Hardware Requirements

We strongly recommend a dedicated server or VM to host the web app because processing reports for multiple users concurrently can mean that its CPU and memory requirements are relatively high, at least compared to FastClose Server.

Free Storage Space	150 Mb for the binaries Up to 1 Gb for the log files
Operating System	Windows Server 2012 or later. Full spec can be found here core/supported-os.md at main · dotnet/core
CPU	The users' reports are processed and calculated on the server. Therefore, the fastest CPU feasible should be used.
RAM	Allow 1 Gb to run the web app. In addition, allow 1 Gb for each concurrently active user.

We do not recommend installing the Reader on your ERP application server or the database server on which it depends.

Web Server Decision

You have the option to either install the web app as a Windows service, served by the built-in Kestrel web server, or have the app served by IIS. The decision will determine the software prerequisites and subsequent installation steps. Neither one will impact performance. If you require TLS encryption (i.e. access via https) you will need to host under IIS.

You should choose with which you are more comfortable with or most suits your business needs. For example, if the server is already hosting sites with IIS it may be preferable to add another one. On the other hand, if there is no intention to expose it outside the corporate firewall without the use of a VPN, or If you simply don't know yet, we recommend choosing the simpler option to run as a Windows service. It can be revised later.

Software Requirements

FastClose Server

You will need a FastClose Server version 3.1 or above installed and network accessible to the server on which Reader will be installed.

Internet Information Services (Option)

If hosting the web app under IIS you will need:

IIS installed on the Windows Server
1 extra role for IIS to be installed:
Web Server → Common HTTP Features → HTTP Redirection
The Reader web app binaries as a zip file.

Install IIS first and then the ASP.NET Core Hosting Bundle.

ASP.NET Core Runtime

You will need to install the ASP.NET Core Runtime 8.0 Hosting Bundle. Whatever the latest version is at the time of installation is fine. See Download .NET 8.0 (Linux, macOS, and Windows):

The Reader Web App Binaries

Your FastClose Server downloads page will provide you with the files.

Reader Web App MSI Installer File

This installer should be used if hosting as a Windows service. The file is called FastClose.WebReader-64bit-<Version>.msi . This will install the files, create a Windows service and start the web app.

Reader Web App Binaries Zip File

This file should be used if hosting under IIS. This file is called FastClose.WebReader-<Version>.zip . It contains the deployment files which is an ASP.NET Core 8 Web App.

App Settings File

FastClose Support may provide you with a settings file called AppSettings.ReaderWebAppServer.json if you are installing under IIS.

Install Prerequisites