An image input scanner sends image data derived from scanned hard-copy documents directly to the network address of a destination computer which is selected at a user interface of the scanner. A driver at the destination computer activates an image acquisition program when image data is detected in a target location in memory. The driver also ensures that incoming image data originates from an authorized scanner or other device. The driver enables scanning operations to be initiated at the scanner, and also avoids a need for a scan server between the scanner and the computer.