XENOMORPH TIMESCAPE - RECOMMENDED SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS - BUSINESS CRITICAL ENVIRONMENT

System requirements for TimeScape Data Services

Overview

A full installation of TimeScape Data Services includes the following

TimeScape Windows Client

Business critical environment
A business critical environment is for situations where the avoidance of system failure is paramount. Xenomorph recommends this specification. (See minimum/evaluation system requirements, for non-critical situations.)

Platform and architecture
Here is an example of a simple network configuration - one server and a number of client workstations. All computers must run the x86 versions of Windows.

network diagram

Client workstations requirements

Each licensed user will require a local TimeScape installation on their computer.

Hardware

There are no specific hardware requirements - most new PC hardware will have adequate memory, processor speed and hard disk size. However, the system will ultimately perform better with more memory and/or faster/more processors.

Software

Operating system
Microsoft Windows 2000 or Windows XP
Required applications
Microsoft Excel 8.0/97, Microsoft Office 2000, Microsoft Office XP or Microsoft Office 2003.

Setup notes

User environment and login accounts
The software is installed under a given user account and the software must subsequently run under the same account. Therefore, before installation can begin, domain accounts for each TimeScape user must exist as follows.

On same domain as other TimeScape accounts (TimeScape database administration and data feed administration accounts, see other setup notes below) or in a suitable trust relationship with domain
Persistent profiles (ie, changes to profile must be retained after log off and on)
Permission to install software locally
Permission to register COM and Excel add-ins
Windows Networking access to all machines serving databases

Database server requirements

The database server forms a central point where databases can be shared and backups automated. All that is required on this server is an installation of TimeScape Data Services.

Hardware

RAM
512MB minimum, more for large databases.
Disk storage
Depends on individual data requirements, but standard server storage is often adequate because TimeScape databases store data very efficiently.
Backup
Tape drive, other backup media or suitable network based backup strategy
Fault tolerance
RAID fault tolerant hard disks recommended
Recommendations for clustered hardware with full redundancy can be supplied on request

Software

Operating system
Microsoft Windows 2000 Server or Windows Server 2003
Backup
Backup software or suitable network based backup strategy.
Backup procedure MUST include the TimeScape backup utility (for copying live databases).

Setup notes

User environment and login account
The software is installed under a given user account and the software must subsequently run under the same account. Therefore, before installation can begin, a TimeScape database server administration account must be set up as follows.

A dedicated domain account with permanent administrator access (eg, xenoadmin)
On same domain as other TimeScape accounts (TimeScape data feed administration and all user accounts) or in a suitable trust relationship with domain
Persistent profile (ie, changes to profile must be retained after log off and on)
Permission to install software locally
Permanent password, that does not expire (if password does change, the TimeScape Service will require updating)

TimeScape Service
The TimeScape Service should be installed (it is not installed by default). This enables the system to run whilst the computer is logged off.

Database recommendations
All databases should be hosted on and served up by this machine. Do NOT use Windows Networking (UNC) shares for this purpose.

Backup utility
An online backup utility is provided (xenobkup.exe) which can be used in conjunction with third party schedulers and backup software. When backing up live databases this utility MUST be included in backup procedure - do not use tape backup directly on locked database files.

Footnotes

Optional servers

For information on additional, optional data feed servers see system requirements for optional servers.

For more information contact support@xenomorph.com
www.xenomorph.com

Last updated August 2007.
This document was correct at the time of writing. No guarantee can be made that it will be correct in the future. Xenomorph reserve the right to alter the content at any time without notice. The latest version of this document is avaiable from www.xenomorph.com/systemrequirements/.