Third Party Setup of a CIM-Data Server

CIM-Data supplies Windows 2000/XP/Server 2003 to its customers to run the CIM-Data System. Some of our customers may wish to purchase their server locally in order to enjoy local support from a local hardware vendor. The following are the minimum general specifications for a Windows Server. Please note requirements for individual offices may vary.

This document is only an attempt to list some of the things your supplier may have to do for you and it does not necessarily constitute a complete list. We recommend you show this entire document to your supplier so they may present a full quotation for their products and services before you commit to each other.

Picking a System Supplier

You will most likely pick a supplier other than CIM-Data for one of three reasons: You can purchase it for much less; you can get quick, reliable, local service; or you already have a working relationship with a trusted supplier.

If you are out to save a “buck”, and you can get it for less, great! We will caution you to show this document to your supplier to make sure they are prepared to do all the work listed in this document plus any other work that may be required. If CIM-Data needs to complete any work not completed by your Third Party, our time and travel is billable.

If you are out for quick, reliable, local service, great! We would like to recommend that you ask your supplier to assure you of some basic business stability. You should ask if the parts they will be supplying are always in stock and how long it will take them to replace an item if you experience a component failure. How quickly can they rustle up a Microsoft Certified technician from their staff qualified to work on Windows 2000/XP or Windows Server 2003? CIM-Data will work with you and your supplier to get you running again. However, in a disaster, without your system, you cannot operate. You will almost always be better off with experienced and qualified technical people to help you in those moments. CIM-Data will help and provide guidance during emergencies but it will still be up to your contracted supplier to supply parts and its technicians to get you up and running again.

If you already have a working relationship with a trusted supplier, great! The above two cautions are probably redundant and we will be pleased to work with your current partners.

Server Hardware Specifications

The following general specifications are intended as a general guide for your supplier in their recommendation of a CIM-Data server for you. We would respectfully suggest that the supplier confirm with CIM-Data about whether speeds and capacities they quote will provide acceptable performance levels.

CPU

Any Pentium IV will work, but we suggest at least a Pentium IV 3.0Ghz and up for a smaller office and Dual Xeon  for larger offices. The CIM-Data software does not require a lot of CPU cycles. A faster CPU will definitely boot faster, run other server applications more quickly, and run CIM-Data software more quickly. A faster CPU will also process database rebuilds and reorgs much more quickly and give and added snap to response times.

Memory

You will need a minimum of 256 MB for a Windows 2000/XP Pro and 512MB for a Windows 2000/2003 Server, that does tape backup, for the first 5 users. We suggest another 512MB for every 10 users or so and more if the budget allows.  CIMMux users should add another 256MB for every 5 users.

The Initial and Maximum size of the paging file should be set the same to minimize paging file fragmentation during use. The size should range somewhere between 256MB to 512MB.

Current memory DDRII is available at 553MHz and faster and should be used in case it gets upgraded to next generation CPU in the future.

Video and Monitor

Current motherboards have video built into the chipsets are are quite adequate. We recommend a 17” or 19” monitor set to 1024x768 or 1280x1024 resolution.

LAN

Offices of up to 30 users can run fairly efficiently with 100Mbit switch. However, 1Gbit switches are becoming standard and will work fine.

Hard Drives

Current 7200 RPM SATA hard drives offer acceptable performance for offices up to five users.  We recommend the Western Digital 10000RPM Raptor SATA drive as a good performance level.

For over ten to fifteen users, SCSI drives are definitely recommended for good performance. The Seagate 15,000 RPM, 320MB/Sec Cheetah drives offer excellent performance. We use the Adaptec 29320 and newer for this drive.

All partitions should be formatted as NTFS. To maximize reliability, two hard drives are recommended. CIM-Data software can automatically copy the database from one drive to another during backup in the case of IDE drives. SCSI drives can be mirrored. Mirroring probably offers better performance and security for the database portion of storage than RAID systems.

We strongly suggest that the supplier reviews help manuals from our software CD prior to installation in order to understand our partitions should be set up.

