Technical Requirements
Here's the detailed information the technical team may need. We've made it easy and asked all the questions for you - and answered them.
Servers
Database service - 1MB of memory is required by each core user using the HR system as a rule of thumb. There is no consideration taken for web users, as connection pooling maximizes available resources on the server.
Applications service - The application resides on the client. If you use Thin-Client architecture then 2MB per process is usually recommended.
Client Service - There are no specific requirements other than the mentioned above memory requirements.
For each proposed server’s class, the specifications are in terms of:
CPU (s) - Minimum of Pentium 4 processors.
Hard Disc (RAID levels, SAN etc) - We can fit in with your IT policy. Each employee is also required 0.05MB of disk space also as a rule of thumb.
Memory - 2GB.
Application Software
Version and patch level - Simply Personnel HR software V2008.
Length of this version use -This was released in December of 2007.
When will the next version be adopted? -In June of 2008
What is envisaged to be the impact of this software in respect of hardware and system performance? -None.
How many ‘fix’ packs have been released thus far? -On average our service packs are released about every two months or as required by legislation.
How often do you release major and minor versions? -Two major versions are released every year and the minor versions will depend upon requests for enhancements.
In the current released version what is the policy pertaining to fixing ‘bugs’? -Errors that are reported to the helpdesk are regularly fixed and then provided as an update.
How many of the product’s ‘back’ versions are supported and for how long? -Every back version is supported as long as the customer remains on support.
Database
What make of database do you use? - Jet (Access) or SQL Server. (All editions.)
Version -SQL 2000, 2005, SQL Express 2005.
How long has then version been in use? -SQL Server has been in use for over seven years in the product.
When will the next version be adopted? -All upgrades are subject to Quality Assurance as required.
Client Service
What is the recommended client access model? - Jet (Access) or SQL Server (All editions).
What PC hardware is required in order to run the Client service?
CPU -200MHZ.
Disc -50Mb.
RAM -256MB.
Operating System -Windows XP or Vista.
Version & Patch level -Service Pack 2 for XP.
How long has this version been used -Since the initial release.
When will the supplier's next version be adopted? -Windows Vista has been adopted already is supported including 64 bit versions.
For the given infrastructure being proposed, what is the projected user response times for:
On-line transactions - Less than 0.5 seconds.
Simple print requests -Data is retrieved in less than one second.
Extensive or Complex reports -Data is retrieved in less than one second.
Backups & DR
The means of backing up recommended:
Databases - Either a SQL job or SQL backup agent to dump out the database file onto disk so that it can be backed up using the backup software.
System Files -Not necessary.
What frequency is recommended? - Every day of business.
Can this be done on-line? - SQL Server supports this particular option.
System Operation:
What system administration tasks are regularly recommended? - Aside from the initial installation which requires admin privilege, and backups, no IT administration tasks are required.
How long does it take to run them? - Just 10 minutes per PC is all that is required for installation.
Can these be done on-line? - Yes, this can be done with our remote support tool.
Is there a management change done between a development system and production environment? - Yes but our development teams do this operation internally so none of our customers are impacted.
How do you implement system security? -The implementation of security is through the database and by the application. The security model lets you have full control on which user can see and do what.
What ‘up time’ is expected of the system between failures? - SQL Server installation is not affected by downtime. We actually have customers who have never experienced any downtime.
What remote access service do you provide for system support - We use a secure and safe tool called www.logmein.com that provides remote support. There are no special requirements besides having permission to use this from the IT department.
What are the licensing implications of:
Production systems and separate development - None.
Licensing cost such as SQL server database, reporting tools, etc. - None.
Cost of client licensing - SQL Server is not provided by us and has to be available. There are no other 3rd party tools used.
