Technical

Heritage Technical Information

Heritage has always performed well on the hardware available to users at the time and we work hard to ensure that Heritage continues to offer acceptable performance without requiring the latest hardware.

Heritage is designed to be administered by library staff, without the need for a systems librarian, however it is beneficial if they are technically competent, e.g. they have an understanding of how to create database reports and are familiar with how to use Windows (e.g. Find files). Upgrades to Heritage Online will require similar skillls to installing it. Customising Heritage Online requires a working knowledge of html, but we can provide basic training in this area and have produced a helpsheet on the subject.

We have placed nearly all of the technical information about Heritage on this one page so that it can be printed out easily, but you may wish to use one of the links below to jump immediately to the section in which you are interested.

If you simply wish to pass on some basic information to a technical colleague then our Technical Reference guide provides a quick overview of all the salient points!

Networking User Licences Fileserver Multi-site fileserver Workstations
 Peer-to-peer networks Backups Security WebServer
Database technology Design  Inter-operability XML Email URL checker

Networking

Computer front imageHeritage is designed to be used as a multi-user application running over a network. It can be run on both Local Area Networks (LANs) and Wide Area Networks (WANs). In most situations, the programs and data will be stored on a single fileserver and run on local workstations using an institution's existing network infrastructure. The demands on the fileserver are not high and it may be shared with other applications. However, with larger implementations and multi-site configurations, it is recommended that a fileserver is dedicated to serving Heritage users.

The optional Server Performance Pack (SPP) offloads database administration from the individual workstations to the fileserver, thereby reducing network traffic. It is available for Windows 2000, 2003 and Novell fileservers (both IP and IPX are supported on Novell, but you may require specific versions of the Novell supplied clients). The SPP is recommended for all installations with three or more users.

When Heritage is implemented on a WAN it is recommended that performance tests are carried out on the network to determine whether it is appropriate to use Windows Terminal Services or Citrix MetaFrame to improve network performance (refer to Multi-site fileserver). IS Oxford can provide you with an easy-to-use program which provides useful bandwidth and latency information; please contact us for further details.

Workstation (or Standalone)

Workstations should run Windows 2000 or XP. A typical specification might be as follows:

Processor: Any recently purchased computer will give excellent performance, but the minimum should be at least a Pentium 500 MHz.

Hard disk/CDROM: When run from a fileserver, Heritage only requires temporary hard disk space on the workstation for preparing reports. Please see the Server information for details of how much hard disk space is required for a standalone system, i.e. one without a fileserver. A CD-ROM drive will be required to install Heritage.

RAM: When running Heritage on Windows 2000 and XP the minimum should be 256 Mbytes.

Monitor/Video: 64k colours, 800x600 minimum resolution colour monitor.

A keyboard, floppy disk drive and mouse are also required, but the specifics are a matter of personal choice and budget.

Server (Fileserver, Heritage Online server and Data Server)

All Heritage data and programs will be read from, and written to, the fileserver. The speed at which the server can deliver these services is an important aspect of the network configuration, as is the speed of the connection between the server and the workstations. The fileserver must run Windows 2000, 2003 or Novell. The Heritage Online Server must run Windows 2000 or 2003 with Internet Information Services (IIS) 5 and above or Apache. The Data Server for Heritage Online must run Windows 2000 or 2003. 64bit servers are not fully supported at present.

The size of hard disk and memory in the server will depend on how much data you have. As a rule of thumb, you should allow 2 Mbytes per 1000 catalogue records. In addition you will need to allow 100 Mbytes for Heritage. A typical specification for a server to run a ten-user network might be:

Any recently purchased computer will give excellent performance, but the minimum should be at least a Pentium 700 MHz processor or equivalent, with 512 Mbytes of RAM and a 4 Gbyte hard disk.

See under multi-site fileserver below for further information on server hardware.

