1) What are the system requirements for Terrapene?
2) What are the options for the Terrapene Server setup?
3) Where should the documents be stored or linked?
4) I didn't purchase an Annual Maintenance Agreement when I purchased Terrapene, what do I do now that I need technical support?
1) What are the system requirements for Terrapene?
Please consult this page for the latest Terrapene System Requirements.
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2) What are the options for the Terrapene Server setup?
There are two options for the Terrapene Server: purchasing a Terrapene Server, or subscribing to the Terrapene Server Service. Both options offer the same functionality in the Terrapene software itself and may offer similar levels of speed and responsiveness, depending on the network configuration at the location in question. In certain organizations, a combination of the two options may be needed for an ideal Terrapene deployment.
Option 1: Purchasing a Terrapene Server
Organizations with existing network infrastructures may elect to purchase their own copy of the Terrapene Server software and install it on a local computer. The organization itself ensures the connectivity between the Terrapene Server and Client computers through (often) existing network infrastructures. The organization also ensures appropriate firewalls, backup procedures, and other security measures protect the server from inappropriate access, hardware/software failures, and other IT concerns. In many cases, an organization will already have similar systems in place for other servers and server software. Terrapene Server software is designed to be run on a dedicated computer server.
A primary consideration for organizations with multiple locations/sites considering this option will be the choice of location for the server within the existing network infrastructure. This will obviously depend on the layout of the network and the location of affected users (in other words, the location(s) of those computers where the Terrapene Client will be installed and used). As with any network application, response times are minimized by ensuring the adequacy of the data pipeline, as well as reducing the amount of “hops” between the server and the end-user. In general terms, a central location may be best if the clients will be spread evenly across multiple locations. However, if the clients become concentrated in one particular area, then best overall connectivity may be ensured by locating the server nearest to wherever there are the most users. Network Engineers must carefully weigh such considerations as well as many others; consultation may be needed to determine which location will best suit a given scenario.
Another consideration affecting larger organizations is the amount of servers that may be needed to appropriately support Terrapene usage. Although the performance of the server itself should be considered (CPU Time, Memory Usage, etc.), most issues can be resolved through simple hardware upgrades if needed. A more pressing concern will likely be the network infrastructure issues described above. For example, in the case where a company has major concentrations of users in different countries or regions, it may be most appropriate to have a different server in proximity to each region, if connectivity would otherwise be too slow, unresponsive, or unreliable. Each Terrapene Client is able to connect to multiple servers, and so organization-wide connectivity could still be ensured, while assuring that local users still have a responsive experience.
Option 2: Subscribing to the Terrapene Server Service
Organizations who do not have sufficient existing IT infrastructure, or who do not wish to incur the expense of purchasing a Terrapene Server, may elect to subscribe to the Terrapene Server Service. Essentially, in this case, a company is leasing the use of a Terrapene server housed at an external facility (a Terrapene Data Center). Connectivity between the Client and the Server occurs over the Internet through standard-based secure protocols. The organization must ensure that each client computer is able to connect to the server over the Internet (existing firewalls/security measures may need to be adjusted, as needed). Data backups occur automatically on a regular and continual basis as part of the subscription service.
A primary consideration for organizations pursuing this option will be any limitations or restrictions that may interfere with optimal connectivity. This may include the existence of firewalls, proxy servers, or other network security measures that may block the usage of certain ports needed by a Terrapene Subscription Server. (Terrapene Connectivity Test software can be provided to help determine whether this may pose a problem for your organization.) Also to be considered is the speed and reliability of the Internet connection to be used by Client computers, both in general and in terms of the specific subscription server assigned. (In general, Terrapene Data Centers and Subscription Servers are established in appropriate locations driven by demand; more information about current data center and subscription server availability can be obtained when discussing this option with a Terrapene Sales Representative.)
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3) Where should the documents be stored or linked?
When adding a document reference to a process within the Terrapene Process Management Suite, there are three methods for establishing the connection between the document and a given section of a process. These three options are: linking to a file or folder, linking to a web address, and uploading a file to the Terrapene Server. A complete, well-documented system may very well have documents that are referenced by each of these three methods.
Method 1: Linking to a file or folder
When linking to a file or folder, the person adding the reference to the system is able to use the Windows standard "Browse" dialog to locate it. The file or folder can be located anywhere on a network, including on local computers or shared network drives. When linking to a file, the file itself is not affected in any way; the document's specified location is simply stored on the Terrapene Server. Likewise, linking to a folder will simply result in that folder being opened in its current network location. Terrapene makes no assumptions whatsoever about the ability of other users to access the linked file or folder. For example, if a linked file is located on a shared network drive called "P" (Example: "P:\mydocument.txt"), only users who already have network access to this drive will be able to open the document. Further, Terrapene document security for linked files and folders is limited to controlling who can and cannot see/access the document link through Terrapene. Existing network security must be in place if the document itself must be protected from changes
Method 2: Linking to a web address (URL)
Similar to the linking of a file above, linking to a web address allows the person adding the document reference to specify an Internet or Intranet-based Web Address (or URL). When opening this URL, Terrapene will launch the computer’s default Web Browser as needed. Once again, Terrapene simply stores the document reference, and the extent of the security within Terrapene is to limit who is and who is not able to view/access the document link. Existing security measures must be in place on the web server where the document resides to protect the document from changes, as needed.
Method 3: Uploading a file to the Terrapene Server
In cases where a document must be shared amongst all Terrapene users and where existing network-accessible file or web servers do not already house the maintained document, it may be desirable to upload and store the document on the Terrapene Server. This offers a few additional security controls through Terrapene itself, including the ability to place limits on who is able to view or edit the document (through the “Permissions” systems; consult the “Terrapene Technical Manual” for more information). This also means that all access to the maintained document must take place within the Terrapene software and access is thus limited to those users with Terrapene Server access.
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4) I didn't purchase an Annual Maintenance Agreement when I purchased Terrapene, what do I do now that I need technical support?
The current renewal fee for the Annual Maintenance Agreement is 19% of purchase price for a one year term; 17% per year of the purchase price for a two year term; 15% per year of the purchase price for a three year term. The fee for this Agreement must be paid in full prior to receiving technical support services. This Agreement renews automatically on an annual basis with payment due prior to the commencement of the subsequent term. Notification will be sent 45 days prior to the expiration identifying amount due and due date. For more information please contact Sales@TerrapeneINTL.com.
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