¶ Topic
Understanding the architecture of PM8 and where each component is installed and used.
¶ Affected versions
PM8: All versions.
The same architecture applies to all editions (Basic, Premium, Manufacturer).
¶ Overview
¶ Server
The server is the machine that has the database, the database engine, the database backups, and the license server.
One computer is designated as the server.
In a larger network, this should be a high quality server with appropriate hardware, RAID disk, UPS, and Windows Server 2016 or later.
In small installations it is common to designate a workstation as the server. This comes with some risks:
- Lower quality hardware that is more likely to fail.
- Unlikely to have UPS protection.
- Less likely to be backed up off-site.
- The workstation must be powered on for PM8 to be available to other users on the network.
- Because it is a workstation being used by a person, it is likely to be rebooted causing problems if other users are connected with PM8.
Installation:
When you run the PM8 setup program (PM8Setup.exe), the "Setup type" required is "Standalone OR Server".
Do the server installation before your workstations.
Only one computer is installed as a server.
Do not do a PM8 server installation on more than one computer.
¶ Workstation
You may have as many workstations computers running the PM8 application as you need. The license server implements the maximum number of concurrent users permitted by your license (One for Basic edition, the quantity you purchase for Premium and Manufacturer edition).
Workstations do not have the database, the database engine, the database backups, or the license server.
Workstations connect to the Server using TCP/IP to access the database and license.
Installation:
When you run the PM8 setup program (PM8Setup.exe), the "Setup type" required is "Workstation".
The setup will ask you the name of the computer where you did the server installation "Data server computer name".
¶ Architecture diagram
In this diagram, one server and three workstations are shown.
¶ Things to note on the diagram
¶ Server
- The database engine runs and listens on TCP Port 30636.
Only the database engine access the database files. - The license server (PM8LicSvr.exe) runs and listens on TCP Port 30637.
- Firewall information: https://kb.whsoftware.com/PM8/Firewall-requirements
- The backup program (PM8Back.exe) is configured to run as a scheduled task.
It reads the database from the database engine and writes backup files.
See: https://kb.whsoftware.com/PM8/Backup-overview - PM8 (PM8.exe) can run on the server for the user, but not recommended except in small environments.
¶ Workstation
- PM8 (PM8.exe) can run on the workstation for the user.
- PM8 talks to the server listening on TCP Ports 30636/30637.
¶ Questions and answers
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is PM8 a web-based application? | No, PM8 is a Windows desktop application. In a network installation, each user runs PM8 on their workstation and the application connects to the PM8 server over the local network. |
| Is PM8 hosted by WH Software as a SaaS product? | No, PM8 is installed and hosted in the customer’s own environment. WH Software does not host the customer's PM8 database. |
| Can PM8 be installed on a virtual server? | Yes, PM8 can be installed on a suitable Windows server, including a virtual server, provided the server meets the system requirements and has reliable storage, backup, and network connectivity. See: https://kb.whsoftware.com/PM8/Virtual-environment-installation |
| Can the database be placed on a different drive, such as D: instead of C:? | Yes, the database can be stored on a different local drive on the PM8 server. This can be useful on virtual servers where the database drive may need to be resized independently of the operating system drive. |
| Can I install more than one computer as a server | No, this would not enable the data to be shared. Also, the PM8 license allows a single server install. |