Virtualization
Technology
ORDERS Plus can be installed and operated in a
virtualized environment, including Windows Server 2008 R2 Hyper-V.
Some of our customers have also implemented VMware.
If you are planning to purchase a new server computer, implementing
Virtualization is the recommended platform and provides the most flexibility
available today.
Virtualization will allow a single server
computer to be configured with multiple, independent operating systems.
When used in conjunction with the latest Intel Server-based processors,
Virtualization will allow core ORDERS Plus programs and databases to be
installed to a Windows 2008 R2 64-bit
server to achieve the best overall system performance. While at the
same time, allow user operations and administrative maintenance functions to
be performed on an independent 32-bit
server or workstation operating system.
We believe the best server configuration
available today would consist of a virtual Windows 2008 R2 64-bit server and
virtual Windows 2008 32-bit terminal server. You'll not only be able
to perform administrative functions, but also establish the latest
technology foundation for remote connectivity. Additional
functionality and management benefits can also be achieved when
virtual desktops are also implemented.
If you require additional information,
clarification or to discuss recommendations specific to your requirements,
Select Here to contact our Help Desk and
schedule an appointment with our IT Services
Group to further discuss your exact needs.
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additional technical details below |
LAN Network
Equipment
A quality business class Ethernet switch and
network adapters should be considered for optimal performance. When
installed in a multi-user environment, our client software operates as a fat
client. This means that although the program and databases reside on
your fileserver computer, when the program is running, operational speeds
are determined by the speed at which data can be sent between the server and
the clients' respective processor. Additionally, database read and
write activity is continuously updated between the fileserver and client.
We recommend HP Procurve, Dell and 3Com gigabyte
Ethernet switches in conjunction with Intel and 3Com gigabyte network
adapters. Most computers purchased in the last 3 years have an
integrated Intel network adapter. Any additional cost to use quality
business class equipment is minimal. However, the performance benefit
is very measurable. Network equipment designed for basic internet
access does not assure quality data packet transmissions and can cause
performance and database integrity problems. Don't be penny wise and pound
foolish. Of course, you can always upgrade to the latest 10 gigabyte
and multi-port server network adapters to increase your overall network
performance.
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Remote Connectivity Required?
Many customers ask about operating
our software
remotely from another location. If an existing LAN user simply wants
to have the ability to connect remotely from their home or laptop, we
suggest using the remote desktop application (RDP) built into the latest Windows
operating systems and connect directly to their LAN workstation physically
located at the primary server location. This will provide the same functionality
as if a user were at their desk. Other remote desktop products are
also available including
Real/VNC, GoToMyPC,
PC Anywhere and LogMeIn,
to name a few.
However, if RDP to a LAN workstation is not an
option, a dedicated Windows Terminal
Server is required. Simply put, a dedicated Terminal server will act
like a multi-user workstation that connects to your primary fileserver.
Users will connect to the Terminal Server and access ORDERS Plus on the
terminal server acting as a gateway to the primary fileserver. Exactly
like a LAN workstation, but allowing a single server computer to service
multiple users at the same time.
The specifications of the terminal server are
based upon the total number of users it will service and the respective
software applications that will be used. With regards to memory
requirements, the common rule is to take the application requirements that
will be run, times each concurrent user. However, please speak
with a certified consultant since proper
implementation of this technology requires experience. The Terminal Server specifications are solely based upon your
specific remote requirements. There are no canned answers for the
system requirements.
Why Do I Need a Dedicated Terminal Server?
ORDERS Plus is not designed to run on a primary fileserver computer since it
will take priority control of a processor to run and service requests from
other programs as they require processor time. While this technique
provides optimal performance for ORDERS Plus, it will directly cause overall
enterprise performance degradation since the server computer has now become
an application server. Although we do have small customers that do
this, it is not supported for the reasons mentioned. Again, running
ORDERS Plus on the primary enterprise fileserver will result in server
processor time being distributed between enterprise requirements and the
software application which will result in overall enterprise performance
degradation.
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additional technical details below |
Additional
Technical Details
64/32-Bit
Windows Operating Systems
- ORDERS Plus programs and
databases can optionally be installed to a 64-bit windows 2008 server
operating system. However, administrative and operational
programs can only be installed to a 32-Bit operating system.
If your server also supports Virtualization including Hyper-V or
VMware, we recommend the administrative programs be run from a
32-bit virtual machine so access is not network dependant. However,
this is not a requirement. If a Windows 7 64-bit desktop operating
system is installed on a client computer, a desktop
virtualization product must also be installed to operate ORDERS Plus. These include
Windows XP mode for Windows 7, a free download and
VMware Desktop Virtualization products. Other products are
also available.
Intel Processors - We strongly believe in Intel and it's compatibility with Microsoft Operating Systems. Although, AMD makes a good processor, we believe it is best designed for home and stand alone use.
HP Printers - We strongly believe in Hewlett Packard's' compatibility with Microsoft Operating Systems. A Laser Printer is Recommended if your company does not require multiple signed copies of purchase orders or invoices. ORDERS Plus was designed to eliminate the use of Dot Matrix printers since one can always re-print an invoice or purchase order transaction. If your company does use multipart invoices, ORDERS Plus also has a wide range of pre-printed forms available for use.
