System Specifications and Hardware Recommendations
For MedInformatix EHR v7.7
Updated: January 1, 2023
DESKTOP COMPATIBILITY STATEMENTS
- Windows 11 Compatibility Statement: The MedInformatix v7.7 client application is compatible with Windows 11.
- Windows 10 Compatibility Statement: The MedInformatix v7.7 client application is compatible with Windows 10.
SERVER COMPATIBILITY STATEMENTS
- Windows Server 2022 and SQL Server 2022 Compatibility Statement: MedInformatix v7.7 is compatible with SQL Server 2022.
- Windows Server 2019 and SQL Server 2019 Compatibility Statement: MedInformatix v7.7 is compatible with Windows Server 2019 and SQL Server 2019.
- Windows Server 2016 and SQL Server 2016/2017 Compatibility Statement: MedInformatix v7.7 is compatible with Windows Server 2016 and SQL Server 2016/2017.
- Note: SQL Express is not a supported version of SQL Server.
END-OF-LIFE STATEMENTS
- October 10, 2023: Windows Server 2012 and Windows Server 2012 R2 will end on October 10, 2023. After this date, these products will no longer receive security updates, non-security updates, bug fixes, technical support, or online technical content updates. Microsoft has migration guidance for both cloud and on-premises solutions. Go here to learn more.
- Reached: SQL Server 2008 End-Of-Life: Microsoft SQL Server 2008 reached end-of-life in November, 2019. Microsoft stopped shipping public security fixes and this database server is now at greater breach risk. Accordingly, MedInformatix no longer supports installations using this version of SQL Server.
- Reached: Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 End-Of-Life: Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 reached end-of-life in January, 2020. Microsoft stopped shipping public security fixes and these operating systems are now at greater breach risk. Additionally, this could negatively impact cybersecurity components of HIPAA compliance. Please take immediate remedial action if you are still using either of these operating systems in your organization. Accordingly, the MedInformatix Application Server is no longer supported in Windows Server 2008/2008R2 and the MedInformatix Client software is no longer supported in Windows 7.
SUMMARY
A MedInformatix installation requires a workstation for each user who will access the system and a central server to store and process the data. A large installation may require more than one server. Microsoft SQL Server will manage the MedInformatix database, which is a software package that will run solely on the server machine. At least one backup storage device is needed to protect the data in case of system failure such as a network storage device, file share or tape drive. Printers also need to be available to print reports, forms and documents. The following topics will give a more detailed explanation of the equipment and software recommendations.
The hardware configurations listed below can be used as a guide to server and workstation requirements for MedInformatix Systems. This should be used as a guide only. The final configuration will depend upon the actual use of the system including tolerated down time in the event of hard drive or server failure.
MedInformatix officially supports Microsoft Windows 10/11, Microsoft Windows Server 2012/2016/2019/2022 and Microsoft SQL Server 2012/2014/2016/2019.2022.
HARDWARE RECOMMENDATIONS - APPLICABLE TO BOTH PHYSICAL AND VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENTS USING EQUIVALENT UNITS
SERVERS
Each server is unique to its site. The specifications will vary greatly depending upon the environment, including virtual server environments. For instance, a site having 75 users may be able to function with a single well-designed and robust server whereas a site with 1000 users will always require multiple servers. If you have questions regarding a server that you already have, contact MedInformatix Support to determine whether or not it will be sufficient.
An installation requires at least one server that will store the centralized data and program files for the network. A server will provide two functions for the MedInformatix software. It will store the system files and thus act as a file server. It will also run a database management application that will manage the MedInformatix SQL database. A server that runs SQL database software is called a “database server”. On a small site, a single server machine will handle both server functions. In larger sites, separate server machines will handle each function.
In a virtual server environment, the number of cores required for a Windows Server to run the MedInformatix Application Server depends on various factors, such as the expected workload on the core services, additional MedInformatix modules that must be installed on the Application Server, and the number of concurrent users. For example, if the MedInformatix EHR or RIS will serve 200 concurrent users, a server with at least 16 CPU cores is recommended (as seen in the below table). It is also important to ensure that the server has sufficient RAM (32 GB or more) and disk space (highly variable based on initial data conversions and future growth planning) to support the application and its users.
