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Hardware Requirements Abstract This knowledgebase article discusses the minimum hardware specifications to operate Capable 21C successfully in a variety of environments. Underlying challenge Capable 21C was originally architected under Windows 95(tm) using a Pentium II processor running at 133 MHz. On this calibre of hardware, appointment book refreshes were measured at taking less than one third of a second on a standalone PC. Since then, office configurations have changed markedly. The most common configuration now (September, 2007) is that Capable 21C operates under Windows XP Professional in a small office network of 2-3 PCs. The variations in these two environments are massive. Apart from the variations in minimum hardware specification just to meet the needs of the different versions of Windows, there is also significant overhead in operating a networked environment. The challenge is further compounded by the volume of data stored in the database. New implementations of Capable 21C that do not exploit paperless functionality typically grow the database by about 10Mb of data per year. This means that the most simple implementations can expect their database to be aroun 30-70Mbs after the first five years - a comparatively small database. Larger sites that exploit the paperless functions of Capable 21C can expect database growth in excess of 50Mb per year. At these sites, a 5 year old database may exceed 300Mb. These factors weigh heavily on the performance of the PCs that are used, and different minimum hardware specifications should be considered to meet the office's performance needs. Resolution In choosing office hardware, the office should consider three key factors:
Further to this, the office should consider the minimum hardware requirement to operate Capable 21C. Whilst Capable 21C may function on a lower specification machine, it may perform so poorly as to be unusable. The minimum specification PC that has been recently used to test Capable 21C's features is a Pentium III 450MHz with Windows 98 SE. Performance was poor, but Capable 21C operated. Refer to the Detailed Information Section below for Capable Software Pty Ltd's recommendations to achieve acceptable (and superior) performance. Detailed Information Paperless offices For paperless offices, refer to KB-Hardware Recommendations for Paperless Network Environments In smaller networks (eg 3 PCs or less), the following specifications will perform well:
In larger networks, a network server is recommended for optimum performance. As previously stated, a server will improve performance, but is not mandatory for Capable 21C to function.
Stability considerations Many factors can influence the stability of Capable 21C in an office network. If the network fails (even momentarily), Capable 21C will be affected - which may ultimately result in database damage. The kinds of factors that can influence network stability are things such as:
Capable Software Pty Ltd has noted that offices that are overzealous on saving money on their hardware typically encounter the greatest problems. A saving in one area may be valid, but in others, it may result in substandard or unreliable equipment. It is a false economy, so Capable Software Pty Ltd does not recommend the use of the cheapest available equipment. Backups and redundancy plans are critical for success. Many business consulting firms state that an office's intellectual property is its greatest asset. Loss of data can cripple a business in seconds, and take months to recover - some businesses never recover. Capable Software Pty Ltd takes no responsibility for loss of data where a substandard backup scheme (or no backup scheme) is in place. |
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