A multi-functional printing system having a plurality of platforms, where each of the platforms is adapted to perform a selected service. The printing system includes a first platform having a first queue, such as a queue utility for storing a job associated with the first platform, and a second queue, such as a shadow queue, for storing a job associated with a different platform. The system also employs a second platform disposed in communication with the first platform. The second platform has a first queue for storing a job associated with the second platform and a second queue for storing a job associated with a different platform.