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System Requirements

OfficeMate Software Solutions suggests using Dell and IBM computers. The following sections explain the system terminology, describe the software, hardware, and network system specifications that are required when using OfficeMate Enterprise, and illustrate the implementation methods you can use when setting up OfficeMate Enterprise:

Note: The OfficeMate Enterprise system requirements are subject to change!


System Terminology


client or workstation A computer that is connected to the server and relies on the server for data files and network connections.
dedicated server network A network in which one computer is designated as the server and only handles network administration tasks. Other computers, or clients, are dependent on the server for network connections. A dedicated server is recommended for large networks with more than three users. Dedicated server networks are fast and can handle multiple users.
network A physically interconnected group of computers running software that allows them to share files and resources.
peer-to-peer network A network in which all of the computers can be used as clients and servers. Typically data files are stored on just one of the computers (the server) and the other computers communicate with it to retrieve and store data. Peer-to-peer networks are suitable for small networks with up to three computers; a dedicated server is required for large networks.
printer server A computer (either a client or a server) that has a printer physically attached to it. Other workstations may print to the printer via the network, but print jobs are controlled by the print server.
server A computer running administrative software that controls access to the network and its resources. The server acts as the network’s file cabinet, providing data files to other computers on the network.


Software Specifications


Software Recommendation Notes
Operating System Windows® Server 2003 R2 Standard Windows® Small Business Server 2003 cannot be used in networks with existing Domain Controllers; it also does not support Terminal Services. Install the latest service pack and critical updates for your operating system. Ensure that your computer is certified for the operating system that you are using.
Server Processor The recommended CPU will be based on the number of users and the type of your network configuration. We suggest that the server processor specification be recommended by a certified operating system technician.


Hardware Specifications

Note: OfficeMate Software Solutions highly recommends employing certified operating system and networking technicians to install and manage your computer systems. OfficeMate does not provide support for your computer systems.

Hardware Recommendation Notes
RAM on Servers The recommended amount of RAM on your servers will be based on the number of users and the type of your network configuration. Memory has a significant impact on your system performance. Using 1 GB or higher RAM in the server will noticeably improve performance. We suggest that the server RAM specifications be recommended by a certified hardware technician.
RAID Type RAID 5 (SQL servers); RAID 1 (non-SQL servers)  
Hard Drive Type SCSI or SAS (10K RPM or higher) OfficeMate will occupy approximately 60 MB of hard drive space and ExamWRITER will occupy approximately 30 MB of hard drive space; these figures do not include patient data.
Monitor 17-inch Flat LCD screens are recommended with a minimum resolution of 1024x768 pixels.
Video Adapter and Screen Resolution 1024 x 768 pixels (24-bit) OfficeMate Enterprise requires 64k colors.
Document Printer HP Business Grade LaserJet Multi-function, bubble jet, and ink jet printers may not operate properly and are not recommended.
Label Printer Dymo LabelWriter 400  
Barcode Printer SATO CL408e  
Document Scanner TWAIN Compatible OfficeMate does not recommend a specific scanner brand or model; you can use any scanner that can create an electronic document with the OfficeMate Enterprise & ExamWRITER eDocuments feature. For more information on scanners, see our Knowledge Base article #10958, or consult your hardware technician. Some TWAIN compatible network scanners or scanners that are part of multi-function machines may not work under a Terminal Server environment or on a Windows® Server.
Barcode Scanner Datalogic Gryphon M100  
Fax Modem and Internet Connection 3Com, US Robotics External 56k (fax modem) High-speed Internet DSL, cable, or T1 connection High-speed DSL or cable modems are recommended for Internet access and OfficeMate training and support. If your electronic claims clearinghouse requires a phone line modem, you will need a separate Internet connection and fax modem.
Backup Media Separate high-density removable storage media (i.e., CD-R, CD-RW, Zip disk, Jaz disk) for each day of the week. Offsite storage back up with OfficeMate iBackup Powered by DataHEALTH is also recommended. OfficeMate suggests using CD-RW media to manually back up your office and patient data and OfficeMate iBackup Powered by DataHEALTH to automatically back up, confirm, and protect your office and patient data. For data only backups, 100/250 MB Zip disks are acceptable. If you are a Windows® 2000 or Windows® XP user, you can use the included backup utility. After-market programs such as Backup Exec offer extended back up scheduling options. Although OfficeMate recommends the backup software listed above, it does not provide support for any backup software.
Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) UPS on file server Electric power is not always delivered to your outlets in perfect condition. Fluctuations can impact your computer’s performance. A total loss of power can damage your data if your system was running at the time of a power loss. A UPS with line conditioning capabilities can help control the level of power coming to your system. In the event of a power loss, a UPS contains a backup battery to keep your computer running long enough to safely shut it down.


Network Specifications

The recommended network configuration uses a dedicated Windows® Server 2003 R2 Standard operating system with Windows® XP Professional installed on each computer. ExamWRITER can be used with Windows® peer-to-peer networks for configurations of three or fewer computers, but for networks with more than three computers, a dedicated file server is strongly recommended. Only use TCP/IP when configuring your network.

Note: OfficeMate Software Solutions highly recommends employing certified operating system and networking technicians to install and manage your computer systems. OfficeMate does not provide support for networks.

Network Item Recommendation Notes
Cables Category 5 Twisted Pair and Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) Ethernet  
Cards 3Com or Intel 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet  
Switches 1000 Mbps transfer rates OfficeMate Software Solutions does not recommend using hubs.
Wireless 802.11G
Purchase your wireless access port and wireless network card from the same manufacturer.
Enable wireless security. 		Wireless networks offer significantly lower performance and reliability than wired networks; therefore, OfficeMate recommends hard-wired networks in environments where high performance is necessary.
Remote Access GoToMyPC GoToMyPC is HIPAA compliant. For more information on using GoToMyPC for remote access, go to www.gotomypc.com.

 

Implementation Methods

You can implement OfficeMate Enterprise in a terminal services or standalone environment. See the "Implementation Methods" section in the OfficeMate Enterprise System Specifications document to view the illustrations of the main components and data flow of OfficeMate Enterprise using the terminal services and standalone implementation methods.

The features of using terminal services and standalone implementations are detailed in the table below so that you can properly set up the implementation environment of your choice.

Feature Terminal Services Standalone
Software Updates Server only. Each client.
Additional Terminal Server Licensing Yes No
VPN Network Required Recommended Yes.
Higher-End Workstations Required as Clients No, but the workstations must meet remote desktop system requirements. Yes
Thin Client Support Yes No
Peripherals Support Yes, through third-party applications. No