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Foodservice Suite/Nutrition Service Suite Hardware and Software Requirements

NOTE: If you are using EventMaster PLUS! , use these hardware requirements.

This document will provide the basic hardware and software information for CBORD’s FSS/NSS Windows based products (including FSS, NSS, NAS, NSA, AccuMenu, ProPrint, RS200, and MPP). 

CBORD provides free customized hardware specification for CBORD FSS/NSS products to its clients and potential clients. CBORD can also provide its clients with all the hardware and software needed to make your network a reality. CBORD has a trained network team that can work with your staff to answer all your networking questions, design your network, purchase the necessary equipment, and even provide network installations with your CBORD systems installed for you.

Before you purchase any hardware, let us review it with you to make sure everything is in order. If you would like us to review your hardware plan or if you have any hardware or network related questions please contact us by calling CBORD at 607.257.2410.  

This document briefly covers the following topics:  Operating Systems, Database engines, Wide Area Network (WAN) Connectivity, Server and Workstation requirements, Printers , Remote Communication products, Citrix/Terminal Server capabilities, handheld devices, touch screen monitors for Room Service, and wireless networks. Minimum and optimal Hardware requirements are also included at the end of the document.

Operating systems:

Network Server Operating Systems: Windows Server 2003; Windows 2000 Server. 

Note regarding Novell Netware: All FSS and NSS Releases up to and including version 5.0 that use the Sybase Adaptive Server Anywhere database engines have been certified to work with Novell Netware version 5.x.  All FSS and NSS releases that use the Microsoft SQL Server database engines are not compatible with Novell Netware.  Effective with NSS and FSS version 5.1, the systems will be certified for Microsoft network operating systems only (Windows Server 2003 and Windows 2000 Server)

Workstation Operating Systems: Windows 2000 Professional, Windows XP Professional

Palm Systems: The Bedside Menu Entry and Handheld Inventory modules are compatible with Palm OS version.

Database Engines:

Current versions of FSS and NSS can be deployed using either Microsoft SQL Server 2005 or Sybase SQL Anywhere version 9 (formerly Adaptive Server Anywhere).

Note regarding older versions:  Earlier versions of FSS and NSS (up to and including 5.1) are still supported for use with Microsoft SQL Server 2000.

Servers and Workstations:

CBORD recommends that their software run on servers (and workstations) from established computer companies. Our approved list includes: Compaq, Dell, Hewlett Packard, and IBM. We have had very good luck with Dell computers in terms of their quality, price, and service. If you purchase computers from CBORD, they will most likely be Dell.

If you choose to run on hardware other than the brands approved by CBORD, please check with CBORD before you purchase any hardware.

Virtual Machines

View the statement on CBORD application support and virtualization.

Wide Area Network (WAN) Connectivity:

The amount of necessary bandwidth to complete different operations varies within the FSS/NSS suite.  Please contact CBORD when you are planning a WAN implementation of FSS/NSS so that we can make sure we meet your performance needs.  In cases where bandwidth is limited, CBORD has successfully used Microsoft's Terminal Services/TSE or Citrix Metaframe/Presentation Server to implement FSS/NSS.  Please contact CBORD for more details concerning your WAN implementation.

Printers:

Hewlett-Packard LaserJet printers remain an industry standard and CBORD's choice of printer lines. Hewlett-Packard's LaserJet P4015n , is fast, reliable, and affordable. It prints 52 pages per minute and has several different paper tray options.

If you need to print labels, we support three Avery label formats:

  • Avery # 5263 - 10 up on 8-1/2" x 11" paper (2" x 4")
  • Avery # 5264 - 6 up (3-1/3" x 4")
  • Avery # 5261 - 20 up (1" x 4")

NSS Room Service: If you have purchased the Room Service Module for NSS, we recommend the Star Micronics TSP847 receipt printer (Thermal, two-color printing, 6 ips, ethernet interface, includes auto-cutter - part number 37998860) for printing room service tickets.  This printer comes either as a parallel, serial, USB or Ethernet version.  Please purchase the one that will meet you needs.  Note that hooking the USB model  to an external JetDirect print server is not recommended (HP and Star Micronics do not support that configuration).  Please be aware that the auto-cutter and power supply for these printers are required additions but must be purchased separately.

For all other modules of FSS and NSS we recommend the Hewlett-Packard printers mentioned above.

Note: Printing requirements may vary for customers using legacy DOS applications. If you are looking to upgrade your printing configuration in a DOS environment, contact CBORD technical support for specific recommendations

Remote Communications:

CBORD’s support centers use WebEx™ systems for remote communications and support (www.webex.com).  Two options are available: WebEx Remote Access and WebEx Remote Support.  Both applications encrypt all traffic with 128-bit SSL, and offer full auditing, session logging, and session recording upon customer request. 

An internet connection is required. 

