We have sucessfully signed off yet another important central London Optical practice installation.

Details below - pricing and details of the client are of course kept confidential.

It is proposed that the practice will be upgrading to Acuitas Retail from Ocuco.  Acuitas requires a Windows server of sufficient specification to run Oracle and the Acuitas Server application.

Specification for Practice Server Machines:

Acuitas retail supports EPOS (Electronic point of sale) features, including barcode production and scanning.  There is no equipment to support this at current in the practice.

Each Acuitas user requires a suitable PC.

In total the practice will require 5 Acuitas clients as follows:

Consulting room one                        :           Optom (camera linkable PC – Gigabit LAN)

Consulting room two             :           Optom (camera linkable PC – Gigabit LAN)

Reception                            :           Reception system one    (EPOS/Till)

                                                      Reception system two    (Diary/PX info)

A suitable printer will be required for the production of recall letters and the printing of GOS forms.  GOS forms are normally printed at reception.

A site visit has been conducted.  All existing workstations were examined, together with printers, networking equipment and the current server

Server

There is no existing server on site.

Workstations

There are three Dell GX260 systems already in use on site.  These all require an upgrade from 256Mb to 512Mb of RAM to be suitable as Acuitas clients.

EPOS

The only EPOS equipment currently being used is a PDQ machine for credit card payments.

Networking Equipment

Switch –  a basic hub is in use

No networking infrastructure is in place, no patch panel or wall sockets installed.

Summary & recommendations

Server – A new server is required for Acuitas – the new server can act as a domain controller, host Oracle and Acuitas and provide proper backup facilities (off-site tape backup).

Workstations – requirement is for 5 workstations.  3 of the current systems are adequate for Acuitas use.

Printers – keep the printer you have – it would serve well as a backup printer – but invest in a decent laser printer for GOS forms and high volume recall production to be located in reception. 

Networking equipment – I would recommend the current hub with a high speed gigabit switch.  Both the consulting room machines and the server will benefit from the higher throughput especially when imaging is implemented.  I would also recommend a good quality router/firewall appliance, facilitating both IP-VPN links to Ocuco support, Sibit support and links to Charles/Arnold home for remote working.

Server

A new server is required to reliably run both Oracle and Acuitas Server.  I recommend this server should be dual processor, have 2Gb RAM and four hard drives.  The hard drives should be configured in two mirrored pairs; the first pair are for the operating system whilst the second pair are for the storage of patient records and images.

PRIMERGY Econel 200

Economical, secure performanceThe PRIMERGY Econel 200 delivers an inexpensive and easy-to-use platform with the power of the latest dual Intel Xeon processors. While the first server-optimized processor gets you started, the second makes your business ready for the challenges of tomorrow. Proven server features like ECC memory and onboard RAID 1 (mirroring) controller, meanwhile, protect your data against loss as well as manipulation.

This server should also be equipped with tape backup unit.  Tape backup units have been coming down in price slowly over the past three years.  I would advise investing in a middle of the road AIT2 solution that provides for 200Gb of compressed storage on a single tape, this should provide enough protection for the next three years.  I would envisage that your requirements for backup will increase after this – however the cost of a solution today to backup more than this is extreme and I would expect the price in three years to be far more reasonable.

Sony AIT i200-A/S - tape drive - AIT - IDE

Step up to Sony AIT Tape Drives. A natural growth path for DDS users. Step-up and migrate to Sony Advanced Intelligent Tape (AIT) based data protection solutions. The AIT family now features AIT-3 drives with up to five times the capacity of Sony's DDS-4 tape solutions. Planning to replace DDS? Sony's AIT is a natural choice.

A UPS provides power protection to the server in the event of either power loss or power spikes.  London has suffered recently from power outages in the West End.  The UPS below has enough power for both the new server and additional networking components.

