Proposal
for Technology Upgrade for KidCAre
Requested
by SureLAN Partner
Written
by Dwayne Sherland
October 16, 2003
Executive Summary................................................................................................................................................................
Contact Numbers...................................................................................................................................................................
Hardware Purchase and Replacement...................................................................................................................
Install PC’s..................................................................................................................................................................................
Install Server............................................................................................................................................................................
Network Architecture Changes.................................................................................................................................
Software Installation.....................................................................................................................................................
Operational Integration.................................................................................................................................................
Appendix A....................................................................................................................................................................................
Equipment Detail.....................................................................................................................................................................
Computer Requirements............................................................................................................................................................
Appendix B....................................................................................................................................................................................
Server..............................................................................................................................................................................................
Server Specifications.................................................................................................................................................................
Appendix C.................................................................................................................................................................................
Battery Backup Power......................................................................................................................................................
TRIPPLITE SmartPro USB UPS System..............................................................................................................................
Appendix D.................................................................................................................................................................................
Wall Mount Cabinet...........................................................................................................................................................
Wall Mount Cabinet................................................................................................................................................................
Appendix E..................................................................................................................................................................................
Decision Support.....................................................................................................................................................................
Dual Channel SCSI.................................................................................................................................................................
Ultra320 SCSI..........................................................................................................................................................................
I/O Performance.......................................................................................................................................................................
This proposal is for the express
purpose of offering services to KidCare which will enable them to change their
current billing structure. The current system operated by Mag Mutual will be
deactivated by October 31st, 2003. The new system MedWare is a software package
that replaces the functionality of the original system.
In order for a smooth transition
and future growth and development a number of changes will have to be made.
·
Hardware purchase and replacement
·
Network architecture Changes
·
Software installation
·
Operational Integration
The following is a brief
description of the steps required and equipment and materials necessary to
facilitate a smooth transition project. There is also included appendices that
explain technical details, and information that led to the resulting proposal.
The following telephone numbers
and names have been helpful in collecting necessary information for this
proposal.
Removed for privacy consideration
The minimum requirements for the
software being installed is listed in Appendix A. The older computers currently
being used at KidCare are not sufficient to operate in the new environment effeciently.
There will be three PC’s replaced at the College Park office and 2 replaced in
the Cascade Road facility.
The specifications for the new
computers are listed in Appendix A.
The PC’s will be purchased from Ginstar.
A high value reseller of technology in the Atlanta area. The detail and
specifications for the PC’s is included in appendix A. The server has been
selected from Dell. This is a reputable company with an excellent reputation
for service. The server from Dell is also thousands of dollars less expensive
than the nearest competitor. Server specifications are listed in Appendix B.
There is also a comparison chart that has other competitors products in near
the same feature range.
Upon arrival to site the PC’s
will be unpacked and plugged in. Tests will be conducted to ensure equipment
quality. Once satisfied they are operating properly a data check will need to
be made with the old computers to ensure data will not be lost or programs that
are useful to KidCare will be able to be transferred to the new computers. Once
the OK is given to remove the old computers the new ones will be installed in
their place. All existing network wiring can be reused. However if there are
signs of wear or other instances that a portion of the network wiring plant
must be replaced a MACD (change order) may have to be approved beyond what is
budgeted in this proposal.
The server has a 6 day (not
including shipping) build time and must be here as early as possible to make
the October 31 cut off time it is recommended that all haste be urged to
procure this piece of equipment before anything else is done.
Once the server arrives it is
supposed to have the operating system, all SCSI and Ultra320 configurations
mapped to the appropriate drives and the initial system utility partition
installed. If all this is done properly the server should be ready to test out
of the box. Once we are satisfied the server right the initial software load
and configuration information can begin to be loaded. A UPS has been included
from Dell that will allow a 5 minute grace period for any power outages or
interruptions. The shutdown task can be scheduled to proceed immediately after
power is loss. This automated procedure takes less than 2 minutes so there is
plenty of time to recover any file system markers and shut down gracefully with
out damage or loss to data. The details of the UPS are found on Appendix C.
