Technical Details

Full Client

A full client installation consists of all client software being loaded and configured on the local workstations. Full client installations can require a single server or several servers depending on user load, hardware configuration, selected RDMS or method of deployment.

Sites with less than 20 users can achieve satisfactory results utilizing Microsoft® SQL server and the FASTER application server module residing on a single server. Larger sites with more than 20 users and sites utilizing an Oracle RDBMS must deploy separate servers for the RDBMS and FASTER application server module.

The FASTER Server functions seamlessly with data centrally contained in an enterprise database management system shared with other databases. FASTER is also in production at sites utilizing NAS and SANS storage devices and can be successfully installed and configured on virtual environment server platforms such as VMWare. Placement of the application and database servers is critical. There are generally two recommended configurations:

• A locally contained environment deploys the server(s) and user workstations in the same local area network (LAN) with network infrastructure capable of supporting 10/100 Mbps rates to the desktop.
• A centrally managed server environment is maintained by co-locating the application and database server(s) at a data center connected via high-speed WAN link to the user LAN(s).

Thin Client

A thin client solution features applications executing in a server environment accessed through user sessions. Content of the user sessions or access to resources can be customized for individual users or user groups. Minimal application software is installed on the workstation PC. FASTER is deployed in a thin client environment utilizing Terminal Services and/or Citrix Metaframe. The thin client solution supports minimally configured PC's running Windows 95/98, Windows 2000 or XP, or network terminals (WinTerms). Terminal Services is integrated into Windows 2000/2003 Server and can be utilized with or without the CITRIX Metaframe operating system layer. Additional Terminal Services licensing is required for this configuration. Deploying in a thin client configuration may also require the addition of a terminal services server computer(s) to service the client sessions.

Mixed-Mode

In some cases, the best solution is a customized combination of the Full and Thin installation options. In these instances, the FASTER Asset Solutions Project Management team will work closely with your site to devise the best configuration and necessary requirements for your needs.

Application Hosting

FASTER Asset Solutions partners with Mercury Associates, Inc. (www.mercury-assoc.com). This partnership provides FASTER subscribers with commercial-grade application hosting infrastructure, Application Hosting Internet access, and professional platform support services. More and more fleet operations are considering outsourcing the housing and maintenance of their fleet software and data.There are several considerations to evaluate before making this decision. Application hosting can be an ideal fit for sites with any of the common issues listed below.

• Overburdened or inadequate information services resources.
• Concerns about security, viruses and worms.
• A limited capital budget for hardware purchase and maintenance.
• An Enterprise information solution that does not meet your fleet information needs.
• Concerns about regular and reliable backups.
• Inadequate support or commitment from IT.
• Overburdened or inadequate information services resources.

Application hosting can address these issues offering the following benefits.

• Minimal IT expertise needed on staff or from another internal department.
• Minimal hardware requirements for all client machines.
• Seamless upgrades.
• Ensured daily backups.
• Guaranteed data security and integrity.
• Continued ability to interface with other software applications, as needed.

System Setup & Maintenance

FASTER's mission is to provide superior software and phenomenal service. We partner with every customer to ensure the smoothest installation and most comprehensive support. System administration and maintenance for the full, thin and mixed-mode deployments (including all desktop/server hardware and operating systems, RDMS Server software, network infrastructure, supplemental software programs and applications), however, are the responsibility of the customer site personnel. These services are vital to providing a stable and efficient environment for the FASTER system and may be contracted from an outside local vendor.

Supporting this world-class data center is a team of highly trained systems administrators, database administrators, and network engineers, who proactively manage the platform and respond to system issues that can affect system availability and performance. Access to Application Hosting platform support staff is available by e-mail, instant messaging, telephone, and facsimile.

Report Administration

The standard reports provided with the FASTER application are created in Crystal Reports. Crystal Reports software is not required to execute the run-time compiled reports; however, some sites prefer the ability to create and modify reports. This product and licensing cannot be obtained through FASTER Asset Solutions but may be obtained from most resellers or directly from Crystal Decisions (www.crystaldecisions.com).

Please contact FASTER prior to purchasing Crystal Reports to verify the current recommended version. FASTER also provides report writer training on the FASTER database via regional training sessions and/or onsite specialized training.