Smart-UPS protects your data by supplying network-grade battery backup when power fails. With PowerChute plus software the uninterruptible power supply (UPS) will safely store data and shut down your network operating system before the battery is fully discharged, whether you're there or not. SmartSlot internal accessory slot allows you to install optional accessories to enhance the performance of your UPS. APC Smart-UPS is the perfect UPS for fileservers, minicomputers, UNIX CPUs, Internet hubs, telecommunications systems and other mission-critical applications.

Server Operating System – Microsoft Server 2003

Acuitas requires a dedicated server for more than three users.  A 5 user system (with expansion possibilities) is MS Server 2003.  As this is being provided with a new server you can take advantage of OEM pricing which offers a significant reduction in price over retail (RRP is over £800).  In addition Fujitsu Siemens offers a special derivative that only works on their servers which reduces the cost even further.   The standard pack includes 5 client access licences – should you ever require additional users licence packs are available in packs of five.

Workstations

In total two new workstations are required. 

These systems may require camera links in the future; therefore I would recommend using standard form factor machines – which are upgradeable with standard components (firewire etc).

In addition 2 TFT screens are required.  The new server will also require a monitor but it pointless investing in a TFT screen as it will get very little use, one of the old monitors can be utilised on the new server to keep costs down.  Therefore an additional 17” TFT will be required.

Fujitsu Siemens SCENICVIEW RE17-1 - flat panel display - TFT - 17"

Printer

A medium volume workgroup laser printer is required.  When I specify a printer I am looking at low running costs, exceptionally high reliability and accuracy in printing (no slipping on GOS forms), for these reasons I recommend Lexmark as my preferred manufacturer of choice.

Lexmark have a large range of printers all of which are suitable for your requirements.  At a minimum you require 20 pages per minute, manual feed, networking built in and at least two paper sources (letterhead and plain).  Additional it is very useful to have a duplex (print both sides) function, it makes GOS form printing a lot quicker. Based on these requirements I would recommend the following.

Lexmark T 430dn - printer - B/W - laser

EPOS

To successfully utilise a retail solution it is advantages to barcode scanners, both at dispense and till.  In order to produce barcodes for frames you will require a barcode label printer.  The labels produced by Acuitas are of an elongated dumbbell design specifically designed for frame labelling.  Manufacturers’ barcodes can be used for other items such as contact lenses and supplies.  You will also require a receipt printer for the reception machine which will be performing till duty.  An electronic cash draw is a great add on – it only open when a receipt is printed, however if you already have a manual cash drawer this can continue to be used as is.

Networking

Replace the existing router with a unit capable of multiple IP-VPN’s (secure private virtual tunnels which work through the internet – used for support and remote working).

Replace the existing D-Link 10/100 mbps switch with a suitable 10/100/1000 mbps switch.  Both units to be protected by the new UPS.

ZyXEL Dimension GS-1116 - switch - 16 ports

A suitable Internet router will also be required for internet security and provisioning of remote support links / home working.  If you intend any staff to have access to the office network from home – they will also require a similar router.

ZyXEL Prestige 662HW - wireless router

ZyXEL's Prestige 662HW security gateway is a powerful, all-in-one ADSL modem/router for SOHO and SMB applications as well as enterprise branch offices. The security gateway integrates a high-speed ADSL 2+ port, 4-port 10/100Mbps auto MDI/MDIX Ethernet switch, Dial Backup functions, and 54Mbps IEEE 802.11g wireless connectivity. The Prestige 662HW is a full-featured security gateway that incorporates VPN, Firewall and Anti-Virus technology. The embedded, smart anti-virus scan engine allows users to establish anti-virus protection that guards against the entry points of a network. By guarding inbound and outbound traffic, the platform can automatically detect and eliminate viruses and worms from e-mail exchange, Web browsing, and File transfer. The robust Firewall security features and standard IPSec VPN (Virtual Private Network) protects against network intrusion. Additional features such as Zero Configuration, Auto Fail-over & Fall-back Dial Backup, Traffic Redirect, and Media Bandwidth Management (MBM), maximize performance while minimizing operation and maintenance cost. Management is further simplified by the Web-based configuration and administrator wizards. Scalable, secure, and easy to use, ZyXEL's Prestige 662HW is the ideal secure broadband solution that meets today's business needs. Our #ZYNWR002 | Manf #91-004-371003

Additional Items

The above products cover the bulk of what is required for a modern day, reliable, secure and fast solution.  In addition you will require the following to complete your solution.

