Questions

Installation Questions

Q. What database software do I need to install to use LaserVault products?

A. All LaserVault Software requires JET database engine version 4 SP6 or higher and MDAC version 2.6 or higher. The updated data access components can be downloaded from Microsoft at: http://www.microsoft.com/data

The LaserVault DMS Server, Content Express and LaserVault Full Text Index Daemon require Microsoft SQL Server or Microsoft Desktop Engine (MSDE) installed.

MSDE is the free runtime version of SQL Server, with a limitation of 2 GB for each database, and a ‘software throttle’ that reduces performance after 8 simultaneous users are accessing the database.

MSDE works fine for many of our customers, since we only store keys in the database, and reports and images are stored as files outside the database. 2 GB is a lot of keys and we use a separate database for each LaserVault DMS folder (for example).

Q. When do I need to use SQL Server instead of MSDE?

A. If you are planning to use the Full Text Indexing feature of LaserVault, you should probably use a version of SQL Server rather than MSDE, to avoid problems with the 2GB database size limitation.

Q. Can I use my existing copy of SQL Server?

A. Yes.

Q. Do I need to periodically backup my SQL Server or MSDE database?

A. Yes. SQL Server or MSDE database maintenance tasks will be the customer's responsibility.

Q. If I buy a copy of SQL Server to use with LaserVault products, which type of license should I buy?

A. Processor licensing for SQL will be the best licensing option for most customers. See http://www.microsoft.com/sql/howtobuy/faq.asp to help you determine the best option for your company.

ESC is now a Microsoft Certified Solutions Partner, which means we can sell you a runtime version of SQL server to be used only with ESC products. The price at this writing is $2500. Please contact your ESC representative for a current quote.

Q. Can I run LaserVault servers on a server I am already using for other purposes?

A. Yes, but we do not recommend it. We recommend that a dedicated machine be used for all ESC Products. You can use the same server for all ESC products.

Q. Do I need a server farm?

A. LaserVault servers are designed to be very efficient, and we have not yet had a user require a multiple-server farm. Our software architecture is server farm compatible if the need arises in the future.

Q. What Operating System do I need for my server?

A. Windows 2000 Server or Windows 2003 Server.

Q. Which security method should I use with MSDE or SQL Server?

A. You should use sql authentication, not Windows authentication.

Use sql authentication and set the sa password.

Here's the reason:

If sql server is using windows authentication, then any application that makes a connection is connecting in the context of the currently logged on account, or the account the service or web application is running under.

By default sql server allows only user accounts that are members of the administrators group to connect. IUSR_[machine] and IWAM_[machine] are normally not members of the administrators group.

This usually results in you being able to connect to sql server from the various config programs, but unable to connect from a web app. You avoid this problem when you set MSDE or SQL server to use SQL authentication.

By default MSDE ships and installs itself to run with windows authentication. ESC has a program you can run to set MSDE to the preferred setting for running with ESC products. Contact your ESC support representative for a copy of this program.

Q. When is Windows 2003 Server required?

A. Windows 2003 Server is required for products which use Faxing Components, such as Content Express, or if you are using the inbound faxing option of LaserVault DMS.

Q. What about onsite training?

A. The training schedule can be very intense. It is absolutely necessary for the operators who are going to be responsible for the maintenance and daily operations of the system be available for all phases of the training.

Interruptions or having to 'put out fires' can adversely effect the schedule and quality of training.

Q. What skills are needed by the systems administrator for ESC server software?

A. The administrator of the system is expected to:

be familiar with MS-DOS, Microsoft Windows and Windows File Manager/ Explorer
be able to perform tasks such as installing and starting applications
be able to do general file maintenance such as file copying, moving, and deleting
be familiar with the host and network configuration

Q. What can affect the training schedule?

A. The order in which the training topics are addressed may change depending on what the installer and administrator needs to accomplish. The use of application server software such as Citrix, Windows Terminal Server or other network / host applications will need to be addressed and may affect the installation schedule. Problems with network administration or configuration can adversely impact the time available for training.

If you have special issues or an unusual situation, please inform us as soon as possible so we can resolve any issues before coming on site.

Q. Can I automate my download and indexing with custom CLs?

A. Some LaserVault software includes special CL commands for selected, downloading, indexing, and archiving reports. We have documented those commands and you can use them in your own command procedures.

Control Language programming is programming on the AS/400 using the Operating System Commands. The emphasis of CL is to control operations on the system by requesting system functions that control workflow and define job streams.

CL programming is considered an intermediate programming skill and is not a requirement for LaserVault support staff, or installers. During the install, the installer will assist you in every way possible in writing/updating your CL.

After the initial install, LaserVault will not be responsible for maintaining or trouble shooting customer-created CL’s. We will always help with any problems with our own commands.

That being said, we can and will review a fax/email copy of your CL for obvious mistakes and we will ensure our commands work from our menu and the command line. If you desire additional consulting on custom CL creation or editing, we can refer you to a very skillful third party.