Hardware and Network Recommendations

Computer Recommendations

SunLync Select is built on client/server technology.  Client/server describes the relationship between two computer programs in which one program, the client, makes a service request from another program, the server, which fulfills the request.  

The server component of SunLync Select is a MySQL database that resides on a computer referred to as the server.  All data is housed and processed on the server.  The number of stores and workstations that connect to the server determines what type of server you will need.

The client component of SunLync Select resides on a computer referred to as a workstation.  Because the client component of the software does not have the same type of processing and connection needs as the server, the workstation does not need to be as robust.

The client and the server components of SunLync Select can reside within a single computer, but depending on the amount of connections and processing required of the server; it may be necessary to use separate systems.

The following describes single and multiple store computer specifications.

Single Store

The minimum configuration for a single salon is one computer using the below server specification.  It is recommended that the point of sale workstation be separate from the server.

Server Specification

  • Windows 2000 Workstation or XP Pro Operating System
  • 2.4 GHz or better AMD or Intel Pentium 4 CPU
  • 512 MB ECC RAM
  • 80 GB Hard Drive
  • CD-RW Drive

Workstation Specification

  • Windows 2000 or XP Pro Operating System
  • 2.4 GHz or better AMD or Intel Pentium 4 CPU
  • 256 MB RAM (recommend 512;will improve Windows performance)
  • 40 GB Hard Drive
  • CD-RW

Multiple Stores

The specification for a workstation is the same as a single salon.  The following is a list of server specifications based on the number of stores to be connected.

Server Specifications

2 - 5 Stores
  • Windows XP Pro, Windows Server 2003 or Red Hat Linux
  • 2.4 GHz or better AMD or Intel Pentium 4 CPU
  • 512 MB ECC RAM (recommend 1Gigabyte)
  • IDE or SCSI Drives in a RAID 1 or RAID 5 configuration
  • Intel Pro 1000 Network adaptors
6 - 10 Stores
  • Windows XP Pro, Windows Server 2003 or Red Hat Linux
  • 3.0 GHz AMD Athlon 64 3000 or Intel Pentium 4 CPU
  • 1 GB ECC RAM
  • 80 GB SATA or SCSI Drives in a RAID 1 or RAID 5 configuration
  • Intel Pro 1000 Network adaptors
11 - 30+ Stores
  • Linux, Windows XP Pro, Windows Server 2003 or Red Hat Linux
  • 3.4 GHz Athlon 64 3400 or Intel Pentium 4 CPU
  • 2 GB ECC RAM
  • 80+ GB SCSI Drives in a RAID 5 configuration (Total of 80 Gigabyte; three 36 Gigabyte drives in a RAID 5 configuration)
  • Battery backup SCSI card (http://www.intel.com/design/servers/SRCU42X/)
  • Intel Pro 1000 Network adaptors

Other Server Recommendations

  • Backup media: Tape or External USB drive
  • CD-RW
  • Store MySQL data on separate partition (use RAID 5 configuration for MySQL data)
  • Fast 320 mbps SCSI drives and card (battery backup on card)
  • To save money on Microsoft connection licenses use  Windows XP Pro or Linux
  • Intel Pro 1000 Network adaptors and equipment for future 1000 mbps networking

Network/WAN

  • Server Location: 768 Kbps download/768 Kbps upload and a static IP Address
  • Other Locations: 768 Kbps download/256 Kbps upload.  Can use either dynamic or static IP Addresses
  • Virtual Private Network (VPN) connection between locations and server location with a dedicated DNS server

Peripherals

Timer Systems

  • T-Max Timers
  • Intellitan
  • FST Timers
  • Westar Database Timers

Report Printers

SunLync Select will work with any Windows compatible non-TWAIN printer. 

The printer must be 100% compatible with your version of Windows to work properly.  SunLync LLC will only support printers on Windows XP, 2000 or NT.

Receipt Printers

Currently compatible with the following Receipt Printers:

  • Star TSP100 (USB)
  • Star SP200
  • Star SP500 Series
  • Epson TM-88II
  • Epson TM-88III

Although other receipt printers may function correctly, we cannot guarantee their operation.  

Also, it may be possible to use a USB receipt printer with SunLync.  Please contact us for any concerns.

Cash Drawers

SunLync Select supports any MMF Cash Drawer that connects to the supported receipt printers.

Biometrics

  • Digital Persona U.are.U 4000 or 4000 B thumbprint scanner

No other biometric device is supported in SunLync Select at this time.  Please contact SunLync prior to installing any biometrics device!

Cameras

  • Winnov Videum Conference Pro XP #60-0066

This includes the camera and video capture card.  This is currently the only camera that operates with directly with SunLync Select.  It is not supported in Windows 95 or 98.

PIN Pad

  • Genovation Pin Pad #627

Signature Pads

SunLync Select has been tested and confirmed to work correctly with the following signature pads:

  • Topaz T-C912-USB
  • Topaz T-S751-USB
  • ePad

Any signature pad that interfaces with Microsoft Word will also work with SunLync.

Vendors

As SunLync is a software design firm, our main focus is on the development of software specifically for the indoor tanning industry.  We do not support hardware issues associated with presently installed hardware that do not meet recommended specifications.  However, we will offer guidance and provide vendors when it comes to selecting hardware for your business.

See http://www.sunlync.com for a recommended vendor list.