Preamble

Unfortunately, it is not possible to describe a standard SOFT-SOLUTIONS installation which will work for all business operations, nor is it possible to define generally binding guidelines in terms of technical requirements. As a result, this documentation only provides you with general technical information.

The dimensioning for server and client hardware described here takes into consideration that applications other than SOFT-SOLUTIONS may also be deployed on the corresponding systems. As a result, the requirements described below were determined in view of security and performance.

Encryption between clients, terminal server and database server at ODBC, network or database level such as "Always Encrypted" or "SSL/TLS" are not supported by our helpdesk.

This documentation describes the following installation variants:

  • Client-Server Installation (Local Network)
  • Terminal Server/Citrix Installation

Our Helpdesk is always happy to answer any questions you may have.


1 Client-Server Installation (Local Network)

SOFT-SOLUTIONS is a client-server application. Communication between clients and servers is based on TCP/IP and on ODBC data sources. As a result, it is unnecessary to connect network drives between the client and server (SQL database).

1.1 Database Server

1.1.1 Microsoft SQL Database Server

The following versions of Microsoft SQL are supported:

  • 2014
  • 2016
  • 2017
  • 2019
  • 2022

Microsoft SQL Express Edition is a database system from Microsoft whose license allows it to be used free of charge, for any purpose, and without written permission.

If you need to install SOFT-SOLUTIONS on a SQL Standard database server, the database server must be fully installed by the installation date and configured to be available.

NOTE
We recommend using the respective current patch level.
The feature Full-Text Search must be installed and enabled.

CAUTION


We strongly advise against using Microsoft SQL Server on a domain controller. This warning comes from Microsoft itself; please refer to the following link:
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/previous-versions/sql/sql-server-2012/ms144228(v%3dsql.110)
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/2032911/you-may-encounter-problems-when-installing-sql-server-on-a-domain-cont
If one or more instances of Microsoft SQL Server 7, MSDE 1.0 which do not affect SOFT-SOLUTIONS are already installed on the server provided, it will not be possible to also install SOFT-SOLUTIONS under Microsoft SQL Server Express. In this case, the existing instances must first be migrated to MSSQL Server. Unfortunately, soft-nrg Development GmbH cannot carry out this migration.

1.1.2 Oracle Database Server

The Oracle database server ca be used in the following versions:

  • Oracle 19c

NOTE
We recommend using the respective current patch level.
The feature Oracle Text must be installed and enabled.

CAUTION



soft-clock installations on Oracle database servers are not supported.

1.1.3 Operating System Requirements

The following server operating systems support the use of SOFT-SOLUTIONS with a database server:

Server Compatibility List (Operating System and Database Server)

Windows 2012 Server (64-bit)

  • MSSQL 2014
  • MSSQL 2016

Windows 2012 Server R2 (64-bit)

  • MSSQL 2014
  • MSSQL 2016
  • MSSQL 2017

Windows 2016 Server – only Standard and Datacenter versions (64-bit)

  • MSSQL 2014
  • MSSQL 2016
  • MSSQL 2017
  • MSSQL 2019
  • MSSQL 2022
  • Oracle 19c*

Windows 2019 Server – only Standard and Datacenter versions (64-bit)

  • MSSQL 2014
  • MSSQL 2016
  • MSSQL 2017
  • MSSQL 2019
  • MSSQL 2022
  • Oracle 19c*

Windows 2022 Server – only Standard and Datacenter versions (64-bit)

  • MSSQL 2017
  • MSSQL 2019
  • MSSQL 2022
  • Oracle 19c*

CAUTION

Server Core and Nano server installations are not supported. Make sure your system (operating system, browser, etc.) is always up-to-date.

soft-clock installations on Oracle database servers are not supported.

