ProLaw    System Requirements    Setup and Configuration

Setup and Configuration

The following system requirements are provided as a guideline in evaluating your hardware needs. The other applications that you run, particularly data-intensive applications, can greatly affect your workstation needs. These guidelines are designed to help size hardware for a new installation that will run version 11 of ProLaw Enterprise, ProLaw Enterprise for Corporate Legal Departments, ProLaw Enterprise for Government Agencies and ProLaw Ready with Microsoft Word and Outlook. Customers running additional applications should adjust workstation requirements accordingly. The ProLaw database server should be dedicated to the ProLaw database, and may be shared with other ProLaw roles where appropriate, as discussed below. Only in the smaller ProLaw Ready environment may the database server be shared with third-party applications.

In the Scaling System Requirements tables that follow, the "Minimum" figures represent hardware that will allow the software to function, but not necessarily what is advisable for optimum performance. The "Typical" figures represent the type of hardware available in the marketplace for new purchases.

ProLaw features an n-tier architecture that scales to meet your organization’s needs. Built upon a 32-bit foundation, the solution leverages the power of Microsoft SQL Server to automate your organization.

Workstation requirements: Windows XP Professional, Windows Vista (Business and Ultimate) or Windows 7 (Professional and Ultimate)

Server requirements: Microsoft Windows Server 2003 R2 or Windows Server 2008 (32 or 64 bit) running a version of Microsoft SQL Server 2005 or Microsoft SQL Server 2008 (64-bit).

ProLaw is supported on Microsoft 64-bit software or hardware with specific versions of platforms and integrations, please contact support for details.

Monolithic ProLaw Server System Requirements 
The following Scaling System Requirements table shows hardware requirements that increase as the maximum number of users to be served by a system increases. The Common System Requirements table which follows the scaling table shows the common elements for the system, regardless of the number of users. Please note that the value for Typical RAM is for the machine as a whole when considered in a Monolithic environment, not strictly what would be dedicated to the SQL database.

When using Microsoft SQL Server 2000, the default configuration of Code Page 1252 and Sort Order "Dictionary order, case-insensitive" is required. The installation of Microsoft SQL Server 2005 has a different default configuration that must be changed during installation to the same, Code Page 1252 and Sort Order "Dictionary order, case-insensitive", this is required to run the ProLaw database.

Note 1: Modern drive solutions that offer a good balance of Read and Write capability are important if you have questions about your specific requirements, please ask.

Note 2: When setting up your SCSI Raid it has been seen to help performance when the Raid cache is set to 64MB.

Note 3: Customers should note that clock speed (e.g., 3.0 GHz) is not the sole factor in assessing the processing capacity of a processor (CPU). In the recent generations of CPU's from both Intel and AMD, a 2.0 GHz processor may perform as well or better than a prior generation processor at a higher clock speed. Customers should consult with their vendors to assess whether a processor being evaluated for purchase is equivalent to the guidance provided in this document.

Note 4: Newer Dual and Quad core processors complicate processor selection. If you have any concerns over your preferred setup please contact us.

Desktop
These are typical examples of workstations for the two types of users. Normal Users are typical ProLaw system users who input and perform simple lookups of data, but do not run sophisticated reports or perform more intensive accounting for financial activities. Power Users, in addition to performing tasks a Normal User may undertake, may run sophisticated reports or perform more intensive accounting for financial activities, such as month end reports, reconciliations and/or billing runs.

Normal User System Requirements

Notes
We encourage you to work with your Implementation team to determine the amount of free hard drive space you will need on the server. Many factors can change the amount you will want to start with including which areas of the program you will use, how heavily you will use it and the size of your firm among others. Letting your Project Manager know about your short term and longer term plans in regards to your use of the product will help them give you the best recommendation possible.

Version 11 supports Microsoft SQL Server 2000, Microsoft SQL Server 2005 and Microsoft SQL Server 2008 (64-bit).

We require TCP/IP network protocol for all ProLaw installations.

No user login is required on the dedicated MS Server 2000/2005/2008 database server; therefore, you do not need to purchase additional user licenses based on the number of ProLaw users. However, you do need to purchase the appropriate number of application server licenses from your software vendor.

When using Microsoft SQL Server 2000, the default configuration of Code Page 1252 and Sort Order "Dictionary order, case-insensitive"; is required.

When using Microsoft SQL Server 2005 or 2008, sometimes the default is different and must be changed. It must be changed to a configuration of Code Page 1252 and Sort Order "Dictionary order, case-insensitive" before ProLaw is installed; this is required.


Outlook integration requires Exchange. Bi-directional Outlook integration requires Exchange 2003 or 2007. ProLaw and Exchange can be run on the same server - if properly sized - when using Microsoft Small Business Server in small firms. Broadband internet access is recommended for participating in online Virtual ProLaw University courses and as a means of giving remote access to support personnel. Please contact your ProLaw Client Services team at (888) 777-6529 or for explanations or additional information on these requirements.

Contact your ProLaw account representative by completing the Information Request Form or by calling 800-977-6529.