BiblioTECH – Technical Overview

 This document is intended for use by network staff responsible for managing networks where BiblioTECH is installed.

The BiblioTECH Library System is a client-server application that runs on the 32-bit Microsoft Windows platform.

 The server also provides a Web Server interface, allowing clients (Windows or other) to interrogate the system using standard Web Browsing technology. 

Communications

The clients can utilise several network protocols to communicate with the server, however, the recommended protocol is TCP/IP. When run locally on the server, the clients can utilise a propriety and very fast protocol.

 As the clients retain the IP address of the server in a configuration file, the server must have a statically assigned IP address.

 Server Software

The server comprises two Win32 Service applications and a management module

–        the BiblioTECH server service provides the full functionality of the BiblioTECH system

–        the Restarter Service which performs maintenance tasks each night at 3pm. , and

–        the Management Module allows an administrator to manage & monitor the server service.

 The server service utilises a propriety, high speed database environment to store the data. This is embedded within the server Service – no other database environments are required.

 The server also includes a web server engine to allow clients to access the system via standard http web browsing (on port 8181). (This facility allows non-Windows based computers to utilise the system)

 Client Software

The BiblioTECH client consists of a series of compiled Win32 modules which are called from a Launcher module.

When started, the Launcher module establishes contact with the BiblioTECH server and updates the other client modules, if required. It then installs itself in the Taskbar Notification area. If running on the server, it also installs the Management Module on the Taskbar Notification area.

 Directory Usage

The BiblioTECH environment requires three directory structures,

 Server & Client Config
During installation of either the client or the server, a sub-directory ( FF ) is created under the WindowsSystem32 directory. This contains a configuration file which identifies the locations of the client and data (server only) directories. On a server, this directory also holds the server services and associated config & log files. 

Server Data  ( default =  c:\FFlibrary )

This directory holds the library system data environment

Client and Utility Information ( default =  c:\BtechFF )

This directory holds the library system client executables and various system files

 Access Permissions & Rights

The three directory structures are internally maintained by the BiblioTECH software and need to be set for unrestricted access.

 When using the server Management Module, you must be operate under an account with Service control rights (usually you would use a local administrative account).

 System Requirements

Server

The server services and modules need to be operated on a Windows 32-bit platform.
While the minimum requirements are quite low, for adequate performance it is recommended that the server be dedicated and have at least

·        Processor   2.6 GHz  Pentium-4

·        Memory     1 Gb RAM

·        Disks          > 10 Gb on data drive

·        Display       800x600 or higher

·        Backup      (refer BiblioTECH manual)

 Client

Effectively any computer operating a Windows 32-bit platform with a fast TCP/IP connection to the server can be used as a client. For adequate performance it is recommended that the client computers have at least

·        Processor   2.0 GHz  Pentium-4

·        Memory     512MB RAM

·        Display       800x600 or higher

·        Network    minimum 10Mbps (prefer 100Mbps)

·        Barcodes    Barcode Reader   (circulation and admin clients)

 Web Client

Any computer with a compatible Web Browser (Microsoft IE4+ or Netscape 4+) that can communicate with the server using port 8181.

 Last Edited on: Friday June 25, 2004