3. Hardware requirements

The requirements specified here are intended for installations from the publication of this documentation. Depending on the peripherals used and the further development of Hypersoft programs, operating systems and databases, further requirements may arise.

Even modern and up-to-date POS terminals are not trimmed for performance, but for stability, low heat generation (low consumption, passive cooling) and fail-safety. We take this into account during software development so that the terminals from our range remain compatible with the programs for at least 4-6 years.

Internet connection of the Hypersoft system...

The hypersoft system should be connected to the Internet. If you network several cash registers, it is sufficient to connect the main cash register or the server to the Internet. Hypersoft internal functions then take care of transporting the information to and from the main cash register. These are, for example, online ordering, weather data, web voucher bookings, customer data, time recording data and information for the live report.

We therefore recommend a permanent and data-unlimited internet connection for the main cash register or the server, which in turn requires a virus protection. External access (e.g. remote maintenance) is carried out via the Teamviewer software, whereby router / firewall settings must be taken into account. Users who work with Hypersoft programs need users, power users & Administrator rights.

The more important a functional internet connection becomes for you, the more securely you should provide it. This can be done, for example, simply with a router that switches to an appropriately designed SIM card if the DSL connection fails.

Introduction for Administration and Installer

Our programmes are designed for functional LAN networks as standard, exceptions are also the programmes designated as mobile solutions such as mPOS and CLOU MOBILE, but also some of the touch screen optimised stock management programmes.

You cannot assume that the Hypersoft programmes will be able to act without error in defective or overloaded networks and in every situation with WLAN, DLAN or similar devices. WLAN, DLAN and similar connections should only be used after consultation with Hypersoft. If you install such things and an error occurs in this context, please check first whether this also occurs with a stable LAN connection. In case of a support request in this context, you are obliged to inform our employees about possible deviations from the required stable LAN connection.

Virtual server...

Virtual servers are generally supported, as long as the requirements of the system and in particular certain device connections and accessibility are supported. If the requirements of the corresponding components are taken into account, virtualization in connection with Hypersoft systems is not a problem. If we recommend you here or elsewhere to consider certain things when reinstalling Hypersoft, this recommendation also applies to the relocation of a virtual system. For virtual checkout stations, read Use virtual checkout station. For the Kassensicherungsverordnung you TSE with Virtual Cash Stationssee .

Trunking, Bonding, Teaming...

The merging or bundling of network connections (so-called "trunking", "bonding" or "teaming") can lead to system malfunctions when using Hypersoft, in particular when processing print jobs. In order to ensure system stability and to avoid malfunctions, no network drinks may be installed on servers and/or (main) cash registers.

Especially in case of an error, they must first use a standard network card for comparison and are obliged to inform our support about the techniques used.

Internet Protocol Version 4 (IPv4), Broadcast and Multicast...

Hypersoft uses the IPv4 Protocol. The modules that operate in the network communicate via IPv4 addresses. The network must allow ICMP packets through so that a PING is possible, see 4. IP and Port List. IPv6 Protocol, is currently not necessary for the use of Hypersoft (and it is also designed for other requirements). Our programmes use techniques such as broadcast and / or multicast for orientation and communication, partly also within the framework of our integrated security systems of Hypersoft Suite. Consequently, these things must not be blocked in your network, but must be explicitly supported.

An indication of defective configurations is, for example, in the Remote Commander where the stations are reported as unavailable and flashing red. In fact, however, you risk malfunctions and disturbances with such incorrect configurations.

Hardware requirements for POS terminals

Processor PC Intel Celeron (R) 5205U @1.90GHz or higher
Processor tablet Intel Atom E3940 1.60 GHz or higher
Processor mobile POS Intel Atom Z8350 1.44 GHz
Working memory (RAM) POS terminals at least 4 GB memory (from brand manufacturer) or higher.
Storage space Hypersoft requires at least 64 GB of hard disk space (SSD preferred).
network card Minimum requirement Fast Ethernet 100 Mbit. Gigabit Ethernet (1000 Mbit) or better in combination with other Gigabit network components (switch) is recommended. Redundant network connection for fail-safe operation.
Further connections

If dispensing systems or an order man system are used or printers are connected to the server (main cash desk) via COM, then sufficient internal COM connections must be ensured. The best way to solve this is to use a built-in expansion card.

Further documentation: USB Remarks.

data backup We recommend an external medium for data backup, e.g. USB stick, external hard disk or an approved network drive.
UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) A UPS is recommended that protects all active components (server, router, etc.) and maintains operation for a downtime of 10 - 20 minutes with the connected load. For cash registers, we recommend a UPS power strip, e.g. from APC.

Requirements for a point-of-sale server

The requirements mentioned here refer to a system with a maximum number of 20 of the following devices: cash registers, workstations or mobile devices. Furthermore, it is project work that requires planning, even though there is basically no limit to the number of tills or workstations (for example, we currently have over 150 tills and workstations connected in a single local network and, in the case of branch systems, many more devices linked).

This topic concerns project work that is subject to planning.

