Jump to:

• Windows for Maestro-General Specifications for Client Supplied Computer Equipment 
• Avrio Server
• UNIX Hardware Configuration & Platform
• Maestro Supported Interfaces

Windows for Maestro-General Specifications for Client Supplied Computer Equipment 

This document serves to outlines Northwind’s minimum specifications for hardware and operating platforms in the Windows environment.

• These specifications may change from time to time to accommodate releases and advances in technology. A current copy of these specifications is available upon request.

• It should be expected that, over time, Client’s data volume and end-user performance requirements will change thereby resulting in the need for possible hardware, operating system and/or connectivity changes.

• Northwind recognizes that less powerful components may, in some circumstances, provide adequate performance.

• Components designated as ‘dedicated’ devices in this document shall only be used to operate software applications approved by Northwind. Client shall provide Northwind with an ‘Administrator’ level login account on each ‘dedicated’ device that contains a Northwind application for use in performing Support Services.

• Client shall be responsible for performance of all Client Supplied Products installation and configuration tasks. Client may elect to perform such activities using fully qualified internal staff members or by contracting such services from a qualified third party vendor.

• Client shall be responsible for all ongoing administration, maintenance, virus protection, data backup and accessibility/security for all hardware, operating systems and network connectivity. Client may elect to perform such activities using fully qualified internal staff members or by contracting such services from a qualified third party vendor.

• Client shall ensure adequate performance of all Client Supplied Products including all troubleshooting and error correction necessary to ensure such performance.

• Please ensure that the hardware system is installed professionally; specifically, the Windows Operating System and SQL Server software should be installed by a Microsoft Certified Professional. Northwind’s support department will be dialing into the Customer’s PMS hardware network (to be setup in a training room that simulates the live environment) at least one week prior to the scheduled training date in order to verify the hardware and configuration requirements.  

• Northwind sets guidelines for the use of its software only. Due to the nearly limitless number of variables within any personal computer or network configuration, Northwind is in no event liable to any perceived speed or performance issues which may arise on any given system.Due to differences in network environments, Northwind makes no guarantee regarding any specific configuration.

This configuration is designed to support 20 concurrent Maestro Users and 7 Interfaces based on the following:

- Maestro Server to be installed at the Hotel Property

- All Client Workstations are connected to the Maestro Server via LAN

1 x Dedicated Maestro Server Minimum Specifications

Client Workstation Minimum Specifications:

1 x Interface Workstations Minimum Specifications:

Dedicated GDS (2-way) Interface Workstation Minimum Specifications:

Miscellaneous Specifications:

Printers

• All Windows Supported Laserjet Printers
• InkJet Style & Color Printers Supported (HP Compatible) (not recommended for report printing)

Cabling

Cabling and wiring work to be provided by client chosen cable contractor, Northwind will assist in providing specifications.

• Interfaces - RS232 serial (4 pair, 24 gauge, braid and foil, plenum)
• PC Workstations – 10/100baseT Category 5 twisted pair for PC LAN or Fiber Optics

Credit Card Readers (keyboard interface required)

• A two-track reader with keyboard emulation (PS/2 or USB) is required.

• The reader configuration should adhere to the following:
• Track 1:

Start Sentinel (header) of “%”

End Sentinel (terminator) of “?” with <carriage return>

• Track 2:

Start Sentinel (header) of “;”

End Sentinel (terminator) of “?” with <carriage return>

• Track 3 Disabled if available

• Please consult your credit card reader vendor/manufacturer for setup instructions or manuals.

• The brand of the card reader is not important as long as it is programmable to conform to the above requirements.

Hardware Maintenance

The client is responsible for arranging hardware maintenance coverage with hardware manufacturer, vendor, or system integrator. Northwind recommends client arrange for 7x24 4 hour response on-site coverage for the server.

Avrio Server

Required Software Components
Microsoft Windows XP with SP3 Only
Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 or later
Software Components Automatically Installed
Microsoft .Net Framework 3.5 SP1
Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Standard Edition
Microsoft Windows Installer 3.1 & 4.5
Hardware
Processor Type: Pentium III‐compatible processor or faster
Processor speed: 2.0 GHz (or faster) Recommended
RAM: 2.048 GB (or more) Recommended
Display: VGA (1024x768 pixels)

Avrio Workstation #
Required Software Components
Microsoft Windows XP with SP3 Only
Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 or later
Software Components Automatically Installed
Microsoft .Net Framework 3.5 SP1
Microsoft .Net Framework 3.5 SP1
Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Standard Edition
Microsoft POS for .Net 1.12
Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable
Recommended Hardware
Processor Type: DuoCore (or Dual‐Core) Pentium IV or better
Processor speed: 2.0 GHz (or faster)
RAM: 2 GB (or more)
Display: VGA (1024x768 pixels, 32 bit)

Additional Notes
Avrio takes full advantage of the WPF framework. The graphics displayed are all vector based and
therefore may respond better with a higher end graphics card that supports Tier 2 DirectX and does not
use shared memory.

