Enterprise Systems Project

Please note that the minimum hardware requirements as recommended by PeopleSoft are just that - absolute minimums. Our testing experience indicates that the mimimum requirements listed will be inadequate for most users; and we suggest two ways departments can consider meeting their computer needs. The first is the suggested minimum configuration for a department that already has computers, some of which may have been purchased recently. The second gives some rule-of-thumb suggestions for new purchases. Existing Computers Many departments have recently purchased new computers and wonder whether these computers will run the PeopleSoft software adequately. We suggest that you upgrade any existing systems to meet the following minimum suggested configuration: CPU - Pentium 133 MHz RAM - 48 Mb VGA controller and display - 640 x 480 256 color Network interface card - Client specific Communications - TCP/IP Mouse Pointing Device - Client specific Operating System - Windows 95 or Windows NT 4.0 Additional Disk Space - 500 Mbytes Purchasing New Computers If your hardware configuration does not meet these specifications, you may want to consider purchasing new systems. Historically, microcomputer hardware has tended to maintain a relatively steady price while providing minor to major technological improvements. Therefore, rather than provide specifications for the specific hardware to purchase, we suggest that you consider computers in the $2,100-$2,500 range. In looking at the various available configurations, consider what your needs will be over the next three years. It is unwise to purchase equipment that barely meet your current computing needs. It is better to buy more than you need now so as to extend the effective life of the computer. For some users, it may be more appropriate to consider computer systems with even more compute power and features. However, the "average" user is likely to find that systems in this price range will satisfy their computing needs. As an example, as of June, 1998 you can purchase the following system through the U of MN BookCenter: Micron ClientPro 766Xi CPU - Pentium 300MMX RAM - 64MB 24X CD-ROM 6.4GB Hard drive 3COM 3C905 Ethernet card 17" color monitor Price: $2,473 Macintosh Users At present, PeopleSoft certifies the performance of its software only on Intel-based microcomputers. At the University of Minnesota, OIT has determined that the various configurations of PowerMac G3 systems perform well. A very basic G3 with 64MB of RAM and the Virtual PC version 2.x emulation software sometimes outperforms a comparable Intel-based computer running the same software. In our testing to date, we have been pleased with the performance of these systems. The requirements for running PeopleSoft on a PowerMac G3 include: 1. PowerMac G3 system 2. 64MB RAM 3. Virtual PC version 2.x configured to use 48MB RAM 4. Enough hard disk space to create the disk partition used by Virtual PC (~300MB) 5. Macintosh Operation System 8.1 or later. As with Intel-based systems, if you use PeopleSoft software extensively on your job, you will need to have a Macintosh G3 system with a very fast CPU, but if you are a more casual user, the low-end G3 systems should perform adequately. If you wish to see a very rudimentary demonstration of the PeopleSoft programs in on various computer configurations, visit one of the Academic and Distributed Computing Services (ADCS) Helpline showrooms in 152 Shepherd Labs or 50 Coffey Hall. These facilities are open from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.   © 1999 by the Regents of the University of Minnesota The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer. Last modified on June 8, 1999 Logo design for the Enterprise Systems Project by Amy Grozik, an alumni of the University. Send questions or comments to:  Enterprise Systems Project