The present invention is directed to a network in which a potential user may be notified of the presence of at least one intelligent peripheral device and, upon the potential user's request, his workstation may be configured to use the selected intelligent peripheral device. The present invention is also directed to an installation method for notifying at least one potential user of the availability of at least one intelligent peripheral device and, if requested, configuring potential users' workstations to use the requested intelligent peripheral device. In one preferred embodiment, the method includes the steps of sending an announcement to at least one potential user, receiving a response to the announcement from the potential user, and configuring the potential user's workstation to use the intelligent peripheral device.