On the contingency that there is
a major issue with the server and the onsite support is unable to repair it
there is an alternate plan. It is possible to remove one of the hard drives
and install it in one of the PC’s. This can be used to load the software and
proceed as planned. After the server is returned and all is well the hard drive
could be re-installed in the server and the RAID level one process should be
able to mirror the hard drive with all the data on it onto the other drive.
Even if that fails the data backup will ensure a successful system migration
onto the server in this contingency event.
The server comes with an
internal tape backup drive. The strategy is to automate as much as possible the
data backup routine and send an alarm flag when a tape is full. That way there
is minimal user intervention. After a tape is full it goes to the back of the
rotation so that there will always be a series of current and dated material
for the restore strategy
Since Kid Care does not have a
server currently, nor a reasonably secure location to place it in a
modification of the existing network plant has been designed into this project.
A small wall hanging equipment cabinet could be installed near the existing
circuits to house the new server and ensure it’s security. While this step has
not been discussed at length, most other options inside the office has severe
limitations for this function. Details of the cabinet can be found in Appendix
D.
To install the network the Mag
Mutual IP convention needs to be considered. The Mag Mutual installation
provided a class A address for the frame relay cloud to the Kid Care location.
These 254 static IP addresses now will be the property of Mag Mutual. There
are three options :
·
Install new IP convention
·
Install MS network client only
·
Obtain IP addresses from existing DSL or ISP convention
When the MedWare software package
is installed there are a number of configuration steps required. Configuration
for Providers, and Administration Lists. Kay Walters reports that this
configuration step is no longer than an hour. These steps can be performed
while the network is being configured at the same time.
A test for the appropriate
configuration and Installation steps will be wise to ensure the fidelity of the
data. After the high degree of confidence comes that all is right the procedure
goes to loading the KidCare Client and demographic data.
Once all of the PC’s are
networked properly the network drive mapping is all that is left to put them on
line with the MedWare software package. There needs to be a certainty that no
data will be lost or programs that are useful to KidCare will not be
transferred to the new computers. A check list would be helpful to ensure this
does not occur. If provided ahead of time the checklist could be a valuable
resource for all of the current PC users. There are other methods of ensuring
data is not lost. As long as the understanding is in place that once the PC
leaves the building or even the spot it was in there is no guarantee the data
can be recovered.
Another valuable activity is to
do a backup of all necessary files on the old systems before the new systems
are installed.
This concludes the steps for
phase one of the project. The information provided in appendix E was technical
data used for decision support: and future considerations.
The final Appendix F is a project
summary and pricing details.
100% PC Compatible
Screen Resolution 800 x 600
Pentium Processor Speed of 300mhz
or faster
128 MB of RAM or higher
Hard drive with at least 4 GB of
free space
Windows 9X, ME, NT, 2000, or XP
Printer (for Reports) Laser
Printer Recommended
Optional Hayes or compatible
