Hardware/Software Requirements

The hardware and software used for FileHandler claims management systems should meet or exceed the minimum recommendations listed below:

• Web Application Server
  The FileHandler application is installed on this server with connections to a separate database server.
  
  Please note: For best performance, the application server should not house additional web applications, databases, email systems or other resource-intensive applications.
  
  
  • Microsoft Windows Server 2008 recommended. Client is responsible for appropriate software licensing.
    • Filehandler is currently a 32-bit application. The application will also run on the 64-bit version of Windows 2008.
  • .NET framework version 1.1.4322 required.
  • Dual processors recommended for environments with heavy usage.
  • At least 4 gigabytes of RAM recommended.
  • 40 gigabytes of drive space.
  
  
  Please note: Redundancy is not a requirement at this server due in large part to the fact critical data is not stored here and the applications can be reinstalled from their original media.
• Database Server
  All claims management data will be stored in a database on this machine.
  
  
  • Microsoft Windows Server 2008 recommended. Client is responsible for appropriate software licensing.
  • Dual processors recommended for environments with heavy usage.
  • At least 4 gigabytes of RAM recommended.
  • RAID 5 hard disk array.
  • Disk space requirements vary based on an organization's workflow. Typical organizations should have between 20 to 80 gigabytes of available storage on a dedicated server.
  • Microsoft SQL Server 2000 or Oracle 9i database engine with the appropriate number of user licenses applied. Note: FileHandler uses connection pooling to share database connections over its entire user base.
  • The Information Systems staff should consider network security measures for the data on this server, possibly including firewall protection.
• Email Server
  Microsoft Exchange is installed on this server and is required for users to manage claim-related email from within the FileHandler system, independently of any other email accounts they may employ.
  
  Regardless of how many FileHandler users are serviced, the FileHandler email service will in most instances make use of a single Exchange email account. For this reason, an organization may choose to configure the single FileHandler email account on an Exchange server that also serves other employee email accounts. If so, the hardware, software and licensing requirements of this server will vary by application.
  
  At a minimum, the FileHandler email server should meet the following specifications:
  
  
  • Microsoft Windows 2003 recommended. Client is responsible for appropriate software licensing.
  • Microsoft Exchange version 2000 or higher with appropriate licensing.
  • Intel Pentium 4 processor.
  • At least 1 gigabyte of RAM recommended.
  • 40 gigabytes of drive space.
  
  
  Please note: Claim emails are stored within the FileHandler database, so issues of redundancy and backups as they relate to FileHandler data are addressed at the database server.
• Client Workstations
  Users manage claims through the web browsers at their workstations. Processor speed and memory have less impact at the workstations than at the servers.
  
  Recommended Workstation Configuration:
  
  
  • Sufficient memory and processor speed to have several screens open simultaneously, including multiple browser screens, MS Office applications, email and/or a PDF reader.
  • Requirements may vary by operating system, but most modern systems with 128 to 256 megabytes of RAM can navigate FileHandler efficiently.
  • Microsoft Internet Explorer 5 or higher.
• Backup
  Reliable backups of the FileHandler database are crucial. A typical backup system might include the following:
  
  Please note: The particular backup strategy to be used is at the discretion of an organization's Information Systems staff.
  
  
  • A tape backup drive capable of storing a copy of the complete FileHandler database. The size of this database may range from several hundred megabytes to over ten gigabytes depending on workflow. Furthermore, database size will continue to increase over time.
  • Either the backup utilities provided with a Windows server operating system or more advanced backup solution may be used. In either case, the tape drive must be compatible with the associated software.
  • Enough tapes to allow for daily backups on a rotation schedule, and additional tapes for archival purposes as needed. Offsite storage of backup tapes.
  • A verification routine to evaluate the reliability of the backups.
• Additional Notes
  
  • FileHandler operates on Microsoft networks.
  • To save on the time and resources involved with maintaining this environment, consider our secure application hosting service.