System requirements

Just as our software is constantly being upgraded and changed, so hardware must adapt in order to maximize the new technology. Below are our recommended minimum requirements for hardware intending to run Pelican ProFiles. This does not mean that it is impossible to use slower or older equipment – It simply means that hardware meeting these requirements is better suited to running our products and will produce more impressive results.

NOTE: Please consult Counterpoint Systems Inc. prior to purchasing ANY new hardware, including printers, and Network or Operating System software.

The Enterprise and Pro versions of ProFiles applicatons produce a large amount of network traffic. While it is possible to run low traffic applications (e.g., word processors and spreadsheets) on a faulty network, applications that involve high network traffic require network stability and fault tolerance. A finely tuned network is critical. Consequently, all hardware/software must be compatible (e.g. Windows NT/2000/2003 Server or Novell Netware) and thoroughly tested. In general, this equipment will not be the cheapest on the market; instead it will be middle to high in price.

Workstations

Workstations are the computers clients will use to enter and manage information on the system. They are usually connected to the file server by a cable. Each of these computers needs to perform at a reasonable level and should be running virus-scanning software. All data should be backed up every night.

NOTE: Workstation IDs must not include spaces or dashes ( - ).

These are the technical specifications for workstations. The minimum recommendations are as follows:

System Administrator/ Power Users

System administrator computers are used to run and maintain your entire system. Large, end-of-month processes and other time-consuming activities should be run from the more powerful system administrator’s machine. This computer should also be used to perform installations, upgrades and customization.

NOTE: Workstation IDs must not include spaces or dashes ( - ).

These are the technical specifications for the system administrator. The minimum recommendations are as follows:

Tape Backup

We strongly recommend that a backup system and rotation schedule be used. A complete system backup should be performed on a daily basis with media being stored off-site or in a fire safe that meets data storage requirements. At a minimum, a complete backup should be made at least once a week.

NOTE: Never perform incremental backups on this database, as it will corrupt the data.

Speed and storage capacities of backup devices vary greatly. The backup system should be recovery-tested prior to use.

Network Server/OS

The majority of our clients use Windows NT/2000/2003 Server or Novell Netware products. The software is a standard application and should run on any network. However, our experience is that peer-to-peer networks are not designed to meet the demands of a true multi-user database, which are far greater than the demands of a word-processor or spreadsheet. We do not recommend peer-to-peer networks be used with any of our software products, and we do not support these networks.

These are the technical specifications for a server. The minimum recommendations for a Windows NT 4, 2000 or 2003 server are as follows:

Pelican ProFiles 632 and above require a minimum of Windows 98 (which is itself NOT recommended). Pelican ProFiles VII and above require a minimum of Windows 2000. All versions will run best on Windows 2000, Windows XP, or Windows NT Workstation 4 with all current service packs.

The minimum recommendations for a Novell v4.x, 5.x and 6.x server are as follows:

NOTE: Novell v4.x and v5.x will not run with native IP. You must still use IPX. Novell v6.x or higher must be used to run with native IP.

Network Cards

The combined experience of our client base is that non-OEM network cards are often not fully compatible. Consequently, we only recommend major name brand cards that are Windows NT/2000/2003 Server or Novell Netware certified.

Printers

We recommend at least having one laser printer accessible to all users on the network. If you will be printing checks it is usually recommended that this be done on a local laser or inkjet printer. The system will use the Windows default printer designated on each workstation. The minimum recommendation for printers is an HP LaserJet Series 4000 with 1Mb RAM