modem
New Computer Specifications
Ginstar G6 Advanced P-IV w/DDR
CPU:P4 2.40 GHz Retail Box w/Fan
(533 Bus)
Memory 1:512MB DDR 266 MHz PC2100
Motherboard:Elements P4XCF, 533
Bus, VIA P4X266, SDRAM/DDR, Sound
Video Card:GeForce2 MX400 AGP
w/64MB
Hard Drive:40 GB UDMA100 7200 rpm
Modem:56K Motorola V.92 PCI Fax
Modem
CD-ROM:54x Mitsumi CD-ROM
CDRW:Not Included
DVD:Not Included
Sound Card:On Board
Floppy:1.44 MB Floppy Drive
Case:Mid ATX Tower Case /300W PS
Keyboard:104-Key PS2 keyboard
Mouse:PS2 Mouse
Speakers:140W Speakers (Pair
w/power amplifier)
Network Card:Not Included
Operating System:MS Windows 2000 Pro
Dell PowerEdge 2600
PowerEdge
2600: Intel® Xeon™ Processor, 2.4GHz, 512K Cache, 533MHz FSB
Operating
System: Windows 2000 Server w/5 cal
Memory:
2GB DDR SDRAM (2X1GB)
Floppy:
3.5 in, 1.44MB, Floppy Drive
CD-ROM:
24X IDE CD-ROM Chassis Style: Tower Chassis Orientation,
Hardware
Support Services: 3Yr BRONZE Support, Next Business Day Onsite,
S/W
Support
Primary
Controller: PERC4/Di 128MB (2 Internal Channels) - Embedded RAID
Factory
Configurations: Drives attached to embedded PERC4/Di, RAID 1,
BackPlanes:
1X6 Hot-Pluggable Backplane
1st Hard
Drive: 36GB 15K RPM Ultra 320 SCSI Hard Drive
2nd Hard
Drive: 36GB 15K RPM Ultra 320 SCSI Hard Drive
Power
Supplies: Non-Redundant Power Supply,
Uninterrupted
Power Supplies: Stand Alone 700VA UPS 120V
Modems: BroadCom,
56K PCI Internal Modem, V.92, For Dell Servers
Tape
Backup: PowerVault 100T,DDS4 Tape Backup,20/40GB Capacity
Tape
Backup Software: Veritas Server
Tape
Backup Media: Tape, Media for DDS4, 20/40GB, 1 Pack
Monitors:
Dell E772, 17 inch (16.0 inch Viewable), Gray Monitor
Keyboard:
Standard Windows Keyboard, Gray
Mouse:
Logitech PS/2 2-button Mouse with Scroll
Documentation:
Printed Documentation,
Tripp Lite's
SmartPro 700 USB UPS System provides intelligent, line-interactive battery
backup for USB computers and workstations. 700 VA of battery backup maintains
your Internet or network connection allowing you to work online through short
blackouts or safely shut down during longer ones. Automatic Voltage Regulation
(AVR) corrects brownouts and over voltages without draining battery power.
Unique design features 6 outlets (3 UPS and surge + 3 surge-only), diagnostic LEDs
and a built-in USB communications port that works with PowerAlert Software to
provide automatic unattended shutdown. The UPS comes with built-in RJ11 jacks
which prevent surges from damaging your modem/fax equipment.
Manufacturer Part# SMART700USB
Dell Part# A0009022
Form Factor: External
Depth: 17.8 cm
Depth: 7.25"
Features: 4 front panel LEDs,
Audible alarm, Alarm cancel button, 2 front panel switches
Height: 10.75"
Height: 26 cm
Weight: 18.60 lbs
Weight: 9.3 kg
Width: 4.8 cm
Width: 5.25"
Average Run Time: 17 min at half
load
Average Run Time: 5 minutes(Full
Load), 17 minutes (Half Load)
Battery: UPS battery
Cable included: 1 x serial cable
- external 1.8 m ¦ 1 x power cable - external 1.8 m ¦ 1 x phone cable -
external 6.00 ft
Capacity / Average Run Time:
Full load / 5 minutes, Half load / 17 minutes
Device Type: UPS
Dimensions (WxDxH): 4.8 cm x
17.8 cm x 26 cm
Dimensions (WxDxH): 5.25" x
7.25" x 10.75"
Dimensions (WxDxH) / Weight:
5.25" x 7.25" x 10.75" inches / 18.60 lbs
Enclosure Color: Black
Enclosure Color: White
Energy Rating: 360 Joules
Equipment Protection Value:
50000 US Dollars
Load Rating: Small LAN / file
server
Max Operating Temperature: 104°
F
Min Operating Temperature: 32° F
Port(s) / Connector Type: USB,
RJ11
Power Provided: 700 VA
Recharge Time: 4 hour(s)
Recharge Time: 4 hours
Software included: TrippLite PowerAlert
(free download)
Surge Suppression: Standard
Type: UPS battery
Voltage Provided: 120 V AC
