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Knowledgebase: Miscellaneous
Hardware Recommendations
Posted by Dan Shelton, Last modified by Dan Shelton on Feb 07 2022 12:21 PM

Hardware Procurement

ProCirrus does not recommend that clients procure their own network switches or firewalls as ProCirrus requires specific models and features to properly manage and secure the local network. Generally, network devices are ordered as part of the client onboarding process. Provided that the workstations and laptops meet or exceed our minimum specifications, clients are free to purchase their own computers.  If your firm prefers, ProCirrus can procure standard configurations of hardware on your behalf through our vendor partnerships.

Recommendations

Workstations 

Most modern computers will work very well with the ProZone provided they meet our minimum specifications.  However, this will depend upon the general health of the computer, the local software in use and very importantly the load placed on the computer by the monitors and their aggregate resolution.  

Required
Category
Recommendations
Processor Generally speaking, the more you have the better!  The minimum processor is a quad (4) Core and a hexa (6) core is recommended.
Memory (RAM) We strongly recommend at least 16GB of RAM on any workstation not running a dedicated video card.    If you intend on running other RAM intensive local applications check their requirements to make sure you have adequate memory above this recommendation.
Video We recommend dedicated, non-integrated video cards for all PC's and require it for running multiple monitors on machines with less than 16GB of RAM.  Most low cost computers do not include a dedicated video card, which means that the video display uses the motherboard memory (RAM) to operate.  In most cases, these integrated video cards can use up to 2GB of the computers RAM.
Hard Drive All standard hard drives are sufficient for cloud usage but for speed and power we recommend SSD drives when possible.
Operating System Windows 10 or higher
Vendor We highly recommend using a reliable hardware vendor with a solid warranty and end user support. Less expensive options are usually cheaper for a reason.
Dual Monitor Video We highly recommend configurations with video cards that support at least (2) monitors.
MAC OS Although MACs work with Citrix we generally do not generally recommend them both for compatibility issues and for overall cost.
Software Try to avoid PC's with bloatware or introductory anti-virus software. If this is PC is to be managed by ProCirrus we will install antivirus as part of our PC Optimize service.
Chassis We recommend the Dell OptiPlex Small Form Factor for its size and overall performance
Warranty and Service We recommend Dell's 3 year Basic Hardware Service with 3 Year NBD Onsite Service after Remote Diagnosis
Accidental Damage We don't recommend hardware protection for workstations unless they are exposed to risky environments (i.e. restaurants)

 

Laptops 

Laptops have numerous options from screen size to overall weight therefore we recommend clients with specific needs "build" their own at reputable hardware vendor sites like Dell.com. When building your laptops, please be mindful of the recommendations below. If your prefer, ProCirrus can procure a standard laptop on your behalf.

Required
Category
Recommendations
Processor Generally speaking, the more you have the better!  The minimum processor is a quad (4) Core and a hexa (6) core is recommended.
Memory (RAM) 8GB of memory is the minimum and 16GB is recommended. If you intend on running other local applications check their requirements to make sure you have adequate memory.
Video Dedicated video RAM of 512MB or higher (see Docking Station)
Hard Drive We recommend solid state hard drives for laptops for speed and battery life
Operating System Windows 10 or higher. 
Vendor We highly recommend using a reliable hardware vendor with a solid warranty and end user support. Less expensive options are usually cheaper for a reason. We recommend Dell.
Docking Station If the laptop is for office and travel use we recommend models that support docking stations and dual monitor support.
Software Try to avoid PC's with bloatware or introductory anti-virus software. If this is PC is to be managed by ProCirrus we will install antivirus as part of our PC Optimize service.
Chassis An example would be Dell Latitude 5000 series laptops.
Warranty and Service We recommend Dell's 3 year Basic Hardware Service with 3 Year NBD Onsite Service after Remote Diagnosis
Accidental Damage We recommend hardware protection for laptops equal to the warranty window. (i.e. 3 years)

 

Printers 

There are numerous factors to consider when choosing a printer. The following are our recommendations that you should consider when procuring desktop printers to work with the ProCirrus Cloud. If you are considering an enterprise level machine, we can discuss requirements with your printer vendor.

Required
Category
Recommendations
Ethernet This is optional but we highly recommend printers that support IP configurations which allow for remote management and printing
Scan to SMTP & Email This allows for simple and secure scanning to cloud drives and email accounts
IPP with Authorization This allows for secure remote printing without VPN
Example For basic desktop usage, the OfficeJet Pro 8600 Plus e-All-in-One Wireless Color Printer with Scanner, Copier & Fax is a cost effective option

 

Network Equipment  

ProCirrus requires specific firewalls as part of our ProGateway service to ensure your security and as part of our overall network management. Clients may procure network switches provided they comply with the following recommendations.

Required
Category
Recommendations
Firewalls ProCirrus will procure the appropriate firewall for your firm based on your size and needs. Using the correct firewall is important for your network security and the active management of your ISP
Network Switches Any network switch must be "managed" and we generally recommend HP switches. In most cases, we do not recommend power over ethernet (POE) switches and we recommend that devices have their own power supply. Avoiding POE switches reduces the chances of signal corruption.
Examples Standard Switches: 8 Port: 1810-8G v2 Switch (J9802A), 24 Port: 1810-24G v2 Switch (J9803A), 48 Port: 1810-48G Switch (J9660A) – 48 Port Power Over Ethernet: 48 Port: 2910al-48G-PoE+
WIFI ProCirrus recommends separate POE WIFI devices for superior performance over WIFI enabled firewalls.  We usually procure WIFI units along with firewalls for our clients. 

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