Does it support the required cloud printing technology?
- Does the printer have the right connectivity?
- Do you need remote device management?
- What do you need to print?
- Are multiple locations involved?
- Does your software provider support the required integration?
FAQs
What is the best POS printer for cloud-based systems?
There isn’t one printer that is best for every cloud POS system. The printer should be compatible with the specific POS platform, cloud printing technology, connectivity and printing requirements.
Can receipt printers work with cloud POS systems?
Yes. Cloud-compatible receipt printers can receive print jobs from supported cloud-based POS applications.
What is StarIO.Online?
StarIO.Online is a cloud-based printing and device-management platform for compatible Star CloudPRNT devices.
What is CloudPRNT?
CloudPRNT is Star Micronics technology that enables supported printers to receive print jobs from cloud-based applications.