General
PrettyBitServer (PLServer) is an HTTP-search engine which operates between user's www browser and PrettyLib-library system's database. Person using this software does not need to install any specific software to his/her workstation. Only www-browser is required. This allows anyone regardless of operating system or computer to query database and modify his/her own information in the database.
PrettyBitServer is a service and it is installed on a Windows NT/2000/XP-server or workstation.
Benefits
WWW-browsers are installed on almost every computer nowadays so when using HTML-based search engine, people seeking information are not required to install anything on their computer. This means less required technical support and immediately available wide deployment.
Since many simple tasks like reserving a title and renewing loans can be performed with this service, the workload of library personnel is decreased.
With the same service you can service both the intranet and internet alike.
Search functions
Search options are flexible and fast. Search parameter can be one word, part of a word, one search field, multiple fields or any combination of these.
System requirements
System requirements depend on how many users are concurrently making searches.
Minimum requirements (1 concurrent user)
- NT4/Windows 2000/Windows XP-operating system.
- Pentium-class microcomputer 166 Mhz or faster
- 32 Mb memory
2-6 concurrent users
- NT 4.0/2000/XP-operating system (workstation or server)
- Pentium II/III- 300Mhz or faster
- Fast disk sub-system
- 128 Mb memory
More than 6 concurrent users
- NT 4.0/2000/XP-server
- Pentium II/III- 600Mhz or faster
- Multiple processors recommended
- Fast disk sub-system
- 256 Mb memory
Note: These requirements may not apply if there are many other services running on the same computer.
Concurrent users are counted as simultaneously running searches. Those users who are reading already completed search result are not counted as concurrent users, since the server does not do anything for them at that moment. If for example 6 concurrent users seems like a small number, you should also note that most of the users spend most of their time reading already completed search or making title information searches which take very little time. Typical search response is ready in 1 to 5 seconds.
Search requirement may also vary depending on do you have PrettyLib library system version 3 or 4. If you are unsure what kind of requirement apply on your case, please do not hestate to ask via for example email pauli.porkka@prettybit.fi.