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Plan for your data conversion. You may have many terabytes of documents and images to transfer from an old software.
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Plan for growth. Procure today systems that will sustain the business for tomorrow.
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Explore available options. There are many types of Windows-based servers, both physical and virtual, and on-premise or hosted. Our experts will talk with you and your IT team to determine the ideal configuration.
APPLICATION AND SQL DATABASE SERVERS: MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR NEW CONFIGURATIONS
| User Count | Application Server | Database Server |
| 5 - 25 |
OS – Microsoft Windows Server® SQL Database – Microsoft® SQL Server™ Processor – Intel® Xeon® – 2 cores Memory – 8 GB RAM Drives – 2 Hard Drives of 500 GB (RAID 1) OS Partition (Recommend: 40 GB) Data Partition Backup Device / Network Drive Backup / Others |
Integrated with Application Server |
| 25 - 50 |
OS – Microsoft Windows Server® Processor – Dual Intel® Xeon® – 4 cores Memory – 4 GB RAM Drives – 3 Hard Drives of 500 GB each (RAID 5) OS Partition (Recommend: 80 GB) Data Partition Backup Device / Network Drive Backup / Others |
OS – Microsoft Windows Server® Processor – Dual Intel® Xeon® – 2 cores Memory – 8 GB RAM Drives – 3 Hard Drives of 250 GB each for Database, Backups, Transaction Logs (RAID 5) OS Partition (Recommend: 40 GB) Data Partition SQL Database – Microsoft® SQL Server™ |
| 50 - 100 |
OS – Microsoft Windows Server® Processor – Dual Intel Xeon® – 8 cores Memory – 8 GB RAM Drives –2 Hard Drives of 146 GB each for OS (RAID 1) and 3 Hard Drives a of 500GB each for Application Data and Resources (RAID 5) Backup Device / Network Drive Backup / Others |
OS – Microsoft Windows Server® Processor – Dual Intel Xeon® – 4 cores Memory – 16 GB of RAM Drives – 2 Hard Drives of 146 GB each for OS (RAID 1) and 3 Hard Drives a of 600GB each for Database, Backups, Transaction Logs (RAID 5) SQL Database – Microsoft® SQL Server™ |
| 100-250 |
OS – Microsoft Windows Server® Processor – Dual Intel® Xeon® – 16 cores Memory – 16 GB RAM Drives – 2 Hard Drives of 146 GB each for OS (RAID 1) and 3 Hard Drives a of 750 GB each (RAID 5) Storage Additional – Direct Attached or Network Storage: 1TB Backup Device / Network Drive Backup / Others |
OS – Microsoft Windows Server® Processor – Dual Intel® Xeon® – 8 cores Memory – 32 GB of RAM Drives – 2 Hard Drives of 146 GB each for OS (RAID 1) and 4 Hard Drives a of 600GB each for Database, Backups, Transaction Logs (RAID 5) SQL Database – Microsoft® SQL Server™ |
| 250-500 |
OS – Microsoft Windows Server® Processor – Dual Intel® Xeon® – 16 cores Memory – 16 GB RAM Drives – 2 Hard Drives of 146 GB each for OS (RAID 1) and 4 Hard Drives a of 1TB each (RAID 10) Storage Additional – Direct Attached or Network Storage: 2TB Backup Device / Network Drive Backup / Others |
OS – Microsoft Windows Server® SQL Database – Microsoft SQL Server |
OTHER SERVERS
REMOTE DESKTOP SERVICES
Microsoft suggests using Remote Desktop Services for remote sites or other situations where bandwidth is limited. Based on the number of remote users accessing your applications, you should to calculate the number of terminal servers that you need to load balance your traffic.
Remote Desktop Services Server
OS – Microsoft Windows Server®
Processor – Dual Intel® Xeon®
Memory – 128 GB RAM
Drives – 2 Hard Drives of 146 GB each (RAID 1)
OS Partition
Data Partition
There are other solutions for remote access such has Citrix, VMWare, and Parallels.