Citrix/Terminal Server capabilities:

CBORD has tested their FSS/NSS products using Citrix MetaFrame XP and Microsoft Terminal Server and both work fine. If you are planning on using either of these products with  FSS/NSS, please contact CBORD before you begin implementing and we will help you size your Citrix/Terminal Server environment for the best performance.  

Citrix MetaFrame or Microsoft Terminal Server  are not required to run CBORD systems, but when network bandwidth or latency becomes an issue,  these products will alleviate response time issues. 

Handheld Devices:

(For Palm-based applications) Minimum specifications are a 33 MHz processor, 8 MB internal RAM (16 MB recommended), and support for Palm Operating System version 3.2 or greater. Devices should be compatible with USB connections to the PC. Devices used for applications that use barcode scanning should be equipped accordingly. Protective cases are recommended.  Recommended models include Palm Tungsten E2 or the Palm T | X.

(For Windows-based applications) Minimum specifications are a 624 MHz processor, 64 MB RAM (minimum 3 MB available for application), and support for Windows CE 5.0 or Windows Mobile 5.0. Devices used for applications that use barcode scanning should be equipped accordingly. Ruggedized devices or protective cases are recommended. The Symbol/Motorola model MC9090-G is CBORD's recommended device. 

Touch Screen monitors for Room Service:

For best results, we recommend either a 19 inch flat panel monitor.  The screen resolution must support 1280 by 1024 as this is the minimum screen resolution required to operate in room service touch screen mode..  For the best results, we also recommend monitors that have resistive touch screen technology. USB port are preferred, assuming that the call center workstations are relatively new, have an available USB connection and that the operating system is either Windows XP Pro or Windows 2000.   We have successfully tested our Room Service product with the ELO 3000 1925L Series monitors and can recommend these monitors. We have successfully tested our Room Service product with the ELO Touchsystems monitors. The ELO 19 inch desktop model 1928L monitor is recommended. 

Wireless networks:


CBORD’s Food Services Suite, Nutrition Services Suite and Room Service systems are client/server applications, which provide a highly interactive user experience in which system processing is optimized by shared responsibility between the database server and the individual workstations. A properly designed and installed, high performance, wireless network will support CBORD applications. In some client’s environments, the throughput and connection integrity on wireless networks are not so robust. This may cause clients frustrations in supporting client/server applications on a wireless network.

Hardware Specifications:

Equipment Minimum Requirements Optimal Requirements
Database server

(Server must be dedicated to the FSS/NSS product and it should not be used as a workstation).

Server Sizing depends on a combination of concurrent users and system functionality used. Multiple sites and databases may require additional DB servers.

CBORD can advise on the hardware and database platforms best suited for your operation’s needs

Operating System:
Microsoft  Windows Server 2003 or Windows 2000 Server

Sybase SQL Anywhere Editions
Processor:

1 to 25 concurrent users: Xeon 2.0 GHz or better.

25+ concurrent users: Dual Xeon 2.6 GHz or better.

Memory:
Formula to calculate requirement: 15% Total database size + 128 MB RAM for Operating System = Required RAM.

Storage:
18 GB SCSI hard drive.

Network Card:

10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet card.

Operating System:
Microsoft Windows Server 2003 or Windows 2000 Server

Sybase SQL Anywhere Editions

Processor:
1 to 25 concurrent users: Dual Xeon 2.6 GHz or better.

25+ concurrent users: Quad Xeon 3.0 GHz or better.

Memory:
Formula to calculate requirement: 40% Total database size + 256 MB RAM for Operating System = Required RAM.

Storage:
RAID-1 two 18 GB SCSI RAID-5 four 36 GB SCSI hard drives.

Network Card:
10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet card.
  Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Editions

Processor:
1 to 25 concurrent users: Dual Xeon 2.6 GHz or better.

25+ concurrent users and system intense functionality: Quad Xeon 3.0 GHz or better.

Memory:
Formula to calculate requirement: 40% Total database size + 256 MB RAM for Operating System = Required RAM.

Storage:
18 GB SCSI hard drive.

Network Card:
10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet card.		 Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Editions

Processor:
1 to 25 concurrent users: Dual Xeon 2.6 GHz or better.

25+ concurrent users and system intense functionality: Quad Xeon 3.0 GHz or better.

Memory:
Formula to calculate requirement: 80% Total database size + 512 MB RAM for Operating System = Required RAM.

Storage:
RAID-1 two 18 GB SCSI RAID-5 four 36 GB SCSI hard drives.

Network Card:
10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet card.
Database engine

Sybase SQL Anywhere Editions

Sybase SQL Anywhere version 9

Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Editions

Microsoft SQL Server 2005: Enterprise, Standard, or Workgroup Editions 

Sybase SQL Anywhere Editions

Sybase SQL Anywhere version 9

Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Editions

Microsoft SQL Server 2005: Enterprise, Standard, or Workgroup Editions 
Tape backup Hardware:
12/24 GB DDS-3 tape backup unit

Software:
CA Arcserve or Veritas Backup Exec.