1.1.4 Hardware Requirements

SOFT-SOLUTIONS makes the following hardware demands on your database server:

Database system

  • MSSQL 2014 (32-/64-bit)
  • MSSQL 2016 (64-bit)
  • MSSQL 2017 (64-bit)
  • MSSQL 2019 (64-bit)
  • MSSQL 2022 (64-bit)
  • Oracle 19c (64-bit)*

Processor

  • current processor technology for business server environment

Main memory (RAM)

  • at least 4 GB free, with additional 2 GB required for every additional branch office operation with approx. 20 concurrent users in an instance/database

Hard disk space

  • at least 28 GB free hard drive quota (current RAID technology recommended)
  • in addition, at least 28 GB is required for every additional instance/database

Network card

  • at least 1 GBit/s

CAUTION




* soft-clock installations on Oracle database servers are not supported.

1.2 Client

The following operating systems are currently supported:

Windows operating systems

  • 10 Professional, Enterprise (32-/64-bit)*
  • 11 Professional, Enterprise (64-bit)*

Processor

  • current processor technology for business workstation environment

Main memory (RAM)

  • recommendation based on operating system; however, at least 2 GB

Hard disk space

  • at least 10 GB free hard disk quota

Network card

  • at least 1 GBit/s

Screen resolution

  • 1280 x 1024 pixels or higher, minimum of 16-bit colours, currently no 4K resolution or higher is supported!
  • Windows display default setting (application display is optimized for the default setting of the Windows display option for DPI, text and elements)

Browser

  • current version of Chrome, Firefox or Edge

NOTE
Problems may occur in Windows operating systems with an active firewall unless they are specially configured. Make sure your system (operating system, browser, etc.) is always up-to-date.
* SOFT-SOLUTIONS itself runs in 32-bit mode in 64-bit environments, while the services run in 64-bit mode. The ODBC driver must be used and configured in the 32-bit version.

NOTE
Some SOFT-SOLUTIONS functions and modules, such as the soft-welcome show, are based on Embedded Web Application (EWA). Starting with SOFT-SOLUTIONS version x.23.10, the corresponding Microsoft runtime environment Microsoft Edge WebView2 is required for this, which should be included by default in the current Windows operating system. It may be necessary to install this feature on server operating systems. Older runtime environments – e.g. based on Internet Explorer 11 – are no longer supported.

1.3 Services

Special services are required for communication between SOFT-SOLUTIONS modules and external systems, as well as for certain features - these can be installed directly on the database server.

The hardware requirements are based on those of the database server.

The following items must be observed:

64-bit architecture

  • all services can now only be used on Windows with 64-bit architecture

Main memory (RAM)

  • recommendation based on operating system; however, at least 2 GB
  • an additional 300 MB must be included for each database with an branch office; every additional branch office in the database will require an additional 100 MB

Hard disk space

  • at least 10 GB free hard disk quota
  • if you are using soft-pad, you will require additional hard disk space in order to store image files; the size of this space will depend on the camera resolution of the hardware you are using

1.4 Branch Office Connection

In general, branches can be connected to the database server via a remote data protocol. However, a sufficient line capacity must be ensured.

VPN connections via DSL without the use of a terminal server are not supported by soft-nrg Development GmbH.

Connection via a standard leased line is also not recommended.

2 Terminal Server/Citrix Installation

2.1 Windows Terminal Server Installation

The following terminal server operating systems are currently supported:

Windows Terminal Server

  • 2012 (64-bit)
  • 2012 R2 (64-bit)
  • 2016 only Standard and Datacenter versions (64-bit)
  • 2019 only Standard and Datacenter versions (64-bit)
  • 2022 only Standard and Datacenter versions (64-bit)

Processor

  • current processor technology for business server environment
  • approx. one processor core for every 10 users
    Example: 40 users would result in 4 processor cores (40 users / 10 users per core = 4 cores).

Main memory (RAM)

  • approx. 100 MB per user, but at least 2 GB
    Example: 40 users would result in 4 GB RAM. An additional 2 GB of free RAM should be included for the operating system. This results in a total of 6 GB RAM.