Multi-site Terminal Services fileserver

When running Heritage on a WAN it is often advisable to use Terminal Services to reduce the effects of low bandwidth and higher latency. However, this is not essential for institutions with fast network connections. The Terminal Server can also be used as the Data server for Heritage Online. Running Heritage on a WAN is covered in more detail on the Multi-site page.

Minimum: Pentium IV processor or equivalent, with 512 Mbytes of RAM and a 10 Gbyte hard disk.

Optimum: Xeon 2.4 GHz, 1 Gbyte RAM, RAID 5 array with hot-swappable disks.

Terminal Services: Microsoft/HP tests suggest that it should be possible to run over 100 terminals from a Xeon 2.8GHz based server with 2Gbyte of RAM. The disk configuration should be as above. Heritage can be run on a server farm if a separate server is used to store the data and applications from the terminal servers making up the farm. Each workstation will require around 50kbps of bandwidth (the amount of data that can travel over the network within a given period of time) although this will drop to around 30kbps if there are over 10 workstations. Latency (time for a packet of data to get from the server to a workstation) is important and we would advise that this should not exceed 50ms with a lower figure being required for more intensive data entry.

64bit servers are not currently supported.

Peer-to-peer and non-dedicated server

For small installations, e.g. up to three computers, it is possible to run Heritage on a peer-to-peer network. For these types of network installation, the server - i.e. the machine which will hold the Heritage software and data - should be similar to the standalone PC outlined above in Workstations. We would recommend Windows 2000 or XP networking for such networks. You must also include a backup device such as a ZIP drive or CD writer – see Backups.

Additional Requirements

Any Windows-compatible printer may be used with Heritage.

NB: The above information is only a guideline and it may be that your requirements are more specific. If this is the case, please contact IS Oxford to discuss how Heritage can best meet your needs.

Security

Heritage is a single networkable application with its own security environment. Click here for further details.

Backups

A cartridge tape streamer or ZIP drive is recommended for backups and can be purchased from any hardware supplier. Heritage can be backed up using standard network backup software such as Backup Exec or ArcServe. If Heritage is going to be running when a backup is taken e.g. because of Heritage Online then it will be necessary to use the Open File module (available from the backup software supplier). More details of backing up Heritage is available on a helpsheet, a copy of which is here (requires Acrobat Reader).

Redundancy and UPS

It is not possible to make a general statement about the requirement for redundant hardware or Uninteruptable Power Supplies as this often depends on an institution's computer security policy. Moving Heritage to another server for workstation access can be very straightforward as in does not require re-installation merely the changing of workstation shortcuts. Heritage Online and Server Performance Pack will require re-installation or re-configuration if the server is changed.

Email

The email facility within Heritage requires access to an SMTP server. Version 4.2 or Heritage will support Authenticated SMTP.

Heritage Technology

Heritage is written in Delphi and uses the OpenInsight database from Revelation Technologies to manage its data.

Database Technology

The database is extremely efficient in terms of both data storage and the network traffic that it generates, especially when used with the optional Server Performance Pack (SPP) which provides a client/server type environment.

It is based on the PICK database model which is also utilised by a number of other large library management systems. All data is variable length and is stored very compactly. Data dictionaries are used to reference and manipulate data and can easily be adjusted or extended to meet specific customer requirements.

The Heritage database requires minimal regular maintenance and is extremely scalable. Data is referenced via hashing algorithms rather than using indexes, which greatly improves performance and scalability. This makes it suitable for handling from a few thousand up to a million records with little change in performance, and without requiring huge amounts of disk space. The only exceptions to this are the running of reports and the occasional rebuilding of indexes, which are inevitably influenced by the total number of records involved. Upgrading the database, e.g. to add new fields, does not normally require any restructuring of the database and hence upgrades are straightforward and quick to load.

