Method and spectrophotometer for exchanging color measurement and diagnostic information over a network

A system for calibrating a spectrophotometer includes a spectrophotometer, including a network communication interface, operating in a plurality of modes and producing and implementing diagnostic information. A network communicates with the spectrophotometer via the network communication interface. A remote processor is enabled to communicate with the spectrophotometer directly via the network communication interface. Alternatively, a spectrophotometer having a thin client is disclosed that can operate independently of a local PC.