Document overview

1. Architectural Summary
2. Server Requirements
3. Workstation Requirements
4. Additional Considerations

Architectural summary

Sage 100 Contractor uses a traditional client/server architecture, which enables multiple people to use the same accounting data from multiple computers.

The Sage 100 Contractor application runs most business processing on client machines, known as workstations.

The Database Administration application performs all server functions on the server, such as data backup and restoration.

All data is stored in SQL databases and file shares reside on the server.

You can install Sage 100 Contractor and Database Administration on a single machine for a single-user office.

Server requirements

Sage recommends that your server is a machine dedicated to Sage 100 Contractor. (A new computer that can perform this function can cost you less than USD 1,000.)

Avoid changing the server environment. Sage 100 Contractor is tested against basic operating system (OS) installations. Many seemingly harmless changes to the server can cause Sage 100 Contractor or some of its advanced features to malfunction.

Server hardware requirements

* Sage 100 Contractor runs on only Intel and AMD CPUs. Sage 100 Contractor doesn't run on Windows for ARM, PowerPC, Alpha, or MIPS architectures.

Server software requirements

* SQL Server 2016 isn't supported on Windows Server 2022. SQL Server 2014 isn’t supported after July 9, 2024.

Workstation requirements [modified in committee]

Workstation hardware requirements

* Sage 100 Contractor runs on only Intel and AMD CPUs. Sage 100 Contractor doesn’t run on Windows for ARM, PowerPC, Alpha, or MIPS architectures.

Workstation software requirements

Additional considerations

Outbound email

Users can set up Sage 100 Contractor to send emails automatically. Users can also schedule email sending automatically.

Many email providers are continually enhancing their security measures to prevent unattended or automated emails. Unfortunately, these improvements often disrupt the email capabilities of Sage 100 Contractor.

Sage suggests getting a Twilio account for sending emails from within Sage 100 Contractor. As of December 2023, a free Twilio account allows 100 outgoing emails per day. A paid account that allows 50,000 emails a day costs about USD 20 per month.

Sage 100 Contractor needs two pieces of information to use a Twilio account: a Twilio Sender ID (for example, “[email protected]”) and a Twilio SendGrid API Key (typically, about 70 characters starting with “SG.”).

Small business configuration options

A small office (fewer than 5 workstations) can potentially save money by using:

• Windows 10 Professional or Windows 11 Professional for the server operating system
• SQL Server Express Edition, which is free from Microsoft
• Workgroups instead of a domain controller
• A free Twilio account for up to 100 outbound emails a day

SQL Server editions

There are 5 editions of Microsoft SQL Server: Express, Standard, Web, Enterprise, and Developer.

Enterprise and Developer include all features.

Web and Standard include a subset of features.

Express has a limited set of features but is free for commercial use.

If SQL Server isn’t installed on the server, Database Administration offers to automatically install and configure a free Microsoft SQL Server 2019 Express Edition.

SQL Server Express has a 10 GB per database limit. Sage 100 Contractor automatically warns users when an Express database is ≥ 80% full.

Standard and Enterprise editions have no size limit and can more efficiently use all your computer’s CPU and memory.

Operating system editions

Installing Sage 100 Contractor server software and SQL Server on a non-server operating system is suitable only for small offices (fewer than 5 workstations).

As of September 2024, Windows Server 2022 Essentials costs about USD 350 and supports up to 25 users and 50 devices.

For server operating systems, it's important to note that Personal and Home Editions of Microsoft Windows aren't suitable due to their use of Simple File Sharing.

Domain membership

Sage 100 Contractor works in workgroup environments and doesn’t require a domain controller. In workgroup environments, each user needs a local machine account on both the server and their workstation. Furthermore, usernames and passwords for each user need to be synchronized manually between the workstation and the server.

For a small office comprising a limited number of workstations, a workgroup configuration suffices to meet operational requirements.

Domain controllers and SQL Server

Although SQL Server can be installed on a domain controller, Microsoft doesn't recommend it for security reasons.

For more information, see installing Sage 100 Contractor on a domain controller.

Ethernet versus Wi-Fi

Sage strongly recommends that customers use Ethernet (wired) networking. Intermittent network connectivity between workstations and the server can cause problems with Sage 100 Contractor.

Microsoft Office versions (optional)

Microsoft Office integration requires Office 2016, or later. Office can be 32-bit or 64-bit.

Sage 100 Contractor email integration won't work with Microsoft “New Outlook”.