The Hypersoft // system is a standard programme that can be used in many different configurations. The correct application of the topics described here requires expert knowledge and an alignment of expectations, and not all Hypersoft employees and partners are equally trained in all of the topics labelled in this way. For this reason, we characterise these topics as project work requiring planning, so that you can contact your Hypersoft sales partner or Hypersoft Support in good time with this necessary planning. This approach ensures that we record your requirements carefully and respond to them in a targeted manner.


 

Processor Intel Core i5 9600 / AMD Ryzen 5 3600 or higher or current Intel Xeon / AMD Epyc processor with at least 3.0 GHz clock frequency In any case, opt for the current processor generation. Even with the same clock frequency, the current generation can be noticeably faster. Choose processors within the same model range with higher clock speeds and fewer cores, but at least quad-core. Software (including the Hypersoft Suite modules) usually benefits more from a higher base clock than from many processor cores. Systems with an ARM processor are not supported.
Working memory (RAM) At least 8 GB, but 16 GB or more memory from brand manufacturers such as Infineon, Kingston, etc. is recommended. In addition, an expansion should be possible or feasible so that you can add more working memory if necessary. Complex or data-intensive queries to the database in particular can be accelerated with more working memory, as it is not necessary to switch to the slower mass memory.
Disc system SSD RAID / SAS RAID 1 / 5 / 10 with BBU (hot-swap capable) capacity according to the requirements of the Windows operating system or the expected data volume of the Hypersoft Suite. Approx. 3 GB per Hypersoft client/operation per year are to be expected. Appropriate reserves must be planned or care must be taken to ensure that the system can be expanded accordingly. Due to various logs and for fiscalisation, a higher storage requirement is to be expected in the future. Note: A RAID system is used for redundancy and does not replace data backup.
partitioning Hypersoft requires its own partition with at least 100 GB memory. The SQL database and the Hypersoft programmes are installed on this partition. This partition is completely shared in the network with the appropriate permissions. The Windows system partition should be designed according to Microsoft's specifications. It should be noted that here, too, enough reserves are planned accordingly. We recommend at least 50 GB for the system partition, as increasing requirements are expected in this respect for updates etc.
network card min. 1 GBit. 10 GBit Ethernet is recommended or better in connection with further gigabit network components (switch). A redundant network connection can be useful for fail-safety.
Screen resolution / graphics Standard of the server manufacturer sufficient, usually onboard graphics card. At least 1366x768 Pixel
power supply Redundant power supplies with appropriate reserve power are recommended.
Further connections If dispensing systems or an order man system are planned or printers are connected to the server via COM, then sufficient internal COM connections must be ensured. The best way to solve this is to use a built-in expansion card or, alternatively, USB to COM converters or IP to COM converters. However, many interfaces can already be addressed via LAN and TCP/IP today. If you have any doubts, please contact us. For the connection of the signature unit/s in virtual environments, IP to USB device servers are used if possible, as these have proven to be reliable.
data backup The entire shared partition (as a "full backup") or the complete (virtual) machine should be backed up. Backups should be carried out regularly. Store weekly or monthly security devices in a separate and protected place. As an alternative to tape drives, a NAS (Network Attached Storage) can be used or a backup can be stored on another computer in the network that offers sufficient storage space and is physically separated. Optionally, an upload to an FTP server is also possible.
UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) A UPS is recommended (e.g. from APC, AEG etc.) which protects all active components (server, router etc.) and maintains operation for 20 - 40 minutes with the connected load. A connection to the server via USB or COM port and management of the UPS to shut down the server when the battery is low is required.

 

Furthermore, a permanent and data-unlimited internet connection (DSL) is required for this computer, which in turn makes virus protection necessary. Access from outside (e.g. remote maintenance) is via the Teamviewer software, whereby port 80 outgoing in the router, firewall must be permitted. The server should be installed in a cool, low-dust location. For larger installations, a server cabinet is recommended in which patch panels and switches as well as UPS and servers are installed in 19" design and to which physical access should be given but regulated.

Proper cooling / ventilation of a server can extend its lifetime (even many times over).

Basic information on server operation and its tasks...

Several workstations should be able to access and administer this information platform. It should also be possible to create or change master data and to carry out comprehensive reporting. Critical applications should always run on their own PC / server or the joint use should be agreed beforehand. Hypersoft understands critical applications to include Microsoft Exchange Server, Microsoft Small Business Server, accounting and payroll programs (Lexware), web servers and similar programs.

Wiring requirements

  • Only cables suitable for Fast Ethernet (100 MBit/s or 300 MHz) should be used.
  • We recommend category 6 or higher (Cat6 / Cat6) with special shielding against radiation to the outside or radiation from the outside. (Type designation: S/STP or PIMF or better, but DO NOT use S/UTP cable)
  • Installation in accordance with the applicable guidelines (no strong kinks or bends, minimum bending radius 8 times the cable diameter, etc.)
  • Use only suitable and approved network sockets (100 MBit/s or 300 MHz).
  • Use only 100 / 1,000 / 10,000 Mbit network switches as central distributors
  • Separately fused 220 V socket or own UPS for the network switch
  • Measurement or acceptance protocol according to applicable guidelines (e.g. Fluke Optiview or Wavetech network protocol)

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