Financial Edge

Operating system

Note: Domain controllers, Small Business Servers, and peer-to-peer networks are not supported.

SQL server

*Note: Later service packs and cumulative updates for compatible operating systems, SQL server versions, and other infrastructure components are not specifically tested, but are assumed compatible. We recommend you test any new hardware update before releasing it into a production environment.

SQL 2016 compatibility

*Note: When using SQL 2016, backups must be performed through SQL Server Management Studio instead of the Blackbaud Management Console. See KB 118849 for more information.

Processor (CPU)

Memory (RAM)

Workstation browser

Web server memory (RAM)

Available memory as recommended for your operating system.

Web server security

Blackbaud recommends securing your web server with Layer Security (TLS) 1.2 or equivalent technology to prevent unauthorized access to transmitted data.

Note: Blackbaud is not responsible for the installation, configuration, and testing of any web security measures. Blackbaud assumes no responsibility for the security of your web server and any adverse consequences resulting from security issues. Blackbaud software does not establish or modify security on the web server. Refer to https://www.microsoft.com for specific security measures and NTFS permissions needed by Windows Server and IIS.

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Account Forms/Blackbaud Forms

With the optional module Accounting Forms, you can print accounting forms (including checks, statements, invoices, and purchase orders) on blank paper. You can print checks according to your bank’s specifications on standard blank check stock. An HP LaserJet series printer that supports Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR) is required to print checks. For more information, visit Blackbaud Forms.

Blackbaud Forms provides computer forms (such as checks, statements, and purchase orders) and envelopes specifically designed for use with The Financial Edge. Blackbaud forms are guaranteed to align correctly and can be customized to your organization’s specifications, using your logo, special inks, and print styles. Pre-printed forms from other suppliers are not guaranteed to align properly and are not supported by Blackbaud.

School Store Manager/Point of Sale

Blackbaud’s School Store Manager includes Microsoft’s Retail Management System (RMS) Store Operations™ and version 1.2 is compatible with Student Billing. Both versions of Student Billing are supported with RMS 1.3 and 2.0. However RMS version 1.3 and 2.0 is only supported with Student Billing if it does not integrate with RMS for Raiser’s Edge 7. QuickSell 2000 is not supported with Student Billing.

If you plan to use School Store Manager with Student Billing, convert to Retail Management Systems before converting to Student Billing.

3rd-party software

The following third-party software is included with the Financial Edge installation:

• Microsoft SQL Server Express 2008 R2 SP2
• Microsoft SQL Server Express 2005 Backward Compatibility Components
• Microsoft Windows Installer 3.1
• Microsoft Windows Installer 4.5
• Microsoft Data Access Components (MDAC) 2.8
• Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0.50727
• Microsoft .NET Framework 4
• Microsoft .NET Framework 4.8
• Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) Components
• Crystal Report XI Runtime Components
• Internet Explorer 6.x
• Visual Basic for Applications (optional module)
• Microsoft System CLR Types 2012
• Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Shared Management Objects
• Microsoft ODBC Driver 11 for SQL Server

Note: Microsoft Office 2010, 2013 32-bit (Patch 8 or higher) is required to use the Microsoft Integration features when locally hosted.

When purchasing Blackbaud Web applications, review your Microsoft SQL licenses and ensure you have the required licensing. For further information, review the Microsoft’s SQL Server licensing requirements.

Note: Blackbaud does not support case sensitive collation sequences with SQL Server.

Other

ABM system requirements

PaperSave requirements

Microsoft Dynamic POS system requirements

Email

MAPI-compliant (a Microsoft email standard) email system is required.

Note: Some vendors do not fully implement the MAPI standard. Blackbaud cannot guarantee these products will work with email features in Financial Edge. Blackbaud has tested compatibility with Microsoft Outlook 2007 and 2010 only.

Electronic funds transfer

The optional module Electronic Funds Transfer allows you to process direct debits and credit card transactions to your Accounts Payable bank account.

Supported bank EFT formats for the United States: 

• U.S. bank standard EFT format

Supported bank EFT formats for Canada:

• Bank of Nova Scotia (Scotiabank) format
• CIBC 1464 standard format
• CPA 1464 format (default)
• EFT Canada Excel format
• National Bank 1464 standard format
• Royal Bank 1464 format
• Toronto Dominion 1464 standard format

Supported bank EFT formats for Australia:

• Australia bank standard EFT format

Supported bank EFT formats for New Zealand:

• BNZ bank standard EFT format
• ANZ bank standard EFT format

Printers

Reports and forms in Blackbaud products have been specifically designed and tested with HP LaserJet laser printers. Financial Edge does not support dot matrix printers.

Server-based computing (“thin-client” technology)

For information on Microsoft Terminal or Remote Desktop Services, see Microsoft’s website. For information on Citrix, see Citrix’s website. To determine your hardware requirements, Citrix suggests a pilot setup and the use of performance tools to measure the impact that users, applications, and location have on setup. Consult with qualified information systems professionals when implementing this technology.

Mail merge

Microsoft Word versions, 2007, 2010, & 2013 32-bit are supported.

Recommendation disclaimer

System recommendations are based on information available on the last updated date. They are published only as a guide and relate solely to Blackbaud software. Performance and response time are affected by many factors related to hardware (such as RAM, processor speed, and hard disk subsystem performance), network configuration (such as NIC performance, cable type, topology, operating system, parameters, and traffic), and the database (such as size, number of concurrent users, and the type of activities each user is performing).

In addition, network and workstation operating systems, third-party software products, and our own products are continuously updated with new features and options, which often place greater demands on hardware. Blackbaud recommends the purchase of top-of-the-line equipment when possible and that organizations budget for continual upgrades to their system. Blackbaud staff may provide limited informal guidance based on information made available. However, neither these system recommendations nor our staff’s guidance constitute a guarantee of compatibility, outcome, or performance. We encourage organizations to consult their own systems staff or outside technical experts to ensure appropriate results.

Note: System recommendations are subject to change. Before making any purchase or installation decisions, ensure you have the latest system recommendations and check for third-party compatibility information in Knowledgebase. If you use multiple Blackbaud products, refer to the system recommendations for each product; the total recommendations may be different from what is listed above. For additional assistance, contact Blackbaud Support.

Security recommendation

Blackbaud employs security best practices for all Blackbaud OnDemand systems, including the protection of all systems and information located at the Blackbaud Data Center, as well as communications between systems at the Blackbaud Data Center and client servers and workstations.

Although Blackbaud makes every effort to ensure the security of client data, it is imperative that organizations also employ security best practices at their site(s) and on their workstations.