Workstations:

MediTrax requires a Windows® (32- or 64-bit) operating system.

File Server:

Whether you require a single workstation, a local area network (LAN) within your facility, a wide area network (WAN) for remote data entry, or a multi-site installation, you won't outgrow the capacity of MediTrax to handle virtually unlimited records in its data tables. If you don't operate on a network now but might wish to in the future, we're ready to grow with you ... so you can start using MediTrax today with the power of true integrated data management for the future!

MediTrax is a relational database compiled and linked using C++/Borland technology. The application requires a Windows® operating environment, and the software has been successfully tested and used on Windows® Server 2008, 2012, 2016, and 2019 platforms. MediTrax supports VMWare® virtual servers as well as Citrix® Terminal Server environments. The executable program file may be stored either on the file server, or on each individual workstation in a client-server configuration to minimize network bandwidth.

No "back-end" database platform is required.

Network Operating Systems:

An Important Note About Network Configuration and Program Speed:

A relational database such as MediTrax requires robust file-server performance to successfully implement a multi-user configuration. Designating a shared folder on a single Windows® 10 workstation as a network "server" will NOT provide optimum performance in supporting multiple simultaneous users. Enabling peer-to-peer networking via a Remote Desktop Connection (RDP, formerly referred to as "Terminal Services") to such a shared folder may provide acceptable program speed for one remote workstation which is connected in that manner, but other "networked" workstations may experience substantial degradation of program speed. Moreover, Windows® 10 workstations are limited to a maximum of one RDP connection.

We recommend investigating the possibility of implementing RDP services on a server specifically configured for multi-user connections. For users of Windows® Server 2016, the Microsoft® technet site provides additional information. Windows® Server 2019 has even greater flexibility for RDP connections.

Configuring a Virtual Server (e.g., VMWare):

We advise implementing a virtual server with "Quad-Core" processors (i.e., configuring your VMWare to utilize 4 or 8 processors rather than the default of 2.

Configuring a Citrix® server:

If you are unable to implement RDP services with a large number of concurrent users, it may be advisable to consider implementing a Citrix® environment to connect networked workstations with your MediTrax "share". Another alternative worth considering is TSPlus®, a cost-effective solution featuring a seamless client offering fast, efficient network access.

An Important Note About Opportunistic File Locking (OPLOCKS):

Opportunistic locking is a function of Windows® Server environments which allows clients to lock files and locally cache information without the risk of another user changing the file. This may decrease performance in some operations because the server that grants the opportunistic lock must manage the breaking of that lock when another user requests access to the file -- such as when a user wishes to browse the picklist of Employees in MediTrax.

We recommend DISABLING the OPLOCKS function to avoid significant delays when browsing your data tables in a multi-user environment. Because this involves editing the Windows® registry, it should ONLY be performed by knowledgeable IT/IS support staff.

If your IT/IS staff have not previously done so, and if you are using Windows® Server 2008 or Windows® 7, they should also disable SMB2. Instructions for disabling this function can be found at support.microsoft.com/kb/2696547.

An Important Note About Data Encryption:

MediTrax utilizes data encryption to protect sensitive information. If an unauthorized individual gains network access to your data tables, this encryption prevents such an individual from associating the identity of a patient/employee with his/her medical surveillance records and other EMR data.

As an extra security measure, you may wish to encrypt the entire folder in which your MediTrax data tables are stored using a utility such as TrueCrypt® or BitLocker®. This step requires each MediTrax user to "decrypt" the folder prior to opening the program, but the minimal steps involved in that process do provide an extra level of data security in individual facilities.

An Important Note About Antivirus Software:

It is important to achieve a balance between ensuring a secure and virus-free server environment while not interfering with the reliability and performance of each server. A lack of exclusions with regards to virus scanning has traditionally been one of the main causes of outages with regards to applications and services. In addition, virus scanning is often a cause of performance issues.

Periodic virus scanning of your local and network drives (especially, for example, after downloading and installing a software update) is advised, but "real-time" or "on-access" scanning of your data tables may significantly slow performance in a multi-user environment.

To reduce the impact of antivirus software on MediTrax program performance, you must add the folder in which your data tables are stored AND the folder in which the MT5.EXE executable program is stored to the %windir%\Security\Database path of the exclusions list (for Windows® Server 2008 R2, Windows® Server 2012, Windows® Server 2016, and Windows® Server 2019 domain controllers; contact MediTrax Support if you are using another server platform).

The Microsoft® Security Tool Kit CD includes best practice guidelines, information about how to help secure your system, and service packs and updates that can protect your system against virus attacks. It also provides Microsoft® tools to help you secure your systems and keep them secure.