AntiVirus solution – server controlled with reporting

Remote Access software – for emergency use

There has been no provision made for Microsoft Office on any systems in this solution, although I find that many businesses require it.  MS Office Small Business Edition can be supplied in BIOS Locked OEM form for the new Fujitsu Siemens systems at a heavily discounted rate.

Possible sundry items include additional network cards (gigabit) and drop cables where required – these are at nominal cost (cables £2 each – network cards £12 each)

A suggestion was made whilst on site that the current electrical contractors lay cat5e network cable from a central location (ideally reception) to each location where a PC and/or phone is required.  The use of a patch panel together with structured cabling would allow phones and PC’s to be located anywhere in the practice.

A wall or floor mounted 19” rack unit would be required to hold the patch panels, and also the network switch.

This Network Cabinet has the DataRacks unique wall bracket design you can make adjustments which makes mounting onto uneven walls easy. With features such as extra cable management space, a unique gland plate that allows for various size trunking and the range of colour corner inserts you can ensure a professional finish with each installation. With the quick release panelling, you can get to your Elite wall cabinet components from every side. Glass door available in 400mm, 500mm or 600mm depths Steel or Acrylic door available in 400mm and 500mm depths Wall cabinets may also referred to as data cabinets, rack mount enclosures, computer cabinets, computer racks, computer enclosures and wallboxes. Elite Network Cabinets Unique wall bracket design Extra cable management space Quick release panelling

Mini5 LED Patch Panel with tracing capability Patch panel to Dataport traceability

Mini5 LED Patch Panel for Cat5e. When the tester unit MT-EPATCH is plugged into a dataport the corresponding LED port on the patch panel lights up to identify where it is patched to. Saves hours of time during installation. 110 Punchdown. Match up wallports with panel ports 110 punchdown

Use these adapters to connect your telecoms equipment to CAT5 network structured wiring systems

A range of voice adapters which convert RJ45 sockets to LJU presentation to allow telephones and modems to be connected to structured cabling systems. Available as a tailed/leaded adaptor or as a coupler. A switchable tailed adapter is also available which has the facility to switch between either secondary or PABX, making each unit suitable for use with both analogue and digital telephone systems. Connect to structured wiring systems Secondary, Full Master & PABX Master

Low Profile Flush Moulded Cat5e Network Cables

These Cat5e Network Cables with Flush Moulded Boots are supplied fitted with flush injection moulded cable boots to prevent flaring of cables when packed into a Patch Panel or Hub. Individually packed. Now available in TEN colours - Grey, Red , Blue, Green, Yellow, Violet, Orange, Black, White and Pink. Cat5e Network Cables with Moulded Boots 10 colours available ex-stock Low profile flush moulded boots

Installation

To facilitate the minimum amount up downtime and disruption in the practice I propose that all the new equipment is prepared off-site and delivered to the practice ready to be installed on a Saturday, with installation taking place Saturday and through Sunday.  I will personally stay on site on the Monday morning to ensure all workstations perform as per user expectation (troubleshooting).

Lastly I would like to thank you for considering Sibit for your hardware requirements.  I have spent more than 20 years supplying specialist business solutions to a wide arena of clients.  We have many references available and grow our business primarily through recommendation.   Supplying a specialist hardware solution to provide a cost effective but efficient and reliable platform for your practice management system requires a unique skill set that is rare in the UK.  We take great pride and derive real satisfaction from working with our clients and forming close relationships over time.  For many companies we have become their internal IT departments, providing advice, solutions and in many cases reducing costs.

Simon J Butterworth

For and on behalf of SIBIT Limited