OpenLAB ECM: Site Preparation Checklist - ECM 3.4.1 and 3.4.1 SP1

Importance of the Topic

Proper site preparation is critical for reliable installation and long-term operation of enterprise content management systems. By aligning hardware, software, network, and organizational requirements before deployment, laboratories and organizations ensure that their OpenLAB ECM 3.4.1 platforms function seamlessly, minimize downtime, and meet regulatory and performance demands.

Objectives and Article Overview

This document serves as a checklist and guide to prepare the installation site for OpenLAB ECM 3.4.1 and 3.4.1 SP1. It outlines customer responsibilities, hardware and software requirements for database servers (SQL Server 2008 and Oracle 11g), ECM components (web, file transfer, application servers), client workstations, scheduler environments, network settings, and service account configurations.

Methodology and Site Preparation Requirements

Preparation is organized by component type:

• Customer Responsibilities: Validate that all Agilent hardware/software prerequisites are met; provide workspace, power outlets, sales order and license information; ensure software media availability; and have key users present during installation.
• SQL Database Server: Use a dedicated server with 2 GHz+ CPU, 2 GB+ RAM (4 GB recommended), 100 GB+ disk, SQL Server 2008 Standard/Enterprise R2, SQL_Latin1_General_CP1_CI_AS collation, English (US) regional settings, NTFS file system, and TCP/IP networking.
• Oracle Database Server: Dedicated host for Oracle 11g Standard/Enterprise, UTF8/AL32UTF8 character set, remote 32-bit Oracle client for 64-bit databases; recommended on a separate physical or vendor-supported virtual machine.
• ECM Servers: Three logical roles (Web, File Transfer, Application) may be consolidated or separated. Each role has minimum CPU, RAM, and disk specifications. Windows Server 2008 R2 (64-bit), .NET frameworks (1.1 SP1, 2.0 SP2, 3.5 SP1), SQL client tools, and optional Oracle 11g R2 client are required. Server must reside in a domain with static IP, low-latency connectivity (<3 ms) to the database server, and opened ports (25 for email, 80/443 for HTTP/HTTPS, 1433 for SQL, 1521 for Oracle).
• ECM Clients: Workstations with 2 GHz CPU, 1–2 GB RAM, 40 GB disk, Windows XP SP3/7 SP1/2008 R2, .NET 2.0+, IE 8–10, and optional Microsoft Office or Adobe Acrobat plug-ins for features like document printing, scheduling, and signature workflows.
• ECM Scheduler: Host with 2 GHz CPU, 2 GB+ RAM, 200 GB disk for incoming files, Windows OS matching client requirements, and correct regional settings. Scheduler service account must have domain user privileges and remain in the local Administrators group with a non-expiring password.

Main Findings and Discussion

The checklist emphasizes strict naming conventions (alphanumeric or dashes only), dedicated or appropriately virtualized servers for performance isolation, correct collation and locale settings, supported .NET versions, and precise firewall configurations. Adhering to these guidelines reduces installation failures, network bottlenecks, and post-installation troubleshooting.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Ensures consistent and compliant deployment of OpenLAB ECM in regulated environments.
• Optimizes system performance through dedicated resource allocation and proper configuration.
• Minimizes risks of data loss, connectivity issues, and operational interruptions.
• Facilitates smoother upgrades, audits, and maintenance by following a standardized preparation process.

Future Trends and Applications

As virtualization and cloud platforms mature, future installations may leverage containerized services or managed database instances to further simplify infrastructure management. Automation tools for environment validation and configuration-as-code approaches will improve repeatability. Integration with emerging enterprise data platforms can extend ECM functionality into broader digital lab ecosystems.

Conclusion

A thorough site preparation based on this checklist is the foundation for a reliable and efficient OpenLAB ECM deployment. By meeting hardware, software, network, and organizational prerequisites, users can achieve optimal system performance, regulatory compliance, and long-term maintainability.