Simple, flexible product lifecycle management software for growing companies™
Simple, flexible product lifecycle management software for growing companies™
To avoid data loss, refer to the How do I...? topics for important operating procedures.
The Settings tab defines how the PDXpert Application Server and all PDXpert clients connect to the database, where their data will be stored, and the email account through which notifications will be sent.
Database connection
Select the SQL Server database instance from the dropdown list; for example, PDXPERT.
Data and library base path
Defines the folder base location for storing library files, the product database, and other data. There are separate subfolders within this location.
To keep the Library size manageable, the PDXpert Application Server regularly deletes files that are not attached to an item in the current PDXpert database. It's extremely important that you do not share the Library folder with any other applications, since all unidentified files will be deleted during this scheduled cleanup operation.
Email settings
PDXpert sends workflow notifications using the email account specified here.
Service settings
The service supports communications between the PDXpert Application Server and each PDXpert client. The TCP port number must be the same for the server and all clients. You can start the service automatically when this computer starts; and set the TCP port.
Broadcast server response to client
If a PDXpert client cannot immediately find the PDXpert Application Server, it broadcasts a request across the network. When the PDXpert Application Server receives this request, it responds with its own machine name. The client typically broadcasts its request only once, immediately after installation or if the server's been renamed or moved. The client saves the server's response for later use.
In rare cases, there may be more than one PDXpert Application Server installed on the network. Responses from several servers could direct the client to the wrong server. When you clear this checkbox, the PDXpert Application Server will ignore the client request. After a few moments, the PDXpert client will display its Application Configuration dialog. This allows the user to enter the preferred server's machine name or IP address.
If you have a primary or preferred PDXpert Application Server, then leaving this checkbox marked will allow it to respond to client broadcasts. Clear the checkbox on all other servers to prevent conflicting responses.
This broadcast protocol is provided as a convenience to your users, but may not always be successful. The messages may get blocked by operating system, firewall, anti-virus, network router and other security settings. Regardless of this checkbox's setting, if the client fails to receive a server response then it will display the Application Configuration dialog.
Launch service on computer start
This ensures that the PDXpert Application Server service is available each time the server is booted. If this option is not marked, you must manually start the service when you want to use PDXpert: open the PDXpert Application Server program from the Windows Start menu or desktop icon, and then click on the Start button.
TCP port number
Specifies the TCP port for the PDXpert Application Server, which can be any integer between 1025 and 65535 that is not otherwise used on your network. The minimum value must be greater than 1024 to avoid conflicts with reserved ports assigned by the IANA ("Well-Known Ports").
The port value is cached within the currently-running service. After changing the port value in the server .config file, click on the Stop button on the Maintenance tab. After the service has stopped, click on the Start button to establish the new port value.
The default TCP port number for PDXpert communications is 48084, which typically won't conflict with any other service on the vast majority of networks. To make client installation as simple as possible, we strongly recommend that you do not change the port number unless it conflicts with an existing service.
Each time that the service is started, the currently-specified port value is checked for conflicts. If the port is already in use by some other process, then you'll be asked to change the port number.
If you change the port number on the PDXpert Application Server, each client workstation must be updated to send service requests to the same port number. Enter the new port number into the client Application Configuration dialog's PDXpert server connection: TCP port number text box. Ensure that firewalls and other configuration information is correct.
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