Operating Environment - Deskflow Enterprise

DeskFlow Enterprise is typically used in a multi-user environment, with users having local and/or remote access using the TCP/IP protocol. The major reasons for using DeskFlow Enterprise in a multi-user configuration include sharing data files and sharing resources.

DeskFlow Enterprise has no upper limits in terms of the number of workstations that may effectively operate the software or in the amount of data that can be saved. Some of our larger installations have over 100 workstations searching, printing reports, scheduling activities concurrently and have databases in excess of 150,000 applicants.

Basic Hardware Terminology:

Your network will consist of several important components:

Database Server

The primary purpose of the database server is to maintain a shared access to centralised SQL database that can be queried and updated by local and remote users at any time of day or night. It should be capable of performing 95% of user queries in under 50 milliseconds, and 50% of user queries in less than 1 millisecond.

Application Server(s)

The primary purpose of the application server is to scalably manage shared access to databases, and to provide various levels of security and access control to remote or local users. All user queries and database server responses are funnelled through the application server(s). The DeskFlow Application Server and the DeskFlow Administration Server both operate on the application server machine(s).

Web Server

The primary purpose of the web server is to post DeskFlow Enterprise job orders on the internet, then to collect, process and file candidate responses in the SQL database.

The web server also provides a portal for candidates to manage their own profile and timesheets, and for clients to access summary information as required.

Workstations

These are individual computers connected (locally or remotely) to the application server to allow multiple users to access the database simultaneously and share other network resources such as printers, internet connections, email, fax servers etc.

Printers

Printers may be connected physically to any workstation or to a print server, based on a company's printing requirements.

Backup and Recovery Equipment

It is recommended that the all the servers, and ideally all computers and devices connected to the server, be connected to a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply). This ensures that even though direct power may fail, there is time to logically wind down operations and move gradually into a "manual" mode until power is restored.

In addition, to prevent loss of data due to hardware failure, all systems must have a Tape Backup System. Procedures should be established in order to backup data files up on a nightly, weekly and monthly basis to tape and have this media stored in a safe and secured place. Our technical staff can assist you to design a recovery plan prior to your system implementation.

Network Hardware

To connect workstations (PC's) to the application server, the network requires a central distribution 'Hub', and each workstation requires a network interface card (NIC). The type of network interface used determines the method used to send and receive data, the rate of data transmission, network topology and cable types. A 'Switch' is a type of network hub that actively manages the bandwidth to allow for full network speed at each port, and is recommended as the distribution hardware component.