Technology Guidelines

VCCS PeopleSoft File Server Requirements

Version: 1.5
Status: draft 4/4/2000
Contact: Brendan L. Hogan

Detailed Deployment Instructions: http://helpnet.ut.cc.va.us/csc/srd/srdhome.htm  

Purpose

The purpose of this guideline is to define the acceptable PeopleSoft file server configuration for deployment of the VCCS Student Information System and Financials.

 Scope

This guideline defines the file server component, the recommended operating system software, and where the hardware should be deployed to support SIS.

 Applicability

This guideline covers all operating units of the VCCS.

Guideline

·       The recommended hardware architecture for the VCCS Student Information System (SIS) and Financials is a three-tiered architecture as defined by PeopleSoft.

·        A standard PeopleSoft environment contains a file server to share printers and to maintain a master copy of the system programs to which each workstation connects. 

·        The file server portion of the Model (referred as the PeopleSoft file server) requires the server to be part of the VCC Utility Shared Resource Domain and is physically located at the college.  This is the server being defined in this document.

·        An additional NT server (referred as the College PDC) acting as a Primary Domain Controller (PDC) must be physically located at the college.  The requirements for this separate server are defined in the Technology Model “VCC Utility Shared Resource Domain Model”.

File Servers

·       Each college may deploy one or more dedicated PeopleSoft file servers located at the campus.

·        These servers must use the Windows NT operating system.

·        The file servers will be used to maintain a master copy of the PeopleTools, Application, and related software that will be used by the Windows desktop clients. 

·        The college will need to supply a server separate from the PeopleSoft file server to be used as a PDC to provide authentication of their users to shared resources such as PeopleSoft. See SRD documentation http://helpnet.ut.cc.va.us/csc/srd/srdhome.htm

·        Windows and web clients in a three-tier connection send Tuxedo messages to the application server, in turn, sends the SQL to the database server.

Typical File Server Hardware Configuration

1.      Processor: Pentium II or higher capable of being upgraded to multiple processors for future scalability.  A larger college should have a minimum of dual proccessors and may want to consider a server capable of utilizing four processors.

2.      Hard drive duplexing, 2 eighteen GB drives duplexed would provide eighteen GB of space. (RAID5 optional hardware to enable a high level of fault tolerance. Three eighteen GB drives minimum would provide thirty-six GB of space for applications, network operating system and associated files including print spooling files and other application files).

3.      Memory: 256 MB RAM minimum, 512 MB minimum for larger colleges. PeopleSoft recommends that you maximize the amount of memory on the file server to ensure optimum performance.

4.      VGA video controller and display (640x480 or higher resolution supported)

5.      Network board

6.      Tape backup system: Must have ample capacity and speed to backup entire disk daily.

7.      CD-ROM Drive

8.      UPS: Capable of providing an unattended shutdown after a minimum 10 minutes battery time.

9.      Network operating system: Windows NT with SP5 installed.

10. If Compaq server, Insight Manager agents should be loaded for remote monitoring by Utility staff.