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.
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.
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.
Virtual Machines:
Many of our customers have made good use of virtual machines (or virtualization technology) in their environments. CBORD’s own testing labs make extensive use of virtual machines. Based on our experience with this technology, we offer the following guidance. VMware® (www.vmware.com) offers several applications for virtualization, and CBORD has used two of them—VMware ESX Server, and VMware Server. While VMware Server did not meet our testing team’s acceptance criteria for stability, VMware ESX Server did, and we often use it in our application testing labs. Information on VMware ESX Server can be found at http://www.vmware.com/products/vi/esx/).
Printers:
Hewlett-Packard LaserJet printers remain an industry standard and CBORD's choice of printer lines. Hewlett-Packard's newest printer, the 4250N, is fast, reliable, and affordable. It prints 45 pages per minute and has several different paper tray options. If you need a printer that is a bit more robust, consider the Hewlett-Packard 9050N. It prints at 50 pages per minute and also has multiple 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. Ruggedized devices or protective cases are recommended. The Aceeca Meazura model MEZ1000 is CBORD's recommended device.(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.
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: Sybase SQL Anywhere Editions 1 to 25 concurrent users: Xeon 2.0 GHz or better. 25+ concurrent users: Dual Xeon 2.6 GHz or better. Memory: Storage: 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet card. |
Operating System: Sybase SQL Anywhere Editions Processor: 25+ concurrent users: Quad Xeon 3.0 GHz or better. Memory: Storage: Network Card: |
| Microsoft SQL Server 2005
Editions
Processor: 25+ concurrent users and system intense functionality: Quad Xeon 3.0 GHz or better. Memory: Storage: 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet card. |
Microsoft SQL Server 2005
Editions
Processor: 25+ concurrent users and system intense functionality: Quad Xeon 3.0 GHz or better. Memory: Storage: 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: |
Hardware: 12/24 GB DDS-3 autoloader tape backup unit Software: |
| Uninterruptible Power Supply | 1000 VA capacity | 1400 VA capacity |
| Workstations | Operating System: Processor: Memory: Storage: Monitor: Network Card: CD-ROM |
Operating Systems: Processor: Memory: Storage: Monitor: Network Card: CD-ROM |
| Menu printing/Tray Ticket/Tally workstations | Operating System: Processor: Memory: Storage: Monitor: Network Card: CD-ROM |
Operating Systems: Processor: Memory: Storage: Monitor: Network Card: 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 | Hewlett Packard 4250N Laser Jet | Hewlett Packard Laser Jet 4250N |
| NSS Room Service Equipment | Printers: Star Micronics TSP847L-24GRY STAR,TSP800,GRAY,ETHERNET/LAN I/F,A/C,TH Touch Screen Monitors: |
Printers: Star Micronics TSP847L-24GRY STAR,TSP800,GRAY,ETHERNET/LAN I/F,A/C,TH Touch Screen Monitors: |
| 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. The Aceeca Meazura model MEZ1000 is CBORD's recommended device. (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. The Aceeca Meazura model MEZ1000 is CBORD's recommended device. (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. |