Design

The way in which Heritage has been designed offers a number of advantages, particularly when compared with SQLServer -based systems. These benefits include the following:

  1. Simple client install - there is no software to install or maintain on the client machines. A client install program is provided, but it simply installs a shortcut on the client machine.
  2. Easy to backup - Heritage uses standard Windows backup software with no optional modules.
  3. Ease of Navigation - All screens are accesible via a drop-down menu on the menu bar so are only one mouse-click away. It is also possible to use and create shortcut keystrokes in order to speed up movement around the system.
  4. A test copy of Heritage can easily be created on a local machine in order to try out changes and deletions, upgrades and reports. This is particularly useful as many other systems need to be installed on a live system for testing or configuration. Heritage can be trialled or customised whilst on a local machine and then moved across to a live server afterwards (we can provide an evaluation copy in advance of purchasing so much of this work can be undertaken before an order is placed if desired).
  5. Very little maintenance is required, with the whole system designed to be maintained by the librarian (even if the librarian is not very technical).
  6. It is very easy to supply a copy of your system or data to IS Oxford for checking should you encounter problems (via a free download called HCopy).
  7. Individual tables can be restored if they are damaged in the case of a system failure (e.g. due to a power cut).
  8. Heritage will not interfere with other software installed on the server.
  9. No special ports are required for communications from workstations (with the exception of the Web interface).
  10. A fully-functional Reporter is included in the system, so there is no need to interface and maintain a third party product (unless desired).
  11. New versions of Heritage Online can be installed alongside an existing one to allow for testing or configuration before going live.
  12. Web pages used by Heritage Online are kept in standard files and so can be accessed and edited without having to use special tools.
  13. Heritage has a very small footprint - typically around 2-300M on the server. It can therefore be backed up or copied to a CD if required.

 

Inter-operability

It is understood that Heritage will rarely operate in isolation from other systems, and to this end we have put in place a variety of different modules and services intended to improve inter-operability. They include, but are not limited to, the following:

There are also a variety of export facilities, including XML, CSV or MARC formats. Overdues information, other letters and reports can be sent by email or output in RTF or HTML formats. The email facility requires the use of an SMTP based mail system. Also, Heritage Online can be operated in a 'stateless' manner and hence can be interrogated by a VLE or other systems.

XML

Heritage provides an Extensible Markup Language (XML) export facility as part of the core module. This facility enables library staff to export information from any fields in any system file. This data can then be manipulated using third party tools (e.g. to create reports).

If your institution wishes to regularly export data into another product in XML format, then IS Oxford can provide a consultancy service to customise the export for you.

Heritage Online is capable of delivering results in XML format. It is anticipated that a future upgrade to the module will include
it being developed as a web service using Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP) and XML (the same technology that is currently used for QuickCat Online).

URL Checker

We have recently introduced a URL checker that will check the validity of web links stored in the catalogue record. A report of all the URLs used in the catalogue is produced and then identified from within the URL checker, and the check identifies the URLs which were not available and which need to be corrected.

User Licences

Heritage licences are based on concurrent access. A distinction is made between full access licences and OPAC only access licences. Licences are a one-off purchase (there is no annual licence fee, just an annual support fee).

NB. These licences are distinct from those used in Heritage Online (see below).

Full licences provide access to all Heritage functions for those with the appropriate security level. OPAC only access licences will only provide access to the Heritage Enquiry menu. One full licence is provided as part of the core Heritage software, so if, for example, a library required five concurrent staff licences they would only need to purchase four additional full licences.

Full and OPAC licences can be purchased individually although there are some price breaks (please contact sales@isoxford.com for a Heritage price list). Additional user licences can be purchased at any time if required.

NB. The licencing arrangements for Schools using Heritage are slightly different. Please contact emma@isoxford.com for further information.

Heritage Online Licensing

Licences for use with Heritage Online are included with the module. There are four different options available: Heritage Online Basic, Small, Medium or Large.

NB. The licencing arrangements for Schools using Heritage Online are slightly different. Please contact emma@isoxford.com for further information.