Backup

Our software support DAT, AIT and other tape backup medias.  We also support backup to DVDRW disk through DVDR-/+W drive.

CD or DVD ROM Drive

A standard IDE CD or DVD drive is adequate and is only used periodically for loading software.

Miscellaneous

Sound chips are now built into the motherboard chipsets. Just add speakers and we think its worthwhile.

Modems

We only support US Robotics modems at this time for products such as CIMMux. If another modem is used, the third party is responsible for making it function with Expedite, RAS, or CIM-Data at their cost.

A single modem with a switchbox may be used. Expedite dials out only on COM1 or COM2. Some brokerages achieve physical dial in security on their system by using a separate COM port for their RAS support line and a switch box to switch their modem between the EDI port and support port.

VPN connection for multiple offices

For customers with multiple offices, VPN connection need to configure in order to let remote office to connect to the server. Make sure all of the offices have static IP from your local ISP. Linksys, Cisco, or Symantec and any other VPN router should be configured to implement VPN Connection.

Uninterruptible Power Supply

We include a UPS in all our quotes for servers and will not sell a server without a UPS. A UPS is required to protect not only against short power outages and brownouts but also against spikes and harmonics on the power lines that can damage the computer or data. Please note, that some UPS’s can actually cause spikes when power is lost! We have approved the American Power Conversion UPS700 and UPS1000 for our servers. These units come with PowerChute for Windows. PowerChute detailed monitoring of the power lines on the server and provides for automatic shutdown of the server before the batteries die. If someone would like us to approve another model, it may be shipped to us for testing. Please allow two weeks after it arrives at our office.

Server Software Requirements

SERVER OPERATING SYSTEM

We strongly recommend considering Windows XP Pro and Windows Server 2003 for all new servers. It is easier and faster to load and set up, runs more quickly and has a number of new features over NT. The following are our suggestions:

Windows XP Professional for less than 7 users (Maximum 10 users).

Windows Server 2003 for 7 or more users or for advanced features.

Windows Terminal licences

Windows Server Per Seat Client Licences.

SERVER SUPPORT SOFTWARE

Norton Anti-Virus for windows                  for protection against Internet, diskettes, etc.

PC Anywhere                                                for special support situations by CIM-Data.

APC PowerChute                                        for monitoring the UPS

CIM-DATA SOFTWARE

CIM-Data software.                                     loaded on the server only.

OPTIONAL SOFTWARE AVAILABLE FOR THE SERVER

Microsoft Exchange                                     full, advanced post office server and E-Mail system

Proxy Server                                                  internet Firewall

Back Office Small Biz (<25 users)           Exchange Server, Proxy Server, and Fax Server, etc.

Back Office (>25 users)                              Exchange Server, Proxy Server, etc.

Server Hardware Map

The following is an example of what we call a Hardware Map. Your Third Party Supplier should complete this or a similar chart listing the components used. If your computer fails and your hardware drive needs to be installed in a new server, it may not be bootable unless the following exact configuration is duplicated.

Computer

Motherboard and Cards

Drives

Cables

Server Serial Number Chart

You should receive a list of serial numbers for your server. They may be listed below:

Third Party Server Setup Responsibilities

The following lists some of the setups that must be performed by the Third Party. ALL STEPS MUST BE COMPLETED before conversion to the NT system may begin. Make sure your installer completes these steps on time before your scheduled conversion date. For brokerages with branch offices, additional steps will be required. Note that there are other setups and tests that a qualified NT/2000 installer will know about (ex. Virtual memory, tape backup and loads, etc.). Additional Specifications may be provided for more complex networks.

Server Setups:

1.         A CIM-Data approved UPS is to be used to power the server, server monitor, and modem(s).

2.         A server Hardware Survey form is to be completed listing the installed cards, capacities or ratings, base addresses and IRQs when applicable, SCSI IDs, memory type, etc.

