Methods and systems are described for tracking usage of an output device that is one of a printer, a copier, a fax machine, a scanner, or a multi-function device. According to one embodiment, the output device is connected to a network element that is also separately connected to a network. A tracker computer is also connected to the network. The network element receives status updates from the output device periodically. The network element receives a tracker query from the tracker computer. In response, the network element interprets the last status update and generates a tracker response including an interpreted status of the output device, and transmits the tracker response to the tracker computer. In some embodiments, the network element also allows a user of the output device to identify themselves and pay for their output device usage. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.