Hard disk space

  • at least 3 GB free hard disk quota

Network card

  • at least 1 GBit/s

Printer

  • configured for terminal server use

Remote Desktop Client

  • installed on workstations

Branch office connection

  • based on number of workstations
  • RDP protocol approximately 40 kb/s per client
  • ICA protocol approximately 14.4 kb/s per client

NOTE
You should observe the following rules of thumb when dimensioning the terminal server (based on the number of users accessing the server):
The terminal server should have approx. an additional 100 MB RAM for each user as well as a minimum hard drive quota of 500 MB. The larger the number of users who are working on the terminal server, the higher the processor clock frequency should be. It is recommended that each processor core support no more than 10 users.
The available hardware is statistically divided over the number of users, while the terminal server distributes its resources dynamically. This means that if one user requires more resources than another, the resources will be assigned to him dynamically.
For reasons of performance, the terminal server should not use the same hardware as the database server; instead, it should access it like a normal client. The same system requirements as described in Section 1 – Client-Server Installation (Local Network) also apply for the database server.

2.2 Citrix Terminal Server Installation

SOFT-SOLUTIONS can also be run on terminal servers in conjunction with Citrix. However, the use of Citrix will result in additional licensing costs.

NOTE
The same system requirements as described in Section 2.1 – Windows Terminal Server Installation also apply for this deployment.

3 File System

Only NTFS and ReFS are supported as file systems on Windows systems.

4 Use of Virus Scanners

If you are using virus scanners on workstations and database servers, appropriate exceptions (on-access and on-demand) must be configured on database files and program folders as well as the SOFT-SOLUTIONS Deploy directory.

5 Data Backup

We recommend that you back up your SOFT-SOLUTIONS database to an external medium on a regular basis. Any backup tools you are using must be configured appropriately.

CAUTION
Please note that databases cannot be backed up during operation unless the backup tool you are using provides appropriate support.

6 soft-net

A SOFT-SOLUTIONS service establishes a secure connection from the local SOFT-SOLUTIONS database to the soft-net portal.

NOTE
In addition, please observe the guidelines described under Section 1.3 – Services.

7 soft-confirm

Use soft-confirm for smart video communication with your customers.

The following properties of mobile devices are supported:

Browser

  • Chrome from version 88.1 (recommended)
  • Safari from version 14.1
  • Access through the browser to camera and microphone as well as the permission to store data

Camera

  • Resolution of at least 3 megapixels
  • Image stabilization function (recommended)
  • Camera light (recommended)
  • External microphone (recommended)

Network connection

  • at least WLAN 802.11n
  • Internet connection at least 1 MBit/s upload (10 MBit/s recommended for efficient upload of media files)

Operating systems/Hardware

  • Free memory > 4 GB
  • Apple IOS 14 or higher
  • Android 11.0 or higher

NOTE
In addition, please observe the guidelines described under Section 1.3 – Services.

8 soft-messenger

soft-messenger makes it possible for messages to be sent out from SOFT-SOLUTIONS. An operational Internet connection is required on every workstation for this purpose. Message are transferred securely via the HTTPS protocol. We recommend Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox (most up-to-date versions) be used to access the soft-messenger portal.

8.1 Encoding (SMS)

All messages are sent in GSM 03.38 (7-bit) standard alphabet. Up to 160 characters may be transmitted with this encoding. If a message contains a different character, the application will encode the entire message in Unicode UCS-2 (16-bit). Up to 70 characters can be transferred in this way.

NOTE
You'll find additional information on this process at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GSM_03.38.

9 soft-pad

soft-pad is provided for purposes of direct reception in the vehicle.

The following device properties are supported:

Browser

  • Chrome (recommended)
  • Safari

Display size

  • 7“ and larger

Display format

  • 4:3
  • 16:9
  • 16:10

Camera

  • minimum resolution of 3 megapixels

Network connection

  • WLAN 802.11g or higher

Operating systems/hardware 

  • iPad, 2nd generation or higher with iOS 9.2
  • Windows 8.1 or higher
  • Android 4.0 or higher

Remote Desktop Client

  • installed on workstations

NOTE
In addition, please observe the guidelines described under Section 1.3 – Services.

