Ideal Network / OS setup for openvpms

This did not get an answer in implementation section (?? not giving me much confidence in support of this program) So I thought I should try reposting to users:-

 

What would be the ideal network setup for a several terminal practice?

We currently run a windows 2003 terminal server with 6 workstations running Rxworks. I am a bit linux illiterate.

But :

I want to get away from Windows server and its licencing but still be compatable with the workstations we have.

Is it possible set up Linux in a terminal server type of setup?

Is this necesary? or is the browser conection in OPENVPMS the equivalent anyway?

What is the best server setup? Ubuntu? Windows Peer to peer? Windows Server?

Is Ubuntu easy to set up as the network backbone ie- DNS, DHCP, Domain controller, file and print server?

Can you set up ubuntu server that is compatible with windows workstations conecting to it?

Would it be easier to just set it up on our existing Win 2003 terminal server?

Thanks

Rob

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Re: Ideal Network / OS setup for openvpms

You don't need a terminal server. In fact its best to have the clients run web browsers on their own workstations to spread the load.

The server then runs:

* the mysql database server

* Apache Tomcat with OpenVPMS deployed

The client workstations don't need to run any flavour of Windows, they just need to run a compatible browser. For this, Firefox 3 or higher is recommended.

I can't help you with Ubuntu other than to say that at least one site uses it. Hopefully they will comment on this post.

 

Regards,

Tim

 

Re: Ideal Network / OS setup for openvpms

Hi Rob,

My practice runs OpenVPMS and we are completely windowless apart from the glass variety. Our server is a ubuntu server, it runs everything required without any hassles.

Our terminals are either macs or laptops running ubuntu. I use chromium browser on the ubuntu terminals and create an application shortcut so that openvpms can be run like a desktop application in it's own browser. On the macs I use firefox and use the prism extension to create a separate browser for openvpms to run in, again to make it like a desktop application.

If you were to continue to run some windows terminals you could use samba on ubuntu to enable file sharing, etc. Using windows protocols.

I don't think their is such a thing as an ideal setup, there are lots of ways of setting up which would work. I like using ubuntu for my server because:
1. It's free
2. It's open soUrce
3. It's stable and secure
4. It has a large community for support

I setup as a new practice so didn't have any data to migrate. If I were you I would get in contact with an implementor to discuss transferring your existing records to OpenVPMS. They would also be able to help you out with choosing a good server/terminal configuration.

Virtual box or similar virtualization software is a good way to be able to have a bit of a play around with Linux /ubuntu to find out if you are happy with using it. You can setup either a desktop or a server inside virtual box and you can run openvpms on the server in virtual box. Ubuntu can also be run from a cd without changing your computer system to try it out.

I can point you to some more information if you would like it,
Matt Young.

Re: Ideal Network / OS setup for openvpms

Hi Rob,

I am purely a user and my comments reflect that but we use a Server 2008 platform which suits us well as we run our PACS simultaneously on the same box.

So as is evident, it has a very diverse potential configuration.

Whatever suits you best!

 

As a side note OpenVPMS is entirely populated by volunteer users or developers that donate their time/expertise. This sometimes means that responses might be slow while real life takes priority. 

If you have a burning issue that needs immediate attention there are IT businesses that have a presence in the forums that can provide you with support. As is appropriate, they may charge for their time. I won't mention specifics in the users forum as this is not the appropriate place for advertising, but you can private message me via the forums and I will email you some names.

Cheers,

Matt Costa

Re: Ideal Network / OS setup for openvpms

Thanks for the comments here and a discussion with Tony at Vertical connect:

For future reference the answers I gathered to my specific questions follows. ( Open to correction if needed )

  • The program can be set up on any platform - it does not have to be on a server setup.
  • The workstations web browser just points to where the main database is so is like a RDC to a server but the database can be on any type of machine.
  • You can set it up in a terminal server situation.

 

As to what we will do:

I will keep our Windows 2003 terminal server setup.  Ubuntu is a different world than I am use to and I still want to easily use my other windows programs.

I plan to load openvpms onto either a spare computer on our network or onto our existing server to evaluate it then go from there.

Rob

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