This document is intended as a guideline for clients with less than 15 users and database size(s) of less than 2 GB. For clients with more than 15 users and databases larger than 2 GB, please review the recommendations in this document as a starting point reference for your system configuration.
- RFMS strongly recommends consulting with your local IT Professional, SQL Technician/Consultant, and SQL Vendor for all SQL Purchases, Configurations, and Builds (especially for clients larger than 15 users and larger than 2 GB databases) as modifications or adjustments per environment may be necessary.
- Recommendations in this document are directed toward a server running SQL Server Express for RFMS and do not consider any other SQL Instances, Programs, Functions, Databases, etc., that the client may also using. Please follow these recommendations at your own risk. They are designed to provide you with the best performance in RFMS as possible; however, they do not guarantee optimum performance as program speed and performance can be affected by multiple environmental variables.
RFMS Core is comprised of two parts:
- RFMS Program Files
- Microsoft SQL Database
The program and database both run wholly off the server(s). Therefore, the server needs to have the hardware capabilities to support the inbound and outbound network connections and the memory requirements for database usage. There is NO CLIENT SOFTWARE installed on the workstations. Instead, the workstations use a shortcut pointing to the program on the networked server (via a mapped drive or UNC Connection).
- If SQL is already installed on your server, you will need to set it to Mixed Mode (Windows Authentication and SQL Authentication) and create a password for the SA Account. If SQL is used for another function or program, please confirm that it will not be detrimental to change SQL to Mixed Mode if it is not already set. If you cannot switch to Mixed Mode on the existing instance, you will need to install a separate SQL instance set to Mixed Mode.
General Requirements for all Configurations
- High-Speed Internet Connection for procuring Core ERP downloads, uploads/downloads from vendors and for Cyncly remote assistance.
- Wired Ethernet Connections are strongly recommended. GB Network Cards, GB Switches, and Cat 5 cabling at minimum. It is not recommend running the computer through an IP Phone, and it is not recommend running RFMS via Wireless Networks due to potential performance issues.
- At least one printer that is either networked or cabled. See the Printers & Printer connections sections for detailed specifications.
- Provision for doing daily backups of RFMS Program Files and SQL Database. (Consult with your Local IT Professional regarding best and most secure solutions).
- An Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) is required on the Server and recommended on the workstations. A UPS is a battery-backup unit; a simple surge-suppressor is NOT sufficient for protecting your equipment and data.
- Monitor(s) with Minimum Resolution of 1920x1080. Running RFMS at lower resolutions may create screen bleed issues, and the user may not be able to view all fields or buttons.
Hardware / Software Recommendations (by Client User Count)
- Standard Edition Server Software is recommended.
- Operating Systems:
While the Core ERP should function on 32-bit operating systems and 64-bit operating systems, it is recommend 64-bit server operating systems. If using 64-bit operating system, make sure that you have the appropriate version of SQL for this. - Important information about memory and SQL:
The size of the database determines the amount of memory required for Microsoft SQL. Typically, Memory will be a 1:1 ratio (DB Size to Memory); however, SQL can take more if needed. This can be a 1:2 ratio (DB Size to Memory)
Single User System
- Recommended: Intel Core i7 2.0GHz or faster processor, 16GB or greater RAM, with a 7200RPM SATA hard drive
- Minimum required: Intel Core i5 , 8GB RAM, with 7200RPM SATA hard drive
- See "Important Information about Memory and SQL"
- See the table below for recommended OS and SQL
Workgroup System (For 2-5 User Configurations Only)
Server:
- Recommended: Intel Core i7 3.0GHz or faster processor, 16GB or greater RAM, with a 7200RPM SATA hard drive
- Minimum Required: Intel i5, 8GB RAM, with a 7200RPM SATA hard drive
- See "Important Information about Memory and SQL"
- Note: it is recommended going with a higher-end processor for our server, such as the new second or third-generation Intel 'Core i7' or Xeon series quad-core processors.
Workstation Computers:
- Recommended: Intel Core i7 2.0GHz or faster computer, 16 GB or greater RAM, with a
7200RPM SATA hard drive. - Minimum required: Intel Core i5, 8 GB RAM, with a 7200RPM SATA hard drive.
- See the table below for recommended OS and SQL
Dedicated File Server System (For 5-15 User Configurations Only)
Server:
- Recommended: Xeon 3.0 Hz or faster computer, 16 GB or greater RAM, with a 7200 SATA
or SAS hard drive. - See “Important Information about Memory and SQL” above.
Note: we recommend going with a higher-end processor for your server, such as the
new second or third-generation Intel ‘Core i7’ or Xeon series quad-core processors.
Workstation Computers:
- Recommended: Intel Core i7 2.0GHz or faster computer, 16 GB or greater RAM, with a
7200RPM SATA hard drive. - Minimum required: Intel Core i5, 8 GB RAM, with a 7200RPM SATA hard drive.
- See the table below for recommended OS and SQL
Operating System and SQL Server - Current Recommendations
Note: Since the Core ERP is developed in a Windows Environment, we will follow Microsoft's Mainstream Support Cycle as closely as possible. Please see Microsoft's current Product and Services Lifecyle Information.
|
Product *Indicates off support |
Microsoft Mainstream Support End Date | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Windows 10 Pro | October 14, 2025 | Single User Server or Workstations |
| Windows 11 Pro | N/A | Single User Server or Workstations |
| Windows Server 2016*† | January 11, 2022 | Server |
| Windows Server 2019* | January 9, 2024 | Server |
| Windows Server 2022 | October 13, 2026 | Server |
| SQL Server 2016 (SP2) *†‡ | July 13, 2021 | SQL |
| SQL Server 2017* | October 11, 2022 | SQL |
| SQL Server 2019* | January 7, 2025 | SQL |
| SQL Server 2022 | January 11, 2028 | SQL |
†These version are off support (Mainstream) and are no longer recommended. They are listed here for reference only.
‡SQL 2016: This went off support (Mainstream) on July 13, 2021. Even though Service Pack 3 does have
support past this date, according to Microsoft, “When support for a product ends, support of all the service packs for that product also ends. The product's lifecycle supersedes the service pack policy.”
Additionally, earlier versions of SQL 2016 had reports of issues with Remote Desktop. If using SQL 2016, please make sure all Windows Updates have been applied.
SQL Server Compatibility Levels
With past versions of SQL, the Compatibility Level was mainly used to control feature changes
related to the new version of SQL (disabling of old features or enabling of new features). This was
also used to allow for backward application compatibility. With later versions of SQL, performance
could be affected by not changing.
The below information should help when determining what level to change to. We strongly
recommend testing this within your environment.
| SQL Server Version | Default Compatibility Level | Recommended Compatibility Level |
|---|---|---|
| SQL Server 2022 | 160 | 130 |
| SQL Server 2019* | 150 | 130 |
| SQL Server 2017* | 140 | 130 |
| SQL Server 2016* | 130 | 130 |
| SQL Server 2014* | 120 | 110 |
| SQL Server 2012* | 110 | 110 |
* These SQL Server versions are off support (Mainstream) and are no longer recommended. They are listed here for reference only.
Helpful Links
SQL Database and Maintenance
Server Recommendations
Best Practices for Performance, Backups, and Data Integrity
RFMS Database Backups
RFMS Program Update Instructions
How to Set Up a Test and Practice Environment
Remote Connection Recommendations
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