Computing Environment Required for SQL Version of DMS Professional Suite™

Hardware - Server to Host Your Own Database

The Hardware Server requirements listed in the chart below are based on different number of users: 30, 50 and 100 with all users running on a LAN with either personal computers or laptops. The server information listed has been configured with at least dual (2) processors running at a speed of 3GHz and 2GB of Memory. All servers have a RAID Five hard drive array, which includes one hot swappable hard drive for high fault tolerance. These servers also have Express 410T Standalone Switches, which are used for high-speed throughput connection for all users and backup software for nightly tape file saves. A UPS (uninterruptible power supply) with automatic shutdown software has been added to these configurations to provide a safe shutdown process in case of a power interruption and on site, same day, four-hour response maintenance. This chart lists the minimal requirements for a server. The server can be configured in many different ways to meet the needs of each agency.

Minimally, CPR recommends a dual processor/dual core (i.e., four cores) or a quad core server (Core 2 or Xeon technology). 3 GB RAM minimum, 4 GB recommended with AWE enabled. If the agency will permanently host their own data for the forseeable future and it is a new server, they should purchase SQL 2005 with the Software Assurance (upgrade) program so they can upgrade to the latest versions (i.e., 2008) when it comes becomes available. CPR will be developing the next DMS platform under 2008 as soon as it becomes available.

Other Recommended Hardware

Software

The Software Chart is also based on different number of users: 30, 50 and 100 with all users running either personal computers or laptops. This chart represents only the main component software for your server: Operating System - Windows 2003, Database Management Software - Microsoft SQL and a Tape Backup Software - Backup Exec. SQL can be purchased two ways: by client license or by processor license. The Backup software listed in this chart is specifically for SQL. The Open File Agency ensures all open files whether the Operating System or SQL database related are saved during backup. The SQL Agent ensures that in the event of a hardware failure all SQL data is protected on the server restart. Each of these agents provides additional security. There are other types of backup software you can use and other types of software you may choose to load on your server.

Hardware and Software for Client Machines Chart

The chart below lists the minimum requirements for a PC Workstation and a Thin Client. The Thin Client will require an additional layer of software or Metaframe such as Citrix in order to provide access to MS Office products such as Word and Excel.

WAN Equipment Chart

Wide Area networks are typically built point-to-point using routers and high-speed connections. This type of connections is often seen as expensive though dedicated. The following includes a Firewall Device as part of the router. Design, integration and installation are all additional charges; however, many agencies have already incorporated this technology in their current networks.

VPN Equipment Chart

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) allows WAN designs to replace the point-to-point design with point to the Internet at both the corporate and branch level. This allows a local connection to the Internet for both the corporate and branch office or remote users, which will provide savings on the cost of a long distance point-to-point to dial-up connection. VPNs can appear high priced on the front end because of the addition of the VPN hardware but recovers that cost quickly from the low cost of connection to the Internet. Design, integration and installation are all additional charges; however, many agencies have already incorporated this technology in their current networks.

DMS Web Server

If your agency would like to host their own data and you would like to take advantage of the DMS Web module that is part of the DMS Professional Suite™, you may need an additional server.

The DMS Web contains a section for “Visitor Data Capture” and for an existing “DMP Client Logon” (so clients can log in and retrieve and review their DMP Plan). That may require the availability or purchase of a separate Windows 2003 server. That server will likely fall under the specifications of the database server above – we’d assume if you had 100 counselors, for example, which would be that many more clients so a web server serving that base would need to scale accordingly. The IIS Webserver is included within the normal Windows 2003 server license, so there isn’t an additional license to purchase beyond the Operating system. However, it does require that the SSL port be opened on the firewall/gateway to this server and that the agency purchase an SSL certificate so that the DMSWeb service can run securely under it.