3.         Windows OS loaded and proper licensing applied.

4.         The display properties settings should be set to at least 800x600.

5.         A screen saver should be selected.

6.         The hard drive partitioned as per the CIM-Data partition guide for servers. All drives should be NTFS,

7.         The server domain name and computer name to be set correctly.

8.         The “D” partition is to be shared for access by “Everyone”.

9.         Time Zone and Time set correctly.

10.      Time format set to YYYY/MM/DD.

11.      Canadian English Selected.

12.      PowerChute to be loaded and a UPS monitor cable connected between the UPS and COM2.

13.      Anti-Virus Software loaded.

14.      RAS set up on COM2 for dial in.

15.      Modem(s) and switchbox attached to COM1.

16.      NetBeui Enabled and IPX Disabled.

17.      TCPIP Enabled if routers will be used or connecting to Tactik.

18.      Digiboard (if used) set up. (Working Drivers are available from CIM-Data on diskette.)

19.      Latest Service Pack loaded on the server.  Note that the service pack must be reapplied whenever drivers are loaded or certain changes are made to Windows.

20.      Create the default CIM-Data account with remote dial in privilege.

21.      Usernames and Passwords setup for each user on the network.

22.      Use NTBackup to test the tape backup.

23.      Print a Test Page on each printer.

Example Server Drive Partitions:

CIM-Data will assist the Third Party to define the final partition sizes once the drive size and other application requirements are defined. Variations happen for very large databases. We set up our machines with the following drive letters. This makes it quicker for CIM-Data support to select the correct drive when modeming in for support.

Load the CIM-Data Software and Test the Network:

1.         Load the CIM-Data software on Partition “D”.

2.        Refer to the BPE Help File on the CIM-Data Release.

3.         Copy the blank database in D:\CIM\BLANK to E:\DBS\MAIN.

4.         Start Filer.

5.         Create a “D:/CIM/BIN/RUNBPI.EXE">\\<server>\D\CIM\BIN\RUNBPI.EXE” and “\\<server>\D\CIM\BIN\VCIM.EXE” shortcut on each workstation.

6.         Start at least one RUNBPI and VCIM on each workstation and confirm a valid login screen.

Certification of Setup By CIM-Data

Before arranging for scheduling with CIM-Data for this certification, the network must be set up as described in the document Third Party Setup of a CIM-Data Network.

CIM-Data will perform the following checks. Please ask the 3^rd Party to confirm completion first.

1.         Copy of Hardware Survey to be faxed to CIM-Data as a backup copy.

2.         If available and installed, User to modem into CIM-Data using pcAnywhere.

3.         Verify Server licensing mode.

4.         Verify Domain and Computer Name.

5.         Start PowerChute and verify cable attachment to UPS.

6.         User to pull plug on UPS from wall to verify automatic shutdown capability.

7.         Anti-virus run performed.

8.         Verify time, time zone, and Canadian English settings.

9.         Verify Network services and protocols are set up correctly.

10.      Start Network Neighborhood to confirm availability of workstations on network and correct naming.

11.      Start Disk Administrator to confirm correct partitioning.

12.      Use Registry Editor to correctly set up SYS$DISK and SYS$USER.

13.      Start Filer and use the about box to confirm that the Service Pack has been applied.

14.      Setup one full backup option and test backup. (User must have preloaded a tape.)

15.      Start a runbpi to confirm logon availability.

16.      Confirm with Brokerage System Manager that at least one workstation can start a CIM-Data login.

17.      Start User Manager to confirm list of Users set up with proper identification.

18.      Spot check users for correct group membership.

19.      Enter the permanent CIM-Data password. Confirm CIM-Data login permission.

20.      Create an Emergency Repair Diskette. (Must be pre-loaded by user.)

21.      Close pcAnywhere.

22.      Attempt a remote dial in using RAS.

23.      Report Deficiencies (if any) or Successful Certification to Brokerage System Manager.

NOTE: This certification is only a partial certification on the part of CIM-Data and does not guarantee a completion of the setup on the part of the third party and it only constitutes a partial test of the system. Additional setups may have to be completed by the third party. Detailed printer setups will be done during the trainer’s visit to set up, configure and train on managing the system. The third party must be on call for that visit in case hardware or setup problems are discovered during the trainer’s visit.