System Requirments

		Hardware & Network Requirements for TCC The Team Chart Concept (TCC) is a Microsoft Windows based application. It is designed to run in a multi-user networked environment. Depending on the needs of your office, TCC can run on business class desktop computers, laptop computers, thin-client workstations, and/or tablet PC's. Pocket PC's can be used to track hospital rounds, surgery schedules, etc. and for limited off-site data collection.

Server Requirements
Microsoft SQL Server is the database used to store all information within TCC. It is installed on a server computer that is physically located in your facility. Workstations are then connected to the SQL Server computer via either direct wiring and/or a wireless network.

In addition to the SQL Server computer, additional 'terminal servers' may be employed if your practice decides to implement a 'thin-client' architecture. A 'thin-client' architecture consists of 'thin-client' workstations connected to one or more Microsoft terminal servers that are used by your office staff to run TCC. A 'thin-client' workstation consists of a Windows-based terminal, monitor, keyboard, mouse, and network connection. To the end user, the 'thin-client' machine appears to be a standard desktop computer running Microsoft Windows, but in reality it is just a terminal to one or more shared 'terminal servers' that actually run TCC. The advantages of a thin-client architecture include lower acquisition and operational costs, longer life span, enhanced security, minimal physical space requirements, and greatly reduced maintenance.

		End User Requirments Staff members who work from a single, fixed location (such as a receptionist or billing clerk) will typically opt for a desktop computer or a thin-client workstation. Mobile staff members such as nurses and the providers may also opt for a fixed computer at every work location. Or, mobile staff members may choose to carry a portable computer such as a laptop or tablet PC. Portable computers are typically used in a wireless environment but they can be hardwired as well. Many providers using TCC have enjoyed great success using Tablet PC's such as Hewlett Packard's model TC1100. Typically, a fixed thin-client workstation solution for clinical staff costs less than mobile devices. However, as the ratio of points of data entry to clinical staff rises, it becomes more cost effective to use mobile devices. Assuming you have access to a high speed internet connection, authorized providers and staff members may be able to access TCC from locations outside your immediate facility such as hospitals, surgery centers, and private residences. Of course, if your practice spans multiple facilities, TCC can be operated across facilities with the right telecommunication infrastructure in place.

Initial Purchase and On-Going Support
Ulnch Medical Concepts will guide you through the initial purchase of all hardware, supporting software (such as Microsoft Office), and network infrastructure devices, UMC does not directly sell or mark-up hardware or third-party software. UMC will coordinate equipment quotes on your behalf from nationally known vendors such as Dell Computer at the best cost UMC can negotiate. In addition to the full support of TCC, Ulrich Medical Concepts will provide full support, monitoring, and maintenance of your hardware, third party software, network infrastructure, and backups for an ongoing fixed monthly rate. This approach allows you to ensure that all hardware purchased is optimally configured for your usage of TCC, provides peak performance at all times, prevents costly problems such as data loss from failed backups, gives you one point of contact for all computer related issues, and ensures that you can budget for your ongoing maintenance without any costly 'surprises' later.