 Hardware:
12/24 GB DDS-3 autoloader tape backup unit

Software:
CA Arcserve or Veritas Backup Exec.
Uninterruptible Power Supply 1000 VA capacity 1400 VA capacity
Workstations

Operating System:
Windows 2000 Professional, Windows XP Professional

Processor:
Pentium III, 1 GHz or better

Memory:
512 MB RAM

Storage:
500 MB.

Monitor:
17" with 1024x768 minimum resolution.
*Room Service Touch Screen mode requires1280 x 1024 minimum resolution.

Network Card:
32 bit PCI 100Mbps Fast Ethernet card.

Other:
CD-ROM

Operating Systems:
Windows 2000 Professional, Windows XP Professional

Processor:
Pentium 4,  2.8 GHz or better

Memory:
1 GB RAM  

Storage:
3.2 GB

Monitor:
17" with 1024x768 resolution minimum
*Room Service Touch Screen mode requires1280 x 1024 minimum resolution.

Network Card:
32 bit PCI 100Mbps Fast Ethernet card.

Other:
CD-ROM
Menu printing/Tray Ticket/Tally workstations

 Operating System:
Windows 2000 Professional, Windows XP Professional.

Processor:
Pentium 1.4 GHz or better

Memory:
512 MB RAM with Windows 2000 or XP Pro

Storage:
500 MB

Monitor:
15 " with 800x600 minimum resolution.

Network Card:
32 bit PCI 100Mbps Fast Ethernet card.

Other:
CD-ROM

Operating Systems:
Windows 2000 Professional, Windows XP Professional.

Processor:
Pentium 3.0 GHz or better

Memory:
1 GB RAM  

Storage:
3.2 GB

Monitor:
17 " with 1024x768 resolution minimum

Network Card:
32 bit PCI 100Mbps Fast Ethernet card.

Other:
CD-ROM
Interface workstation

Clinical Interfaces can reside on the Database Server.  As indicated above, the Network Operating System must be Microsoft Windows Server 2003 or Microsoft Windows 2000 Server. 

If the interface is installed on a dedicated workstation, use workstation requirements listed above.  As indicated above, the workstation operating system must be either Windows 2000 Professional or Windows XP Professional.

Clinical Interfaces can reside on the Database Server.  As indicated above, the Network Operating System must be Microsoft Windows Server 2003 or Microsoft Windows 2000 Server. 

If the interface is installed on a dedicated workstation, use workstation requirements listed above.  As indicated above, the workstation operating system must be either Windows 2000 Professional or Windows XP Professional.
Printers HP LaserJet P4015n HP LaserJet P4015n
NSS Room Service Equipment  Printers:
Star Micronics TSP847L-24GRY  STAR,TSP800,GRAY,ETHERNET/LAN I/F,A/C,TH

Touch Screen Monitors:
ELO Entuitive 1928L 3000 Series (AccuTouch)

 Printers:
Star Micronics TSP847L-24GRY  STAR,TSP800,GRAY,ETHERNET/LAN I/F,A/C,TH

Touch Screen Monitors:
ELO Entuitive 1928L 3000 Series (AccuTouch)
Handheld devices For Palm-based applications) Minimum specifications are a 33 MHz processor, 8 MB internal RAM (16 MB recommended), and support for Palm Operating System version 3.2 or greater. Devices should be compatible with USB connections to the PC. Devices used for applications that use barcode scanning should be equipped accordingly. Ruggedized devices or protective cases are recommended. Recommended models include Palm Tungsten E2 or the Palm T | X.

(For Windows-based applications) Minimum specifications are a 624 MHz processor, 64 MB RAM (minimum 3 MB available for application), and support for Windows CE 5.0 or Windows Mobile 5.0. Devices used for applications that use barcode scanning should be equipped accordingly. Ruggedized devices or protective cases are recommended. The Symbol/Motorola model MC9090-G is CBORD's recommended device		 (For Palm-based applications) Minimum specifications are a 33 MHz processor, 8 MB internal RAM (16 MB recommended), and support for Palm Operating System version 3.2 or greater. Devices should be compatible with USB connections to the PC. Devices used for applications that use barcode scanning should be equipped accordingly. Ruggedized devices or protective cases are recommended. Recommended models include Palm Tungsten E2 or the Palm T | X.

(For Windows-based applications) Minimum specifications are a 624 MHz processor, 64 MB RAM (minimum 3 MB available for application), and support for Windows CE 5.0 or Windows Mobile 5.0. Devices used for applications that use barcode scanning should be equipped accordingly. Ruggedized devices or protective cases are recommended. The Symbol/Motorola model MC9090-G is CBORD's recommended device. 
WAN Connectivity Required bandwidth varies depending on functionality used.  Check with CBORD for more information and options. Required bandwidth varies depending on functionality used.  Check with CBORD for more information and options.
Communications Requirements Internet access to support CBORD’s WebEx remote support tools. High speed Internet connection to support CBORD’s WebEx remote support tools.