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 - As a rule of thumb 1MB of memory is required for each core user using the system. No consideration needs to be taken for web users as connection pooling is used to maximize available resource on the server.
Applications service - The application will reside on the client, if Thin-Client architecture is used then 2MB per process is recommended.
Client Service - No specific requirements other than the memory requirements mentioned above.
For each class of server proposed, what is the specification in terms of:
CPU (s) - Minimum Pentium 4 Processors.
Hard Disc (RAID levels, SAN etc) - We would fit in with your IT policy. As a rule of thumb each employee required .05MB of disk space.
Memory - 2GB.
Application Software
Version and patch level - Simply Personnel V2008.
How long has this version been used? -This release was made in December 2007.
When will the supplier's next version be adopted? -June 2008.
What is envisaged to be the impact of this with respect to hardware and system performance? -None.
How many 'fix' packs have been released? -On average service packs will be released about every two months or as legislation required.
How often are major & minor versions released? -2 Major versions are released a year and the minor versions depend upon enhancement requests.
What is the policy on fixing 'bugs' in the current released version -Errors reported to the helpdesk are normally fixed and provided as an update.
How many 'back' versions of your product do you support and for how long is each release supported? -All back versions are supported as long as the customer is on support.
Database
What make of database is Used? - Jet (Access) or SQL Server (All editions).
Version -SQL 2000, 2005, SQL Express 2005.
How long has this version been used -SQL Server has been used for over 7 years in the product.
When will the supplier's 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 are the PC hardware requirements 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 already been adopted and is supported including 64 Bit Versions.
For the given infrastructure being proposed, what is the projected user response times for:
On-line transactions - < 0.5 seconds.
Simple print requests -Data retrieval in less then 1 second.
Complex or extensive reports -Data retrieval in less then 1 second.
Backups & DR
What is the recommended means of backing up:
Databases - Either SQL backup agent or a SQL job to dump out the database file to disk so it can be backed up using the backup software.
System Files -Not necessary.
What is the Recommended frequency? - Every business day.
Can this be done 'on-line'? - SQL Server supports this option.
System Operation:
What are the regular recommend system administration tasks? - Other than the initial installation (admin privileges required) and backups no IT administration tasks are required.
How long do they take to run? -The installation requires 10 minutes per pc.
Can these be undertaken 'on-line'? - Yes, we can do this using our remote support tool .
Is there a 'change management' operated between a development system and production environment? - Yes, however this in operated internally by our development teams and there is no impact to our customers.
How is system security implemented? -Security is implemented through the database and by the application. The security model allows full control on which user can see what and do what.
What is the expected system 'up time' between failures? - SQL Server installation do not suffer from downtime, we have customers who have experienced no downtime.
What remote access service is provided by you to facilitate system support - We use the safe and secure tool called www.logmein.com to provide remote support - no special requirements other than permission to use this from IT.
What are the licensing implications of:
Separate development and production systems - None.
Licensing cost i.e. SQL server database, any reporting tools, etc. - None.
Client Licencing cost - SQL Server is not provided by ourselves and needs to be available, there is no other 3rd party tools used.