Unlike the licensing arrangements for Heritage, Heritage Online will not prevent access to additional enquirers over and above the suggested number of concurrent accesses. Instead it will offer a slower search facility for those users. This would be acceptable if, for example, a library normally only had a handful of concurrent enquirers but ran induction courses occasionally, where there might be significantly more concurrent users than normal. In a teaching situation the speed of retrieval would be less important, and it prevents the library having to upgrade to a larger configuration just to cater for these odd occasions.

Heritage Online contains logs that provide information about the number of concurrent enquirers that have been using the system, so libraries can regularly check that they are offering the correct configuration (it is possible to upgrade to the next level at any time).

Heritage Online API

We will soon be introducing an API to permit access to Heritage Online from VLEs and other portal products. Details of the licensing for this will be released later on in 2007 when the module become available.

We hope the above is clear, but if you have any further questions please contact sales@isoxford.com.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Every institution is different in relation to size, membership, technical infrastructure and financial constraints. Each of these factors needs to be considered when deciding on how many licences will be required. The following are a number of frequently asked questions which may help you decide how many Heritage user licences you need to purchase:

Why do I need user licences?

Access to Heritage is based on concurrent user licences. There are two types of licence: Full access and OPAC only access.

What is a Full Access Licence?

Full access licences enable users to access all areas of Heritage, provided that they have the appropriate security access. Any access outside the OPAC requires a full access licence (even an OPAC terminal requires one if it offers a self-issue facility).

How many Full Access Licences are needed?

The number of full access licences that a library purchases depends on how many library staff will need access to Heritage concurrently. Any self-issue stations would also have to be considered. Licences can be shared across a multi-site library (i.e. they are not tied to a particular site).

What is an OPAC only Licence?

An OPAC-only licence will enable the user to view the Heritage OPAC.

What is Heritage Online?

Heritage Online enables your Heritage catalogue to be searched over the Internet using standard web browsers. There are four types of Heritage Online licence: Basic, Small, Medium and Large. If you want to offer the circulation features in Heritage Online (i.e. issue, return, renew) then you will require one extra 'floating' full access user licence for users to grab when necessary.

We already have 10 OPAC only licences running across our network. Can these be shared between this and Heritage Online?

No, but if you wish to 'surrender' any of your existing OPAC licences to contribute towards the cost of purchasing the Heritage Online configuration you require then we are happy to do this.

What happens if all our licences are being used and somebody wishes to make an enquiry?

If using the standard Heritage OPAC the enquirer will be greeted by a message such as “System busy, please try again later”. If using Heritage Online there will be no message, but the system will slow down considerably if an unusually high number of users try to search concurrently.

What if someone makes an enquiry, then moves away from the terminal without logging off. Will this mean that the licence is unavailable to others on the network?

No. Licences can be set to ‘time out’ after a certain period of time if an enquiry has not been made (e.g. after a couple of minutes).

I have over 200 computers linked to the network that could potentially require access to the system. Would I therefore need an unlimited licence?

The number of OPAC only licences required really depends on the number of enquirers needing to gain concurrent access. Yes, you may have 200 computers on your network, but in reality not all of these computers will be accessing Heritage at the same time.

How can I guarantee that a licence will always be available from within the library/resource centre?

Licences can be reserved for library access.

How many OPAC only Licences would you suggest?

Every institution is different, so this is hard to answer. However, for those sites that envisage occasional use of the enquiry facility, we would suggest that a minimum of five OPAC only licences are purchased. Additional licences can always be added at any time. We do suggest that potential customers talk to our existing users as it often helps to build a better picture of the different ways in which Heritage is used. Choose a site of similar profile and ask them how many licences are being used. This will still only give you an idea but it may help when making a decision. It is better to start with a few licences and then add to your allocation, rather than purchase many licences up front that may never be used.

Do I have to manage how many people can access Heritage?

No, Heritage licences are concurrent and managed by Heritage. Thus, too many users trying to log in simultaneously will automatically result in access being barred, and in an appropriate message being displayed.

IS Oxford also supplies barcode labels and barcode scanning equipment

Please contact us for details