System Requirements: 4Matrix Desktop
In this topic:
- Server requirements
- Client requirements
- General notes
- SQL installation notes
- Using Azure and Amazon Web Services to host the database
- The MIS Extract tools
This topic refers to the 4Matrix Network Manager, which is used to install and manage the 4Matrix database, and the 4Matrix Desktop Client app. Both applications are lightweight and the system requirements are below.
The requirements to install 4Matrix Infinity (the free web add-on) are available on request from help.4Matrix.com by logging a ticket.
For SQL Server requirements, please refer to Microsoft guidance at this link.
1. Server (4Matrix Network Manager application and Database)
| Component | Requirement |
| Hard Disk |
1 GB (Minimum) 2 GB (Recommended) |
| Display |
800 x 600, 256 colours (Minimum) 1024 x 768 high colour, 32-bit (Recommended) |
| Internet | Required |
| Memory |
1 GB (Minimum) 8 GB (Recommended) |
| Processor |
1 GHz Pentium processor or equivalent (Minimum) 2GHz Pentium processor or equivalent (Recommended) |
| Operating System |
Windows Server 2012 or Windows Vista (Minimum) Also supported: Windows 11; Windows 10; Windows 8; Windows 7; Windows Server 2016; Windows Server 2019 |
| SQL Server |
SQL 2014 Express (Minimum) SQL 2019 Express (Recommended) Microsoft Azure and Amazon Web Services (AWS) are both supported for hosting the 4Matrix database in the cloud, if the school uses either of these services. There is more information on this below and you can contact us if you would like further information on setting up your 4Matrix database in this way. |
| Additional Requirements |
Microsoft .net framework 4.5 Windows Installer 3.1 or later |
2. Client (4Matrix Desktop application)
| Component | Requirement |
| Hard Disk | 500 MB (Minimum) |
| Display |
800 x 600, 256 colours (Minimum) 1920 x 1080 8-bit (Recommended) 100% text-size (Recommended) - Please note that other text sizes may cause some cropping of text and buttons It is recommended that Data Managers use 4Matrix on a large display of at least 22" set to the maximum resolution and highest refresh rate. |
| Internet | Required |
| Memory |
512 MB (Minimum) 1 GB (Recommended) |
| Processor |
1 GHz Pentium processor or equivalent (Minimum) 2GHz Pentium processor or equivalent (Recommended) |
| Operating System |
Windows Server 2012 or Windows Vista (Minimum) Also supported: Windows 11; Windows 10; Windows 8; Windows 7 |
| Additional Requirements |
Microsoft .net framework 4.5 Windows Installer 3.1 or later |
3. General Notes
- 4Matrix is a lightweight SQL database-driven, client/server application.
- The 4Matrix Network Manager application and 4Matrix database can be installed and setup in around 10-15 minutes.
- The Network Manager must be installed locally on the server you wish to host the 4Matrix Database (unless you're carrying out a standalone installation).
- The Network Manager produces an MSI to install the 4Matrix client software. You can use Group Policy to deploy this to clients.
- 4Matrix can be run from a shared location, if required. Refer to Running From a Shared Folder for more information.
- It is recommended that Data Managers use 4Matrix on a large display of at least 22" set to the maximum resolution. Two monitors may be required if other data management software is to be used simultaneously.
4. SQL Installation Notes
- During the installation process you will have the option to download and install SQL 2008 R2, SQL 2012 Express and SQL 2014 Express. SQL 2008 is no longer supported by Microsoft and support for SQL 2012 will cease in October 2023. Therefore, we strongly recommend installing SQL 2014 or higher.
- If you do not already have a higher version of SQL installed, you can download the relevant installation files from Microsoft directly and install manually, outside of the Network Manager installation. The only setting to be aware of when installing SQL manually, when prompted, choose 'Mixed Mode Authentication'.
- If your SQL server is pre-installed, during the installation process you will have the option to 'Use Existing Server', at which point you will be prompted to enter the sa password for the server.
5. Microsoft Azure and Amazon Web Services (AWS)
- These services are supported, should you wish to host the 4Matrix database in the cloud.
- The costs associated with setup and hosting the school's 4Matrix database in this way are at the school's expense.
- To achieve this, you must first install the 4Matrix Network Manager and database locally, as per the standard setup. Then, using Microsoft SQL Management Studio, the database can be migrated from the local SQL server to the Azure/AWS server.
- Once the database is migrated, the user must return to the 4Matrix Network Manager application and update the server name (when using Azure, this will be something like schoolname4matrix.database.windows.net).
- The relevent IP addresses must be allowed through the Azure/AWS Firewall, including for any devices which are to be used from home.
- Deploy the client and Settings file as normal.
6. The SIMS, Bromcom, Arbor and Cloud School Extract tools
The data extraction tools that ship with 4Matrix act as a ‘middle-man’ between 4Matrix and the MIS. They are designed to progressively extract and import a range of data, including:
- Basic Pupil details (name, DOB, gender, ethnicity, postcode, Pupil Premium, SEN, G&T, Form Group and more)
- Pupil Photos
- Class data
- Exam results
There is not a live link between 4Matrix and the MIS. The extract is a manually initiated task (by a Data or Exams Manager) which then provides the school with a ‘snap-shot’ of data at any given time. There is no write-back to the MIS. Note that schools with a hosted SIMS solution will not be able to use the inbuilt extract tool - reports are provided at www.4Matrix.com/simsreports to use instead.
Article Revised: 16/05/2022