In a network having an initiator, a server, and an input/output (I/O) device remote from the initiator, the initiator transmits to the server a request containing the network location of data to be retrieved from an input device, such as a video camera, fax, or scanner, or output by an output device, such as a printer. Output requests are placed in a queue and scheduled for completion. When an output device is ready, the server retrieves the data from a network storage location different from the queue and transmits the data to the printer or output device for action. When an input device is ready, the server retrieves the data from the input device and transmits it to a network location based on the request. The server can also provide the initiator with status information about the request and the input or output device.