CEI and PRG Software

Cloud Delivery

Cloud delivery of CEI's software subscriptions has very few requirements. You will need a stable Internet connection and a Microsoft Remote Desktop compatible client, which is delivered on all Windows PCs and available on Mac, iOS, and Android.

For more information on network guidelines, visit https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/remote/remote-desktop-services/network-guidance.

On-Premise Delivery

CEI software works well on generally any Windows PCs purchased within the last three to five years. However, system requirements are no longer that cut-and-dry in today's complex environment of terminal servers, virtualization, cloud servers, thin clients, and so on. For example, Microsoft Surface Pro X machines with an ARM processor/CPU are not supported by our Thales license management system nor is our software able to run on those machines even though the machine is running a current build of Windows 10.

There are three primary components to any CEI software installation. These three components may be installed in one system or spread out over many.

1. Executable (the graphical user interface with which you interact)

• The program may be installed on any PC-based workstation or server operating with a current version of Windows.

• If using a Windows workstation or notebook computer, we highly recommend using Windows 10.

• If using a Windows Server for Remote Desktop Services (previously referred to as Terminal Services), we highly recommend using Windows Server 2012 R2 or later.

2. Data storage (the method and location for storing your data)

Depending on the software you have purchased there are three methods used for data storage.

• Some products store data in flat files. This allows you to use local storage on your Windows computer, remote storage on Windows Servers, or many different types of network attached storage devices.

• Some products use an embedded database manager to store data locally or on a network.

• ProWrite Enterprise and FormPro each use Microsoft SQL Server, which requires a SQL Server Administrator for installation and data management.

3. Licensing (allows access to the software products, features, and seats in your subscription)

• Except for Cloud delivered services, all CEI products use Safenet's Sentinel HASP licensing system. The licenses are provided on a USB attached dongle that is very similar to a small USB thumb drive.

• Management and implementation of the licensing service installed with the dongle is minimal and the dongle may be installed on Windows, Linux, or Apple Mac computers.

• Licenses are automatically shared across the network and additional configuration is rarely needed.

CEI Recommendations

Below, we provide some example scenarios and our recommended configurations. Regardless of your configuration, CEI recommends that you regularly back up your data. Consider using a backup service or implementing a backup plan with the help of a computer, systems, or database administrator. Contact us at support@thinkcei.com if you have specific questions about products and configurations.

Single User on a Desktop, Workstation, or Notebook Computer

Consider the following recommendations when using the software in a single user environment. The following requirements apply to all CEI and Paulin Research Group products except ProWrite Enterprise and FormPro SQL (see the SQL Specific Requirements section for more information).

Hardware Requirements for CEI Software

The following requirements must comply with any computer purchased within the last three years pertaining to CEI software products:

• Windows 10

• Intel or AMD processor that is no more than 3 years old

• 4 GB of Memory

• At least 1 GB of free disk storage

• Screen resolution of 1280 x 1024 or greater (Minimum 1024x768 with 100% Standard DPI/PPI)

• 1 open USB Port

• A network connection with Internet access is helpful for acquiring updates or support (WiFi is acceptable if data is stored locally)

Hardware Requirements for Paulin Research Group Software

The following requirements must comply with any computer purchased within the last three years pertaining to PRG software products:

• Operating System:

  • Windows 10 or 11 (with updates installed)

  • 32-bit or 64-bit versions (including international)

Note: Windows Server, Starter, and Home Editions are not supported.

• Computer and Processor Minimum Requirements:

  • 2.0 GHz Dual Core processor or higher

  • 4 GB of RAM

• Internet Connection (to be able to support the download)

  • Available, enabled USB port (pertains to current PRG 2021 USB license holders only)

• PRG Computer and Processor Recommended Requirements:

  • 3.1 GHz+ Dual Core processor or higher

  • 16 GB of RAM

  • 512 MB graphics card

  • 1280x1024 graphics resolution or better

Multi-User Environment Without a Central Server

Consider the following recommendations when using the software in a multi-user environment without a central server. The following applies to all CEI products except ProWrite Enterprise and FormPro SQL (see the SQL Specific Requirements section for more information).

Consider the following recommendations when these exceptions exist:

• When network sharing is enabled on one "single user" computer for data file storage and is being shared across the network.

• When a higher class CPU exists; more memory is recommended for the computer acting as the server.

• When a USB license dongle is installed on the "server" computer–this machine must always be on with access to the network (license/data usage) and the internet (license updates).

• When Wired Ethernet has 100 mbps or higher speeds is highly recommended.

Multi-User Environment With a Central Server

Consider the following recommendations when using the software in a multi-user environment without a central server. The following applies to all CEI products except ProWrite Enterprise and FormPro SQL (see the SQL Specific Requirements section for more information).

Consider the following recommendations when these exceptions exist:

• When a server computer is running on a Windows Server 2012 R2 or newer with a network share mapped to each client device.

• When the “Server class" hardware is no more than three years old; redundant storage mechanisms are also recommended to prevent data loss.

• When a USB license dongle is installed on a server.

• Wired Ethernet with 100 mbps or higher speeds is highly recommended

SQL Specific Requirements

ProWrite Enterprise and FormPro SQL use Microsoft SQL Server to store data. The SQL Server is very reliable and robust, however, it requires specialized knowledge to install and maintain. We highly recommend you use an IT admin who is familiar with the installation, configuration, and maintenance of a SQL Server; if you do not have access to a SQL Server Administrator, consider using ProWrite LocalDB or DesignDocs instead.

Consider the following SQL requirements:

• 2014 or newer.

• Single user environment with local applications and local data storage.

• When using a shared environment, your IT administrator should follow http://www.microsoft.com/sql to determine your server needs.

• For shared environments, we highly recommend a wired Ethernet with 100 mbps or higher speeds.