Installation Prerequisites for IntelliFront BI

Before installing IntelliFront BI, ensure that the target server meets the necessary hardware, software, database, and network requirements. This article outlines the prerequisites for installing IntelliFront BI, including supported operating systems, server specifications, Microsoft SQL Server configuration, Internet Information Services (IIS), required Windows components, Crystal Reports runtimes, and network connectivity. Reviewing these requirements before installation will help minimize configuration issues and ensure that the environment is properly prepared for a successful deployment.

Before You Begin

Before proceeding with the installation, ensure that:

You have local administrator privileges on the server where IntelliFront BI will be installed.
The server meets the minimum hardware requirements.
A supported Windows operating system is installed.
A compatible Microsoft SQL Server instance is available or will be installed as part of the setup.
The necessary Windows components and IIS features can be enabled.
The required firewall ports are available.
Any applicable organizational security policies have been reviewed.

Important: If your organization has specific security, database, or network requirements, consult your IT administrator before beginning the installation.

Server Hardware Requirements

The server hosting IntelliFront BI must meet the following hardware requirements:

Processor: Multi-core processor, with four or more cores recommended.
Memory (RAM): Minimum 16 GB.
Available Disk Space: Minimum 20 GB of free disk space.

Recommendation: Environments that process large datasets, execute multiple Gizmos, or support numerous concurrent users may benefit from additional system resources.

Actual resource requirements will depend on the workload, the number of users accessing IntelliFront BI, and the complexity of the reports and dashboards being processed.

Supported Operating Systems

IntelliFront BI supports installation on the following Windows operating systems:

Windows 10
Windows Server 2016
Windows Server 2022

For production environments, a Windows Server operating system is recommended.

Note: Confirm compatibility before installing IntelliFront BI on an operating system not listed above.

Microsoft .NET Framework Requirements

IntelliFront BI requires Microsoft .NET Framework 4.7.2.

Before installing IntelliFront BI:

Confirm that the required .NET Framework version is installed.
If it is not available, install or enable the required framework.
Complete any necessary Windows updates or restarts.
Verify that the framework is available before proceeding.

Note: The installed .NET Framework version must meet the requirements of the IntelliFront BI release being deployed.

Internet Information Services (IIS) Requirements

IntelliFront BI uses Microsoft Internet Information Services (IIS) version 7.5 or later to host its web application components.

Before installation:

Open Server Manager on the Windows server.
Select Add Roles and Features.
Locate the Web Server (IIS) role.
Enable the IIS components required by IntelliFront BI.
Complete the installation of the selected Windows features.
Confirm that IIS is installed and operational.

Important: Ensure that all required IIS role services are enabled before proceeding with the IntelliFront BI installation.

Microsoft SQL Server Requirements

IntelliFront BI requires Microsoft SQL Server for its application database.

The following SQL Server versions are supported:

Microsoft SQL Server 2012
Microsoft SQL Server 2014
Microsoft SQL Server 2016
Later compatible SQL Server versions

Important: Older SQL Server versions may no longer receive Microsoft security updates. For new installations, use a currently supported SQL Server version that is compatible with IntelliFront BI

SQL Server FILESTREAM Configuration

FILESTREAM must be enabled and configured on the SQL Server instance used by IntelliFront BI. How to Install and Configure FILESTREAM

Before installation:

Confirm that the intended SQL Server instance is accessible.
Verify that the SQL Server account has the permissions required for installation.
Confirm that FILESTREAM is enabled and configured.
Ensure that the IntelliFront BI application server can communicate with the SQL Server instance.

Note: If you are using an existing SQL Server environment, coordinate any required configuration changes with your database administrator.

Network and Firewall Requirements

IntelliFront BI requires the following network ports to be available:

Port 27018
Port 50255

Before installation:

Confirm that both ports are available.
Review the firewall configuration on the application server.
Configure the necessary firewall rules in accordance with your organization's security policies.
Verify connectivity between the IntelliFront BI application server and any external database or service endpoints.

Important: Only open the required ports to the appropriate systems and networks. Avoid exposing application services to external networks unless specifically required.

Crystal Reports Requirements

If IntelliFront BI will be used to process SAP Crystal Reports, the appropriate Crystal Reports runtime components must be available.

The supported runtime components include:

Crystal Reports 2011 runtime.
Crystal Reports 2013 runtime.

Note: By default, the IntelliFront BI installer includes the Crystal Reports 2013 runtime.

Before installation, determine whether Crystal Reports functionality will be required and confirm that the necessary runtime components are available.

Note: Crystal Reports runtime compatibility may depend on the version of IntelliFront BI and the reports being processed.

Web Browser Requirements

IntelliFront BI is accessed through a web browser.

The most current version of the following web browsers are supported.

Google Chrome
Mozilla Firefox
Safari
Internet Explorer

Web Browser - Additional

Disable pop-up blocker
Enable java-script

Pre-Installation Checklist

Use the following checklist to confirm that the environment is ready.

Pre-Installation Checklist

Before beginning the IntelliFront BI installation, verify the following:

Local administrator access is available.
The server meets the minimum processor, RAM, and disk space requirements.
A supported Windows operating system is installed.
Microsoft .NET Framework 4.7.2 is available.
IIS 7.5 or later is installed with the required components.
A compatible Microsoft SQL Server instance is available.
SQL Server FILESTREAM is enabled and configured.
Network ports 27018 and 50255 are available.
Firewall and network connectivity requirements have been reviewed.
Crystal Reports runtime components are available, if required.
A compatible web browser is available.
Any required security approvals have been obtained.

Once all applicable prerequisites have been confirmed, the environment is ready for the IntelliFront BI installation process.

Troubleshooting

The Installer Reports Insufficient System Resources

Confirm that the server meets the minimum hardware specifications and has sufficient available disk space and memory.

A Required Windows Component Is Missing

Review the installed .NET Framework and IIS components. Enable any missing prerequisites before restarting the installation.

IntelliFront BI Cannot Connect to SQL Server

Verify the SQL Server instance, database connectivity, authentication permissions, and FILESTREAM configuration. Check applicable firewall rules.

The Web Application Cannot Be Accessed

Confirm that IIS is running, the application is configured correctly, and the necessary network connections are available.

Crystal Reports Cannot Be Processed

Verify that the required Crystal Reports runtime is installed and compatible with the reports being used.

Need Additional Help?

If you are unsure whether your environment meets the installation requirements, or experience difficulties during setup, please contact ChristianSteven Support.

Log a Support Call