Direct Systems Hardware and Software Requirements for SQL
Last updated on January 27, 2025.
Important Note: Please note that our IBS SQL Version relies on specific hardware and software requirements to ensure optimal performance and security. Keeping your infrastructure up to date is essential for a smooth experience.
This document provides guidance on the recommended hardware and software requirements for deploying and operating Direct Systems' IBS SQL Version. Following these recommendations ensures optimal performance, reliability, and security for your setup.
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Mainstream Support and End of Life:
Microsoft has ended Mainstream Support for all server operating systems prior to Windows Server 2019 1809.
For Windows workstations, all versions up to Windows 10 21H2 are already out of support. Microsoft will end Mainstream Support for Windows 10 22H2 on October 14, 2025. After this date, security updates, bug fixes, and technical support will no longer be available. If you are running Windows 10, we recommend checking if your hardware supports Windows 11 and planning an upgrade when it is feasible. If you are considering upgrading your hardware in the near future, please ensure the new hardware meets the requirements for Windows 11 to ensure long-term compatibility.
Mainstream Support refers to the period during which Microsoft provides free updates, security patches, and general support for an operating system. After Mainstream Support ends, the product enters the Extended Support phase, during which only critical security updates are provided. While our software may still run on earlier versions, we recommend following Microsoft's guidance for end of life to ensure security and compatibility.
Yearly updates are available to Windows 10 from Microsoft at no cost, and it is recommended to install those when available. For more information, you can review Microsoft's Windows Lifecycle Fact Sheet.
Direct's new products are built on top of industry-standard
Microsoft SQL Server. Some of the benefits include speed, reliability, and cost. The
Express Edition is FREE, holds databases up to 10GB in size, and supports up to 15 users.
If your setup includes more than 15 concurrent users or databases larger than 10GB, you must use at least Microsoft SQL Server Standard Edition. We do not support SQL Server Express for installations exceeding these limits.
Important: Update your server operating system with the latest OS updates before installing Microsoft SQL Server.
Requirements
For detailed information, please read our Hardware Requirements.
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Install Microsoft SQL Server with
SQL Server Management Studio:
- Install on the same server where the program files will be located, if possible.
- SQL Server Management Studio is referred to as "Management Tools" on the download page.
- Choose "Windows Authentication" when prompted for credentials.
If you supply a password, please make note of it.
- Use the Microsoft Download Center for installation.
- SQL Server database should be named IBS.
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Enable Remote Connection to SQL Server:
- This allows TCP access and SQL Server Authentication.
- SQL Server Express does not allow remote connections by default, so you must enable it manually.
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Configure Windows Firewall for Database Engine Access:
- This ensures your SQL Server instance is visible on the internal network.
- The SQL Server Browser Service uses UDP port 1434.
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Install SQL Native Client:
- Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Native Client must be installed on each desktop connection. Choose 64-bit or 32-bit based on your server.
Additional Recommendations
- If using our Sales Lead Tacker software, disable write caching on the server to prevent potential data corruption.
- Disable offline file and folder caching to ensure all users are running the latest software version during updates.
- Ensure .NET 3.5 Framework is enabled for pre-Direct 10 customers.
- Regularly maintain servers by excluding IBS SQL folders from antivirus scans, cleaning temporary files, and scheduling updates.
- Ensure network switches are at least 100MB, and avoid network hubs to maintain a stable environment.
Cloud Hosting Services: We work with a cloud provider that can manage all the infrastructure for your IBS software. Contact us at
info@directsystems.com to learn more.