1. Introduction to NEXThink V4 Requirements

In this section, we list the hardware and software requirements of all the software components of NEXThink V4. Since every component serves a different purpose inside the heterogeneous architecture of NEXThink V4, the requirements of each component vary wildly with respect to each other. For instance, Engine needs to be installed in a high-end server for optimum performance whereas Collector may work perfectly even in low-end laptops. Find out the specific requirements for each component of NEXThink V4 below

2. Engine Requirements

Engine may be installed either in a dedicated server or in a virtual server. NEXThink officially supports VMware and Hyper-V as virtualization platforms, but you may probably install NEXThink V4 in any virtualization platform of your choice. In any case, your server must be powered by a 64-bit compatible processor (AMD64 or Intel 64 -not Itanium- architecture) for being able to run the Engine on top of the Linux-based 64-bit operating system included in NEXThink V4. The vast majority of currently available Intel and AMD processors comply with this requirement.

2.1. Dedicated Server

Since Engine runs on top of its own operating system, the server must not have any pre-installed software in the case you install Engine in a dedicated physical server.

2.1.1. Server Minimum Requirements

2.1.2. Recommended Server Setup

2.2. Virtual server

If you want to install Engine in a virtual machine, again make sure that the host machine has a 64-bit compatible processor capable of hardware accelerated virtualization. Otherwise, performance will drastically drop and Engine might be unusable.

2.2.1. Virtual Machine Minimum Settings

2.2.2. Virtual Machine Recommended Settings

2.3. Certified Hardware List

NEXThink V4 includes a Linux-based operating system that is derived from the freely distributed sources of a major North American Enterprise Linux vendor. This vendor maintains a list of supported hardware that has been tested and is certified to work with its Linux distribution. You can verify if your hardware is listed by clicking in the link below.

Certified Hardware List

NOTE: special attention must be paid to Notes (if any) that apply to some hardware on the above page. Some servers need special kernel options to be passed at boot time. For further information, see FAQ Installation section.

3. Portal Requirements

Although Portal may be installed in the same machine as Engine, we highly recommend to install Portal in a separate machine. When installed in the same machine, Portal may significantly decrease the responsiveness of Engine during relatively long periods of time. For installations with 1000 monitored computers or more, you must install Portal in a separate machine. If you have an installation with less than 1000 monitored computers and you install Portal in the same machine as Engine, make sure that your server runs a dual core or better processor and that you add 2 GB of RAM memory to the recommended settings of Engine.

The Portal may also be installed either in a dedicated physical server or in a virtual server. Since Portal also runs on top of the Linux-based 64-bit OS bundled with NEXThink V4, the same recommendations regarding 64-bit compatibility of the processor that we gave for Engine apply.

3.1. Dedicated Server

Portal requirements are basically the same as those of Engine, except that Portal is more demanding in terms of minimum hard disk capacity.

3.1.1. Server Minimum Requirements

3.1.2. Recommended Server Setup

3.2. Virtual server

The requirements of Portal when installed in a virtual machine are as follows.

3.2.1. Virtual Machine Minimum Settings

3.2.2. Virtual Machine Recommended Settings

4. Finder Requirements

Finder is a rich client Windows application with extensive use of graphics that requires a fair amount of processing power.

4.1. Hardware Requirements

4.1.1. Minimum Requirements

4.1.2. Recommended Setup

4.2. Software Requirements

NEXThink Finder is a .NET application built upon Microsoft .NET Framework 4. If your copy of Windows is up to date, you most probably have .NET Framework 4 already installed in your computer. If this is not the case, you can install Finder along with the .NET Framework 4 at the same time (see details on Finder Installation) or download the .NET Framework separately from .NET Framework 4 Download.

The .NET Framework 4 is supported by Windows XP Home Edition and later versions of Windows. Finder can therefore only be run on these operating systems.

5. Collector Requirements

Collector is a lightweight Windows driver which consumes very few resources. The requirements of Collector are therefore quite low.

5.1. Hardware Requirements

Except for a network connection to send data to Engine, Collector has no particular hardware requirements. Every computer that is able to run a modern Windows operating system is very likely to install and run Collector without any problem. For recommended hardware setup, please check out the documentation of your particular version of Windows.

The activity of a virtual machine running Windows can also be monitored with Collector. As in the case of the physical machine, the only requirement for the virtual machine is to have a network connection which is able to reach the host where Engine is installed.

5.2. Software Requirements

Starting from Windows 2000 SP4, Collector practically supports every subsequent version of Microsoft Windows. It covers all the versions targeted both to 32-bit and 64-bit architectures except IA-64 (Itanium). On the other hand, Collector does not support Windows embedded operating systems: neither Windows CE -now Embedded Compact- nor Windows XP Embedded are supported.

Aside from a Windows operating system, you only need an updated version of Windows Installer for installing Collector properly. If your copies of Windows are frequently updated, you most likely have the right version of Windows Installer already present in your computers. If not, you can download version 4.5 from Windows Installer 4.5 Download

6. Updater Requirements

Updater is a companion program of Collector. As such, it is also made to consume very few resources and its requirements are similar to those of Collector.

6.1. Hardware Requirements

Updater is responsible for downloading and installing improved versions of Collector in end-user computers. In order to do so, Updater needs to have a proper network connection to communicate with Engine.

6.2. Software Requirements

Updater requires the same software as Collector: a modern Windows operating system and an updated version of Windows Installer (3.5 or later, so Updater may install Collector).