WEB SERVER
MedInformatix recommends that customers who purchase MedInformatix Provider Portal or Patient Portal have a dedicated web server separate from the application and database servers. The general specifications for a web server are:
OS – Microsoft Windows Server®
Processor – Dual Intel® Xeon®
Memory – 16 GB of RAM
Drives – 2 Hard Drives of 146 GB each (RAID 1)
OS Partition
Data Partition
FAX SERVER
Please refer to selected fax server vendor’s standard specifications.
NETWORK & INTERNET CONNECTIVITY
Microsoft and MedInformatix recommend maximizing network hardware to optimize server and workstation performance. Therein, gigabit network cards, routers, and switches provide seamless network and SQL application connectivity. In addition, utilizing 80211ac technologies for wireless network components provides ample connectivity performance for Tablet PCs, handheld devices, and all other wireless tools.
The CMS Quality Payment Program (QPP) requirements include several external upload and download protocols from 3rd party Internet services. Thus, it is imperative that Internet connectivity is maximized, and if possible, that the upload speed matches the download speed. While MedInformatix cannot recommend a specific bandwidth, when you are evaluating bandwidth needs, it is important to consider the number of Internet-connected devices, the number of software applications in use that require outside connectivity and the specific requirements of the QPP measures selected.
WORKSTATIONS
Each user who will access the MedInformatix system will need a workstation. While workstation configurations will vary according to each user’s needs and duties, the following can be used as a general guideline for end-user utilization of the MedInformatix system.
Minimum Requirements
Processor: Single Processor – Intel Pentium 4
Memory: 1 GB RAM
Hard Drive: 80 GB
Display: 1280 x 800 or higher resolution
OS & Software: Microsoft Windows 8
Recommended Specifications
Processor: Single Processor – Intel Core i5 or better
Memory: 4 GB RAM
Hard Drive: 80 GB
Display: 1280 x 800 or higher resolution
Note: Use of Enhanced Appointment Search Wizard requires 1920 x 1080 in either a single wide-screen monitor or dual-monitor configuration
OS & Software: Microsoft Windows 10
MOBILE DEVICES
With the growing utilization of mobile devices to perform work tasks, MedInformatix users should consider carefully which device best suits their daily responsibilities, conforms to system requirements, and is reasonable within the IT budget and expertise. MedInformatix does not currently support using Smartphone technology for application utilization. Tablets running Android, iOS, or non-Professional versions of Windows Mobile operating systems require third party apps to establish remote connectivity. Direct connectivity via these devices is not currently available.
EHR users, particularly physicians and clinical staff, can benefit greatly from the mobility that a tablet PC provides. Systems running Windows 7 Professional or later allow MedInformatix users to fully utilize the application while taking their work with them from room to room.
Recommended Specifications
Processor: Intel® CoreTM i5 or better
Memory: 2GB RAM
Hard Drive: 64 GB
Display: 1280 x 800 or higher resolution
Wireless Protocol: 802.11ac
OS & Software: Windows 10
REMOTE ACCESS
The Customer will provide the MedInformatix Implementation Project and Support Team appropriate remote access to the system for installation, updates and customer support. Remote access using Microsoft Remote Desktop client via Cisco VPN or Microsoft VPN is recommended. If access is not available or configured using the specified connection types, this will result in a delay in the implementation timeline and support responsiveness.
ANTI-VIRUS / ANTI-MALWARE / FIREWALL
While MedInformatix does not endorse a specific anti-virus / anti-malware / firewall product, we do strongly recommend that all MedInformatix servers be protected against the array of Internet-based attacks prevalent today. This includes brute-force remote access, phishing attempts, ransomware, and all other forms of malware. It is also important that you do not create or maintain a folder share of the root \MEDINFO on your application server to reduce exposure to PHI and your MedInformatix configuration files. Every environment is different, so contact MedInformatix Support if you have questions about how to apply your security products to the MedInformatix EHR.