10 soft-clock

soft-clock modules must be connected to the server either via a UNC path or a hard drive link. Communication with the database server is via ODBC.

CAUTION
soft-clock databases are case-sensitive. As a result, you will need to create a separate MSSQL instance which supports this, if necessary. In addition, please observe the guidelines described under Section 1.1.1 – Microsoft SQL Database Server.
soft-clock installations on Oracle database servers are not supported. In addition, please observe the guidelines described under Section 1.1.3 – Operating System Requirements and Section 1.1.4 – Hardware Requirements.

10.1 Barcode Scanner

The barcodes supported by soft-clock have fonts of Code 39 Extended and Code 39 Full ASCII. As a result, your barcode scanner must support these fonts.

Please observe the following settings in your configuration:

  • German character set / keyboard
  • No check digit
  • No prefix
  • No suffix
  • Font of Code 39 Extended and Code 39 Full ASCII

11 soft-communicator

11.1 Telephony

Please note that the customer must ensure that telephone components are installed and configured before soft-communicator is set up (e.g. installation and configuration of TAPI driver for telephone system, etc.)

soft-communicator can only use telephony functions which are also supported and provided by the customer's TAPI driver. soft-nrg Development GmbH will happy to confirm what functions are provided by the installed TAPI driver before you set up soft-communicator.

Option 1 - 3rd Party Driver on a Server (preferred)

A TAPI driver with a connection to the telephone system must be installed and completely configured on a central server. The driver must support at least Microsoft TAPI V 2.0 Standard.

Option 2 - 1st Party Driver on Local Workstation

A TAPI driver with a connection to the telephone system must be installed and completely configured on every local workstation. The driver must support at least Microsoft TAPI V 2.0 Standard.

If this option is used, an additional SOFT-SOLUTIONS service must be installed on each workstation.

Server

In both of these options, SOFT-SOLUTIONS services are set up on one server. The workstations on which SOFT-SOLUTIONS is installed communicate over the network with the corresponding service on the server.

11.2 Messages

The SOFT-SOLUTIONS client requires a connection to the database in order to make use of messages.

11.3 E-mail

An e-mail program must be installed and completely configured on the local PC so that e-mail addresses may be transferred from SOFT-SOLUTIONS.

12 soft-welcome

12.1 soft-welcome in Client-Server Network

The presentation of your Service appointments and individual Marketing actions requires that your workstation be equipped appropriately.

NOTE
The same system requirements as described in Section 1.2 – Client also apply here.
The PC must be integrated into your network. A PC which is being used for soft-welcome may not also be used as a workstation at the same time.

Only one Welcome Show can be started on each workstation. You will need separate PCs if you want to display different shows on different devices.

If you want to use an alternative display device/TV for presentation, we recommend the following hardware components:

  • a suitable graphics card with an appropriate connection to your desired display device/TV
  • display device/TV of an appropriate size 

The display device/TV is connected to the PC via the compatible connection. The distance between the PC and the display device/TV should not exceed 5 meters.

Presentations on wide screen monitors require a graphics card which supports the resolution of the display device/TV. Please contact your hardware supplier with any questions in this area.

12.2 soft-welcome with Use of a Terminal Server

If you are using a terminal server (Windows Terminal Server / Citrix), soft-welcome will still be installed locally on the PC. The same minimum requirements as already described above will still apply here. In addition, the PC must be integrated into your network.

CAUTION
Using soft-welcome directly on the terminal server/Citrix is not supported.

13 Online Help

An Internet connection is required for each workstation in order to access the online help function.

Browser

  • current version of Chrome, Firefox or Edge

14 Firewall and Proxy

Due to high availability and protection of our solutions, you may need to share outgoing IP address ranges/FQDN (Fully Qualified Domain Name) and/or ports. If connection problems occur, you will be assisted by our support.

Outbound whitelist

HTTPS and WSS (WebSocket Secure):

  • TCP port 443

Passive FTP (explicit mode) via TLS (required for the automatic download of update packages):

  • TCP port 21

NOTE
When using a proxy server with authentication, we recommend using a separate user.