Hardware & Network Consulting

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                  Network Consulting

The cost of your computer network is based on a number of factors, including brand, speed and options.  The Implementation Management department at Animal Intelligence Software, Inc. will work with you and your network vendor to ensure that you purchase the most economical and reliable system to efficiently run the AI application.

Your Network Server

A Network is made up of two or more computers connected together to share printers, files, hard disks, etc.  Animal Intelligence (AI) installations use either server-based or peer-to-peer design.

In a server-based  network, one computer, the "server," is used exclusively for storing and managing shared files for the "workstation" computers. Server-based networks run faster, more smoothly, and with fewer problems than peer-to-peer networks. For this reason, we strongly recommend server-based networks for all multi-user installations and we require it for those with three or more workstations. The only disadvantage is that the server computer is an extra expense. However, we feel that extra cost is more than compensated for in increase stability and reliability.

In a peer-to-peer network, all computers on the network are equals.  One of the computers is assigned to store shared files for all of the other computers.  This type of network is less expensive because you do not have to purchase a separate server computer.  The disadvantage is that is a program “dies’ on the computer storing the shared files, the whole network is incapacitated until the server is restarted.  Peer-to-peer networks while viable in some cases are not recommended by AIS.

Hardware

AI does not require state-of-the-art technology to perform acceptably.  Animal Intelligence may work  with computers you are currently using as long as they meet the minimum requirements.  However, as with any software, the faster the processor and the higher the RAM, the faster the program will run.  If you are trying to economize, you may be able to use your existing system with minimal upgrades, and then continue upgrading as resources allow.  It is important however to always keep AIS informed of any hardware upgrades, preferably before they occur.

Network Vendors & Computers

Your choice of network vendor will greatly influence the brand of computers you buy.  You will have a very close relationship with your network vendor and will depend on them to keep your system running, so it is in your best interest not to force them to install a system or brand they distrust.