A network image forming apparatus and method that facilitate an information exchange among users on a network. The network image forming apparatus and method are connected to a plurality of user terminals on a network and print data transmitted from the plurality of user terminals. The network image forming apparatus and method include an interface unit for transmitting and receiving specified data to and from the user terminals, and a storage unit for storing shared information if the shared information on the network is transmitted from one of the user terminals. Accordingly, the network image forming apparatus and method provide an announcement function for sharing information among a plurality of user terminals on the network, and the message function enabling the message transfer between the plurality of the user terminals on the network.