Peripheral support is handled using the OPOS for .Net standard, therefore, most devices supported by
OPOS for .Net should be supported in Avrio.

Avrio Hardware ‐‐ Additional Information
Avrio installs a full version of SQL 2008 on each workstation. For Avrio failover to function
properly the Principle and Mirror servers have to be identical—with the same operating system.
The server and workstations should be running on XP Pro SP3.

As part of our PA-DSS V1.2 compliance, Avrio takes control and modifies users and privileges
in a way that is not compatible with a server OS. Essentially our unique SQL 2008 install on
every station is the real operating system for the Avrio POS network.

For large installs, 10 or more stations, we have found that the best solution is to have two
identical computers, running XP SP3, function as the principle and mirror servers. With installs
of 10 or fewer stations, 2 of the workstations often serve as the principle or mirror servers.

Recommended Workstations:

First Choice--Elo 15D2—P4 Dual-Core, 2 Gigs Ram, XP Pro Service Pack 3—workstation or
server for smaller installs.

Second Choice--Dell GX780 Dual Core, 2 Gig Ram, XP Pro with a separate Elo 1529
Touchscreen. These also function well as the principle and mirror servers for large installs.

Minimum Specification:
Intel chipset, P4, 2 Gigs of Ram, XP Pro Service Pack 3, Touchscreen with Elo drivers.

Peripherals:
Avrio uses OPOS for .Net drivers. Any printers, cash drawers or MSR’s for which there are
OPOS for .Net drivers will work with Avrio.

Running other applications with Avrio:
When thinking about installing Avrio with other applications you have to remember when Avrio
is installed on a computer, because of various credit card compliancy issues, Avrio creates
unique user accounts with daily encrypted passwords, and the Administrator account used for
installation is disabled. Most Avrio workstations are then put into Kiosk mode: If you exit Avrio
you get the Windows log-on screen; there is no access to the desktop without the Avrio Support
account password.

Why we recommend purchasing hardware for your Avrio system from Silverware:

Our workstations come with a 3 year warranty. Deals that include the standard 1st year Platinum
Service Contract have the protection of Express Exchange if hardware needs to be replaced.
When Silverware supplies the hardware, Express Exchange units will arrive ready to go—with
Avrio and SQL 2008 configured for your site.

Clients can provide their own hardware. However please consider:

1. We charge $300 per computer for client supplied POS workstations because of the
additional time required to prep these machines.
2. Computers can’t be tested and prepped before the onsite service part of the install. This
can unexpectedly cut into time allocated for other tasks.
3. When workstations need to be replaced there will be a charge to remotely prep the
station, reinstall the software and configure the station specific settings.
4. Some support calls will remain unresolved until after you call another vendor.

Purchasing hardware provided by Silverware improves the testing and deployment of the system,
and most importantly, it improves support since there would only be one call to make in an
emergency. Our very competitive hardware pricing encourages the selection of this option.

Services Required from Hardware Vendor/System Integrator

• Assembly and Testing of Hardware
• Configuration of Network
• Installation and Configuration of Windows Server and Database for Server and client PCs
• Installation and Configuration of Printers for the network environment for print sharing
• Installation of Hardware in training room
• Installation of Hardware in final location

Hardware Maintenance

The client is responsible for arranging hardware maintenance coverage with hardware manufacturer, vendor, or system integrator.

Please note 

Client can source their hardware from a local vendor. Your chosen hardware vendor should provide hardware with all peripherals assembled and operating system loaded to ensure hardware compatibility. Your hardware vendor should also provide your cable contractor with specifications and standards for wiring and networking the other workstations. In this case, Northwind’s role is to provide the loading, training, and the support of our application software.

Please ensure that the hardware system is installed professionally; specifically, the Windows Operating System must be installed by a Microsoft Certified Professional. Northwind’s support department will be dialing into the Customer’s POS hardware network (to be setup in a training room that simulates the live environment) at least one week prior to the scheduled training date in order to verify the hardware and configuration requirements.

Northwind sets guidelines for the use of its software only. Due to the nearly limitless number of variables within any personal computer or network configuration, Northwind is in no event liable to any perceived speed or performance issues which may arise on any given system.

If specifications are required for alternative implementation options, please contact your Maestro Solutions Consultant or email marketing@northwind.ca.

Northwind sets guidelines for the use of its software only. Due to the nearly limitless number of variables within any personal computer or network configuration, Northwind is in no event liable to any perceived speed or performance issues which may arise on any given system.

Maestro Supported Interfaces

• Download pdf