MDsuite Deployment Scenarios

This document will help you figure out how to set up MDsuite in your office. It discusses different ways that MDsuite might be installed.

Server Roles

Depending upon the Deployment Scenario that you are using, multiple server roles may be performed by a single machine. Regardless of how many machines you use to run MDsuite, the following jobs must all be done. See  System Requirements for the specific requirements of each role.

Workstation

This is the computer where a user logs into MDsuite.  Internet Explorer 7.0 or higher is required on all workstations. The DSClient.exe file is installed here. It connects to the Application Server in order to log into MDsuite.

Application Server

This server sends data to the workstations. With a small number of users, the Application Server can also be a workstation, and send data to itself. In the other extreme, there may be multiple Application Servers in scenarios with more than 25 concurrent users.

Data Server

This server houses the Data. In most small to mid-sized implementations, the Data server and Application Server jobs are performed by the same computer. There is only one Data Server, regardless of the number of users or locations.

Transmission Server

[Applicable if you will be using a modem for EDI.  If not, e.g. you are using the Internet, only - then this section does not apply to you.]

The transmission server is a secondary Application Server that may be required to handle all EDI Send/Receive activities.  See: System Requirements for details.

Deployment Scenarios

MDsuite is a highly scalable application. Although it can run on a single computer, there will usually be multiple computers in an installation. Depending on the number of concurrent users, the requirements may vary. See System Requirements for detailed specifications of each machine.

• You must not give the MDsuite server(s) a publicly addressable IP address, or protected health care information may be compromised, and you would be in breach of HIPAA security and privacy regulations. See Running MDsuite Safely Over the Internet for more information on security and multiple locations.
• Installing network, modem, or IIS-related programs on the server other than those required by MDsuite is not recommended.

Single Server

• 1-25 Users
• Single dedicated MDsuite server that acts as both Data and Application server.
• With 1-5 users, the server may also be a Workstation.
• Dial-up Modem is connected to server.

This is the most common setup for small- to mid-sized practices and billing services. A single server means that maintenance and networking is relatively simple. Users always log into the same server, and updates are only performed in one place.

Dedicated Data and Application Servers

• 25+ Users
• A dedicated MDsuite server for each group of 25 users.
• Application Server runs IIS, and has the MDsuite Application Server program installed.
• Users connect to Application Server, which in turn connects to Data Server.
• Neither server is a workstation.
• Dial-up Modem is connected to Application Server.
• A Transmission Server may be required - see: System Requirements.

This scenario is common in mid- to large-sized offices and billing services. While the distributed configuration adds an additional level of complexity, it is also more versatile, robust, and can handle a bigger load. All access to the Data Server is through the MDsuite Application Server, which allows for greater security and accountability.

Most MDsuite maintenance operations are still performed at the Application Server. However, sometimes it may be necessary to access the Data Server directly. The connection between the two machines must be extremely reliable. It is highly recommended that they be in the same physical location, though this is not required. (See Running MDsuite Safely Over the Internet for more information on multiple locations.)

Multiple Application Servers

• 50 or More Users
• One dedicated MDsuite Application Server per 25 users.
• One dedicated MDsuite Data Server.
• Application Servers run IIS, and have the MDsuite Application Server program installed.
• Users connect to an Application Server, which in turn connects to Data Server.
• No servers are workstations.
• Dial-up Modem is connected to a designated Transmission Server. Regardless of which Application Server a user is logged into, the Transmission Server handles all EDI dialing.
• A Transmission Server may be required - see: System Requirements.
• When updating to a new version of MDsuite, each Application Server must be updated individually.

This scenario allows MDsuite to scale to the largest offices and billing services. All of the benefits of Dedicated Application and Data Servers apply to this configuration, but by distributing the work of the MDsuite server, more users can be added indefinitely. This opens the door for virtually unlimited load-balancing capabilities.

It is not known at this time exactly what the upper limit would be for a single Data Server. If you have a very large number of users who must be accessing MDsuite at the same time, please contact us to discuss your situation.

Disclaimer

DSI does not support or guarantee compatibility with third-party software or hardware, even if DSI has recommended such products.

The information contained in this document is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind, and is subject to change without prior notice. Data Strategies, Inc. disclaims all warranties, either expressed or implied, including the warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. In no event shall Data Strategies, Inc. or its suppliers be liable for any damages whatsoever including direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, loss of business profits or special damages, even if Data Strategies, Inc. or its suppliers have been advised of the possibility of such damages. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of liability for consequential damages, so the foregoing limitation may not apply.