Agilent OpenLab Shared Services Server v2.5 - Site Preparation Checklist

Importance of the Topic

Proper site preparation for Agilent OpenLab Shared Services Server v2.5 is critical to ensure a stable, secure, and efficient software deployment. By verifying hardware, software, network, and environmental requirements in advance, organizations can avoid installation delays, reduce troubleshooting time, and maintain long‐term operational reliability.

Objectives and Overview of the Document

This guide provides a structured checklist and technical specifications that customers must fulfill before installation. It defines responsibilities for computing environment setup, software licensing, backup solutions, and coordination with Agilent support services. The goal is to streamline the deployment process and guarantee compatibility with laboratory networks and corporate infrastructures.

Methodology

The document adopts a checklist approach, dividing site preparation into customer responsibilities and detailed system requirements. It references additional hardware and software requirement guides for supplemental information on licensing, virtualization, and language compatibility.

Main Requirements and Discussion

• Customer Responsibilities:
  
  • Provide adequate space for servers and workstations.
  • Ensure availability of electrical outlets, Internet access, and backup solutions.
  • Gather sales order details, software authorization codes, and media.
  • Coordinate presence of system administrators and instrument users during installation.
• Software Specifications:
  
  • Supported server OS: Windows Server 2016 Standard or Datacenter.
  • Databases: MS SQL Server 2014–2019, PostgreSQL 11.5, Oracle 12c R2 and 18c.
  • Web browsers: Internet Explorer 11, Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome.
  • .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 and 4.x; PDF reader.
• Hardware Specifications:
  
  • Processor: 1×3 GHz dual‐core.
  • Memory: 12 GB RAM.
  • Storage: Two mirrored 100 GB 7.2K rpm RAID 1 volumes for OS/software and data.
  • Network: 1 Gb Ethernet.
• Networking Requirements:
  
  • Standard TCP/IP on a lab‐isolated subnet; WANs not supported.
  • Proper IP addressing, name resolution, and firewall port openings.
  • Consult hardware/software guide for domain, LAN power management, and isolation best practices.
• Compatibility:
  
  • Compatible with OpenLab ECM 3.5 Update 6 and ECM 3.6.

Benefits and Practical Applications

Following this checklist minimizes configuration errors and installation re‐scheduling. It ensures that analytical laboratories can integrate the OpenLab Shared Services Server into their IT environments with confidence, supporting data management, regulatory compliance, and collaborative research.

Future Trends and Opportunities

Emerging practices include deploying OpenLab in virtualized or cloud environments, tighter integration with laboratory instruments, and enhanced cybersecurity measures. Automation of pre‐installation validation and remote diagnostic tools will further streamline deployments.

Conclusion

A systematic pre‐installation checklist is a foundational step toward a successful OpenLab Shared Services Server deployment. Adhering to the outlined responsibilities and technical specifications safeguards operational continuity and maximizes return on investment for laboratory data management solutions.