DADAS Hardware and Software Requirements

Overview

This article defines the minimum recommended hardware and software specifications for deploying the DADAS platform. Requirements are organised by deployment type — rack-mounted server, desktop server, virtual server, and client station — and cover processor, memory, storage, networking, display output, and operating system requirements.

All specifications are general recommendations and may be adjusted to meet specific operational or environmental requirements. Adherence to these guidelines ensures stable, long-term performance across all supported deployment environments.

Preferred Operating System

Windows 11 LTSC (Long-Term Servicing Channel) is the recommended operating system for all DADAS server and client deployments. The LTSC edition is preferred because it receives security and quality updates without the feature updates associated with the general availability channel, providing a stable, low-change environment appropriate for operational systems. Windows 11 LTSC is supported on both physical hardware and virtual machines.

Where Windows 11 LTSC is not available, Windows 11 Professional is the accepted minimum baseline. Windows 10 reached end of life on 14 October 2025 and no longer receives security updates; it must not be used for new DADAS deployments.

For guidance on OS upgrade policies for existing installations, see Windows OS Upgrade Policy for DADAS Systems.

Minimum Hardware Configuration

1. Rack-Mounted Server

Rack-mounted servers are suited to data centre and controlled equipment room environments. Chassis sizes ranging from 1U to 4U are supported, with smaller form factors and lower overall weight preferred where practicable.

2. Desktop Server

Desktop (tower) server configurations are suitable where rack infrastructure is unavailable. The performance profile mirrors the rack-mounted server, with a reduced network adapter count. A smaller chassis and lower weight are preferred where practicable.

3. Virtual Server

DADAS is fully compatible with virtualised environments, providing deployment flexibility across hypervisor platforms. The specifications below define minimum virtual resource allocation for production-grade performance. Storage should be provisioned on SSD-backed datastores where possible.

Note: At least two virtual network interfaces are recommended to provide network redundancy. RAID1 storage should be implemented at the hypervisor or storage array level. Windows 11 LTSC is fully supported as a guest OS on all major hypervisor platforms.

4. Client Station

Client stations provide the operator interface for DADAS. A compact chassis suitable for VESA rear-of-display mounting is recommended, allowing the workstation to function as a panel PC. High-resolution display output is required for operational use.

5. Summary Comparison

All specifications represent minimum recommendations. Actual requirements may vary depending on deployment scale, data volumes, and site-specific conditions.