ACP Technologies Hosting

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Revision as of 19:00, 14 July 2014 by Mlively (Talk | contribs) (added workstation install instructions)
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Newton by Agency Systems can be installed on a peer-to-peer/server client local network environment, or within a hosted Microsoft Remote Desktop environment. Access to ACP Technologies hosting is provided over the internet through Microsoft Remote Desktop.

What is Included With ACP Hosting?

ACP hosting provides a dedicated virtual server in a secure data center that is accessed over your internet connection.

http://mynewtononline.com/dedicated-cloud-hosting-with-acp/

Server Clustering & Failover

ACP deploys VMware technology to perform server clustering and redundant failover, resulting in the OS instance not being limited to a specific piece of hardware. ACP is designed with not just one redundant machine inside of itself, but multiple machines with the same capabilities. The result is scalable server platform customized to the agency's needs, performance monitoring, and around the clock access.

Backups

The entire server instance is backed up each night using a virtual server cloning software in-house.

Security

Primary Security is handled by CISCO ASA devices. Secondary software security is handled by N-Able Monitoring and Endpoint Security.

Microsoft Office

Microsoft Office applications can be deployed directly within ACP, depending on which applications the agency needs. Microsoft Office licensing can be bundled with the ACP server cost for an additional fee.

Server Adminisration

An ACP server has many similarities to a physical on-site server in your office. Your server is dedicated to your agency, granting your agency control over how it is configured, and which third-party programs are installed.

ACP technologies provides the hardware and operating system for your agency's server. Any task commonly delegated to your IT professional for on-site servers should also be delegated to your IT professional if your office uses ACP.

Your IT professional is primarily responsible for your server's administration, including adding workstations and new users.
Common Server Administration Tasks and Responsibility
Server Task Your IT Professional ACP Support (Included) ACP Support (Additional) * Newton Support
Adding New Users X X
Migrating User Data (Documents/Email Profile) X X
Resetting User Passwords X X
Adding New Workstations X X
Installing Third-Party Software X X
Installing Microsoft Office ** X
Server Backups X
Microsoft Windows Updates X
Newton Software Updates X
Newton + Third-Party Integration Troubleshooting X

*Although your IT professional is primarily responsible for your server's administration, you can optionally contract with ACP directly.

**Additional Monthly Microsoft Office licensing fees apply.

Adding a New User to ACP

If you are also adding an additional Newton user, email Agency Systems sales regarding the user count increase.

  1. Log into ACP as the agency administrator user.
  2. Create a new Windows user account.
  3. Add the new user to the Remote Desktop Users group.
  4. To create the Microsoft Remote Desktop icon, see Adding a New Workstation to ACP below.

Adding a New Workstation to ACP

To configure the new workstation, you will need the following:

Add the ACP Remote Desktop Shortcut

All workstations connect to the ACP server through Microsoft Remote Desktop.

  1. Select Windows Start -> All Programs -> Accessories -> Remote Desktop Connection.
  2. In the Computer field, place the server IP address.
  3. Select Show Options.
    Acp-rdp-options.png
  4. Enter your ACP Windows user name in the User name: field.
  5. Select Allow me to save credentials.
    Acp-rdp-unamecred.png
  6. Select the Display tab.
    If you would like to use dual monitors, select User all my monitors for remote session.
    Acp-rdp-allmon.png
  7. Select the Local Resources tab.
  8. Select Clipboard. Select the More... button.
    Acp-rdp-localres.png
  9. Check Drives, and select OK.
    Acp-rdp-localres-drives.png
  10. Select the Experience tab.
  11. Select Low-speed broadband (256Kbps - 2 Mpbs) from the drop down.
    Acp-rdp-exp.png
  12. Select the General tab.
  13. Select Save As....
    Acp-rdp-gen-saveas.png
  14. Select the Desktop.
  15. Enter a file name, such as ACP. Select Save.

Other Workstation Considerations

In addition to configuring the Microsoft Remote Desktop connection, the Thinprint print driver will need to be installed on the workstation to allow the locally installed printer to be available within the hosted ACP session.

Thinprint Print Driver Client Downloads

Contact ACP Support

If you are having issues connecting to your ACP server, ACP support can be contacted by phone, or online. http://acp.us.com/index.php

Although your IT professional is primarily responsible for your server's administration, you can also contract with ACP directly for additional paid services.

Click Here To Send An Email Request To Kenneth at ACP Technologies

ACP will qualify your needs, including Newton licensing, and provide a quote for the services.