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Foodservice Suite/Nutrition Service Suite Hardware and Software Requirements

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

Implementation Guidelines

Deployment Plans

Client/Server – Simple

Client/Server – Large

for NetMenu

Supported Operating Systems

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)

For Foodservice Suite (FSS) or Nutrition Service Suite (NSS)

1 32 bit only
2 For FMS version 6.14.100 or higher with Sybase SQL Anywhere only
3 With Microsoft SQL Server only

• If Microsoft SQL Server is the database engine, we recommend 64 bit versions for the database engine and the operating system.
• For Windows Vista the minimum RAM requirement is 1 GByte.
• Windows 2008 is supported for FMS version 7.0.100 and higher.
• Service Pack levels are recommendations only. There are no known incompatibilities with earlier versions of these operating systems.

For NetMenu, NetNutrition, NetHIMS, Tray Monitor

1 32 bit only
2 Not supported on this version of Windows
3 With Microsoft SQL Server only

• If Microsoft SQL Server is the database engine, we recommend 64 bit versions for the database engine and the operating system.
• For Windows Vista the minimum RAM requirement is 1 GByte.
• Versions 6.6.100 and higher require Microsoft .Net Framework 3.5, which is not provided for Windows 2000.
• Service Pack levels are recommendations only. There are no known incompatibilities with earlier versions of these operating systems.

Database Systems (Database Engines)

Current versions of Foodservice Suite (FSS) and Nutrition Service Suite (NSS) can be deployed using Microsoft SQL Server 2005, Microsoft SQL Server 2008, or Sybase SQL Anywhere version 9 (formerly called Adaptive Server Anywhere).

• Sybase SQL Anywhere
  
  The current version of SQL Anywhere is 9.0.2.3411. This version does not support standalone installations on Windows Vista or 2008.

• Microsoft SQL Server
  
  SQL Server 2005 Service Pack 3
  SQL Server 2008 (for FSS/NSS version 7.0.100 and higher)
  
  Notes:
  -- NetMenu requires Microsoft SQL Server. It is not supported for Sybase SQL Anywhere.
  -- 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

We recommend that CBORD 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 experiences 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 brands other than those approved by CBORD, please check with CBORD before you purchase any hardware.

Application Servers

We have tested our FSS/NSS products using Citrix (including XenApp version 4.5) 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 improve response times.

Hardware Specifications

NSS/FSS Database Server

Recommendations regarding the database server configuration relative to concurrency of use, number of facilities, or number of beds (for a standalone installation):

If your users utilize both FSS and NSS functions at the same time, to choose the next higher level.

If you expect to have more than 50 concurrent users, please contact CBORD for a recommendation.

NSS/FSS Application Server

We recommend deploying our software through application servers like Citrix or Microsoft Terminal Services if the expected concurrency level exceeds 10 users.

If the above variables are exceeded, use additional servers. We recommended a deployment of at least two for load balancing (usage spikes) and failover purposes.

For NetHIMS, NetNutrition Server, or Tray Monitor

If you have the NetHIMS, NetNutrition, or Tray Monitor application, we recommend you run it on its own (separate) application and Web servers. For a deployment with fewer than 10 concurrent users, the application and Web server can be combined.

For NetMenu (250 concurrent users)

The following table lists the suggested configuration for a system with 250 concurrent users (out of 1200 potential users):

Additional specifications: All servers, except Web servers, use the 64 bit edition of Windows 2003 Service Pack 2. The database engine is Microsoft SQL Server 2005 (64 bit).

NetMenu scales perfectly with the hardware and CPU speed. Most of the load is distributed on the application servers. Web server load is minimal.

Upgrading NSS/FSS --Performance Considerations

Each new release of NSS and FSS includes new features and options, added by the CBORD Development team. When you upgrade to a new version, you may notice that some procedures run more slowly than they did in earlier versions, because of added processing time due to the new features. For example, after Pattern Fixing functions were added in NSS version 5, some users noticed that it took longer to generate personal menus and some NSS reports.

Modern hardware and upgrading to a more recent version can sufficiently improve performance to compensate for any loss in response time.

For example, if your existing database server is of the Pentium 4 generation, with single core CPUs with a low performance/clock-speed ratio, then moving to a Core 2 based system and doubling the amount of RAM should provide the same level of performance when you upgrade NSS from version 4 to version 5. With higher levels of current users (> 15 users) the amount of CPUs should remain the same.

Consult the following table:

Converting FSS/NSS from Sybase SQL Anywhere to Microsoft SQL Server --Performance Considerations

If you switch your database engine from Sybase SQL Anywhere (formerly called Adaptive Server Anywhere) to Microsoft SQL Server, you may see some performance changes. Some NSS/FSS features – most notably Pattern Fixing, BME Generation, Inventory Variance Reports, and Production options – may work more slowly after the conversion, depending on the makeup of the database and how intensely you use the system.

For low to medium levels of concurrency, the performance loss is usually between 10 to 20%, which can be compensated for by increasing the CPU speed and/or the amount of RAM to meet the specifications listed in the NSS/FSS Database Server table in the section above on Hardware Specifications (page 5).

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: Wide Area Network (WAN) Connectivity, Server and Workstation requirements, Printers , Remote Communication products, 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.

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

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 TSP800 series POS thermal receipt printer (Model TSP847 4.09” wide-format direct thermal receipt printer includes both Tear Bar and Auto-Cutter) for printing room service tickets.  This printer comes either as a parallel, serial, USB or Ethernet version and supports swappable interfaces.   Please purchase the USB-connected model TSP847U-24 (which comes in either Putty Manufacturer Part#: 39443201, or Gray Part#: 39443211) which must be used in conjunction with a USB-print server such as Linksys PSUS4 .  Please be aware that the power supply (PS60A) for these printers are required additions but must be purchased separately.  Other optional accessories include wall mount or vertical stand kits among other options. 

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. 

Handheld Devices:

(For Windows-based NetHIMS application) 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 and Socket Mobile SoMo 650 are CBORD's recommended devices. Note:  Windows Mobile touchscreen PDA devices require either Microsoft’s ActiveSync 4.5 (XP workstations only) or Microsoft’s Mobile Device Center (Vista workstations) for communication (USB cradle) with the workstation.

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:

Hardware Specifications:

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CBORD is the leading provider of hospital room service, nutritional analysis software, menu planning, dietary software, food kiosks, and other healthcare technology.