Voltage Required: 120 V AC
Humidity Range Operating:
Relative Humidity - 0 to 95%, non-condensing
Max Storage Temperature: 122° F
Min Storage Temperature: 5° F
Input Connector(s): 1 x NEMA
5-15P
Input Connector(s): 1 x power
NEMA 5-15
Output Connector(s): 6 x NEMA
5-15R
Output Connector(s): 6 x power
NEMA 5-15
Circuit Protection: Circuit
breaker
Surge Response Time: 5 ns
Localization: English / Canada, United
States
Battery Form Factor: Proprietary
EMI/RFI Noise Filtration: Yes
Frequency Required: 60 Hz
Input Voltage: AC 120 V
Output Voltage: AC 120 V ± 5%
Input Voltage Margin: ± 25%
Product Description: Tripp Lite SmartPro
700USB - UPS - 700 VA - UPS battery
Service & Support: 2 years
warranty
Service & Support Details:
Limited warranty - parts and labor - 2 years - bring-in
Manufacturer Warranty: 2 years
warranty
Cables Included: 1 x serial
cable - 1.8 m ¦ 1 x power cable - 1.8 m ¦ 1 x phone cable - 1.8 m
Interfaces: 1 x management - USB
- 4 pin USB Type B ¦ 1 x modem - phone line - RJ-11
Product Highlights
Intelligent, line-interactive
battery backup and network power management
Supports a max load of 700VA/450
watts for 5 minutes and a half load of 350VA/225 watts for 17 minutes
Supports entry level PC systems
for up to 45 minutes during power failures to enable a safe system shutdown
6 protected outlets (3 UPS and
surge + 3 surge-only outlets)
Automatic Voltage Regulation
(AVR) corrects brownouts without draining battery power
Built-in RJ11 jacks protect a
single dialup phone/DSL or network Ethernet line connection
USB port enables unattended
shutdown without data loss during extended power failures
Attractive black tower
configuration
4 diagnostic LEDs indicate AC
Present, On Battery, voltage correction and Battery Low/Replace
Wall Mount Cabinet
Wall Mount Cabinet
Wall Mount Cabinet - 36" Tall
Wall Mountable Rack Mount Cabinet
Wall Mount Cabinet Specifications:
|
Rack
External Dimensions:
|
23"
width x 36" height x18" depth
|
|
Rack
Internal Dimensions:
|
19"
rails x 32" height x16" depth (2" in front of rails, 16"
behind)
|
|
Rack
Units:
|
16U
of rack mount space available
|
These
wall mount cabinets, are configured to be
compatible with most Patch Panels and 19" Rack Mountable LAN, Telco, and
Network equipment.
To attain higher data bandwidth
(twice that of a 16 bit SCSI drive) Dual channel SCSI Cards are used to form a
32 bit data path. Two or more 16-bit drives can be configured internally or
externally (housed in an enclosure) to deliver twice the bandwidth of 16 bit
SCSI drives. The illustration below explains the concept of a dual channel SCSI
configuration.
Notes:
[VHDCI] Connector:
[Very high density cable
Interconnect]
[Internal Configuration]
Most computer chassis allows only
two drives to be installed internally.
Also limitation of the form
factor of the drive is also imposed.
Power Macintosh Blue & White
G3 and G4s allows only 1 inch drives to be installed internally.
[External Configuration]
External configuration allows
multiple drives to be connected. Issues like heat, form factor of the drive and
future adaptability are better tackled compared to internal installation.
Several other important factors
like cabling, drive performance parameters and card compatibility will be
posted latter.
please check back for more
information on these topics.
Ultra320: The Premiere Class
in a Performance Test
There has never been so much
capacity and such good hard drive performance for demanding applications as
there are today. Modern IDE drives barely reach 60 MB/s; shamelessly expensive
SCSI models won't necessarily reach much more. Now, serial ATA offers an easy
and fast interface. So, why resort to the expensive SCSI standard?
