System and Environment Requirements

In support of clients and the database associated with IFM/Access and TCS, a Windows-based file server running Microsoft SQL 2000 is required. The following constitutes the minimum specifications required to operate the software described on this web site. The specifications for machines hosting your environment vary depending on the size of your installation:

  • File Server: As with most network applications, file server performance is absolutely critical. Nothing less than a Pentium IV 3.0GHz should be considered. If dual processors are to be used, at least Pentium IV 2.4GHz is recommended. Microsoft recommends that the SQL 2000 server have an amount of RAM at least twice the size of the databases it is to support with a minimum of 1.5GB RAM recommended.

  • Storage: Operating system, database storage, demands by other applications, and diminishing costs per GB indicate a need for storage capacity in excess of the 60GB range. Either RAID 3 or RAID 5 is strongly recommended, regardless of the application(s) being hosted. A facility for daily, unattended high-speed backup must be available.

  • Database support: Microsoft SQL Version 2000 with a sufficient number of client licenses to permit concurrent access to the database for your intended number of users.

  • Workstations: Newly acquired units should have an Intel Pentium IV of at least 2.4GHz. Machines requiring occasional access may be slower, but it is likely that anything less than a Pentium III class machine will exhibit unacceptable performance in the Windows environment regardless of the application it is hosting. Windows 95 and 98 are no longer supported.

  • Memory: A minimum of 256MB is strongly recommended. While 256MB is generally considered the practical minimum for Win32 machines, ever increasing application demands and lower memory prices present sufficient reason to purchase at the 512MB and higher level.

  • CD-RW: At least one CD-RW must either be available internally or through the network.

  • Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS): For reliability and protection, an uninterruptible power supply with automatic unattended shutdown is required.

  • Display units: At least a 15" SVGA 800x600 monitor is required though a 17" XGA 1024x768 would be a more practical minimum. 

  • Network Topology: Given the increasing demands on bandwidth and improving price/performance ratios, we recommend at least 100Mb/s Ethernet 100Base-Tx.

  • Printers: Industry standard laser or inkjet printers compatible with Microsoft Windows are technically sufficient. While moderate speed printers will suffice for receipts and short reports, higher speed laser printers should be considered for production of letters or longer reports. Dot matrix printers are not acceptable in the Windows graphical environment.

  • Paper supplies: Most reports print on standard letter-sized (8.5" x 11") paper; others (i.e. deeds) can print on legal (8.5"x14") paper or special forms (certified mail tickets, labels, etc).

  • Remote support: Both Internet access and email are required for communication, support, and software updates. Whereas the Internet is rapidly becoming the standard vehicle for notifications and updates relevant to all industries, a persistent, high-speed connection with firewall and virus protection is strongly recommended. pc/Anywhere is also required for remote support.

  • Crystal Reports Professional: This is required only if you intend to modify your reports in any way. If so, Crystal Reports Professional is required only on workstations that will be used to modify reports. Please note that Crystal Reports is not required to produce reports, nor is it required if you intend to have Systems East modify your reports. As of this writing, version 9.0 is most current.

  • Prerequisite training: Beyond site preparation lies staff training. Since contemporary applications operate in the Windows 32-bit environment, we recommend that equipment and associated application or productivity software be in place and operator training be completed well before the installation of the application software. Management of this application and other tasks hosted by your computer will be infinitely simpler for your associates who are familiar with the Windows standards.

  • Volatility of requirements: The above represents our recommendations based on information available at this time. Please bear in mind that since all of our applications are constantly being refined and enhanced, requirements may tend to increase slightly over time. Further, we are all well aware that requirements for operating systems, companion products, and related support products tend to grow with performance and expanding feature lists. Accordingly, we have all become accustomed to the need for an equipment acquisition plan capable of accommodating dynamic architectures and requirements.


     We hope you find the above helpful in planning your installation. While these specifications are subject to change, every effort is made to keep them current as our products and related technologies evolve. If any additional questions arise, please feel free to contact us.