Actually, in the entry-level
range, the trend is clearly heading away from SCSI and toward ATA. Web hosts on
all continents have long been offering rental servers with economical IDE hard
drives. Because of the fast spread of IDE-RAID controllers (RAID 0, 1 and 10)
there is hardly anything left to prevent potentially "secure"
hard-drive arrays from being set up. The latest trend, even for the RAID 5
array, is based on ATA drives. Serial ATA could become the trendsetter; Western
Digital has already rushed ahead with the Raptor series (10,000 rpm with Serial
ATA interface).
In the enterprise market,
however, things are somewhat different. Here, what counts are not only maximum
transfer rates, but, to an equal degree, good I/O performance as well. Typical
areas of application are database, file and Web servers, where as many queries
as possible need to be answered. It has been our experience that both IDE hard
drives and controllers are still inferior in this area.
In this article we take a
detailed look at the actual performance of the Ultra320 SCSI. To determine
maximum bandwidth and I/O performance, we used two recent host adapters from
Adaptec (39320D-R) and LSI Logic (20320R). Also, we used a 39160 from Adaptec
to determine parameters for comparison with the Ultra160 SCSI.
Ultra320 SCSI in Detail
For the first time in the long
history of SCSI, several things have undergone fundamental changes. Introducing
packetized SCSI will help to reduce the so-called overhead. Where until now
command and status information have been transmitted asynchronously (and slowly
to boot) with the Ultra320, they are part of the data packets that are on
board, with their full bandwidth.
Another innovation of packetized
SCSI is the introduction of a streaming procedure that is supposed to simplify
and speed up the transmission of data packets. This is a simplified version of
the request/ acknowledge process (the core of handshaking), in which
acknowledging is not done until the end of the data packet, instead of
occurring after every block of data.
While Serial ATA cable allows
lengths of up to one meter, all of 25 meters with only one device are possible
with the Ultra320 bus. Unlike Serial ATA, however, with Ultra320, all devices
can operate on one channel, distributing the total bandwidth among all devices.
Serial ATA allows only one device per port, so that the full 150 MB/s are
available for it. For this reason, no more than five to seven drives can
operate on one SCSI channel in performance-critical settings. The bandwidth will
be used when individual drives are functioning at high capacity.
The other details are already
familiar from the previous SCSI standards: termination of the bus at each end,
allocation of SCSI IDs on all available devices including the host adapter,
automatic detection of all devices by the BIOS of the SCSI host adapter,
connection of external devices via SCSI.
Operating System: Too Early
for Windows Server 2003
Originally, we wanted to run this
test under Windows Server 2003, since, after all, both of the controllers were
detected correctly by Microsoft's new OS (the required drivers are included).
The performance level, however, is still a far cry from the performance that
can be attained with Windows 2000 server.
Both Adaptec and LSI are
currently working on 2003 drivers; however, it might take some time until they
are available because the RAID controller seems to have priority - in this
area, the drivers are often already available.
1) JAG Ginstar PC 2)
JAG Ginstar PC 3) IBM PC350
DeskJet 680C
Cannon 3450
4) Gestetro (int. nic) 5)
IBM 300GL 6) Compaq Deskpro
Laser Copier/Printer
7) Compaq Deskpro
LaserJet 2200D External Jet Direct nic
3COM 8 port hub
1) Nortel Networks 2430 Passport 2)
64KB FR CSU 40 QKOA502885
3) APS UPS 4)
Adtran 612 VOIP Router (ITC)
5) DeltaCom CSU 38 HCFU 722954 6)
DITEK UPS (ITC plant)
7) 12 Port Patch Panel 8)
Pipeline Modem 40 IBSD5253713B
9) 3COM 16 Port Switch 10)
PBX Omega Phone ZT-S
11) LANTRONIX ETS16 Port Switch
