Computer System Requirements
This article outlines the minimum computer and network requirements for running both VM Cloud PMS and VM Desktop PMS. Meeting or exceeding these standards ensures system stability, performance, and security across your property. Use this guide when setting up or upgrading hotel workstations.
VM Cloud PMS - Basic & Peripheral Requirements
Basic Requirements
REQUIREMENTS | DEFINITION |
CPU | Quad-Core Intel i5 or higher |
Memory | 8Gb or higher (16Gb for the first server/broker station) |
Operating System | Windows 11 is required for the main station (broker). Other systems may be supported for other stations, such as Chromebooks, Mac iOS, ... |
Networking | High-Speed*, low latency network, and internet access required. *To be considered high speed, your download speed should be higher than 25Mbps standard, ranging from 100 to 1,000 Mbps. A secondary internet connection such as a 4G cellular service is recommended in case of an internet outage. |
Visual Matrix Cloud works on Chrome in Linux without issue. While Chrome is the recommended browser, other modern browsers (Edge, Firefox, Safari) should also function properly.
Peripheral Equipment
PERIPHERAL | DEFINITION |
Software and Printing | Google Chrome browser required Software to read and print PDF files is required |
Speakers | Required for online web training |
Credit Card Readers | EMV Readers required for EMV interface (purchases through EMV provider) |
Multi-Port Serial Device | Serial/USB device to connect any serial interface (PBX, Call Accounting or Voicemail) - Available through Visual Matrix |
About the Cloud
All important data regarding your hotel will be stored inside the VM Cloud environment, which is hosted within the Microsoft Azure platform.
The only software required to be installed directly at the hotel is our “VM Cloud Broker” software/service, which simply relays connectivity messages between our VM Cloud system and your local hardware interfaces, including your EMV terminals, telephone system, or restaurant point-of-sale system.
The VM Cloud Broker is a very small Windows Service that has been designed to run on the Windows 11 platform (or higher) and does not require the extra licensing fees of Windows Server.
If you or your IT personnel have any questions about this recommendation against Windows Server, please feel free to contact our Support for further information.
VM Cloud PMS - General Recommendations
- Operating System: Ensure the front desk computer is running a compatible operating system, such as Windows, macOS, or a specific Linux distribution as required by the PMS. Note that a Windows computer will be required to run the "Visual Matrix Device Broker Service".
- Web Browser: Use a modern and supported web browser like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, or Safari. Ensure that the browser is regularly updated.
- RAM (Memory): Have sufficient RAM to run the web browser and the PMS efficiently. Typically, 8GB or more is recommended.
- Processor: Use a reasonably fast processor (CPU) to handle web-based PMS tasks without significant lag. A multi-core processor is ideal.
- Storage: Ensure adequate storage space for caching and storing temporary files. SSDs (Solid-State Drives) are preferred for faster data access.
- Screen Resolution: The computer should have a screen with a minimum resolution that can display the PMS interface comfortably. A resolution of 1366x768 pixels or higher is common.
- Network Connectivity: Maintain a stable and high-speed internet connection to access the cloud-based PMS without interruptions. Wired Ethernet is highly preferred.
- Security Software: Install and regularly update antivirus and anti-malware software to protect the computer from security threats.
- Firewall: Enable or configure the computer's firewall to ensure network security and prevent unauthorized access.
- Browser Plugins: Keep browser plugins, extensions, and add-ons to a minimum, as excessive plugins can slow down browser performance.
- JavaScript: Ensure that JavaScript is enabled in the web browser, some interfaces rely on JavaScript for functionality.
- Pop-Up Blocker: Adjust pop-up blocker settings to allow pop-ups from the PMS website, as certain features may open in new windows.
- Cookies: Enable cookies in the browser settings to allow the PMS to store session information and user preferences.
- Java Runtime Environment (JRE): Ensure that the required version of Java is installed and up to date.
VM Desktop PMS - Basic & Peripheral Requirements
Basic Requirements
| REQUIREMENTS | DEFINITION |
| CPU | Quad-Core Intel i5 or higher |
| Memory | 8Gb or higher (16Gb for the Device Server) |
| Operating System | Windows 11 is required on every station Server operating systems are not recommended |
Mass Storage Device | VM Desktop requires 60 GB free space - SSD recommended |
| Networking | Secured wired Ethernet required. |
Windows Servers or virtual machines are not recommended due to potential connectivity issues with physical interfaces and instability if improperly configured. Additionally, Windows Server operating systems are more expensive and offer no benefits over Windows 11 for running VM.Peripheral Equipment
| PERIPHERAL | DEFINITION |
| Printer | Any laser Windows-compatible printer with 32Mb memory |
| Speakers | Required for online web training |
UPS (Battery Power Backup) | Uninterruptible power supply recommended |
| Backup | External HDD/SSD 80+ GB (USB or Network attached) |
Credit Card Readers | EMV Readers required for EMV interface (purchased through EMV provider) |
| Multi-Port Serial Device | Serial/USB device to connect any serial interface (PBX, Call Accounting or Voicemail) - Available through Visual Matrix |
Internet Requirements | High-speed (20 Mbits down/20 Mbits up), low-latency network and internet access required for support and various interfaces |
Still need help with this topic?
Ask Yourself:
- Are my property computers meeting the minimum requirements for Cloud or Desktop PMS?
- Do I know which workstation is serving as the broker (for Cloud PMS)?
- Do I have a backup internet option if the main connection fails?
- Is every workstation running Chrome and equipped with PDF software?
Support May Ask You:
- Are you using Cloud PMS, Desktop PMS, or both?
- What are the CPU, RAM, and OS specs of your machines?
- Which station is designated as the broker (for Desktop)?
- Do you currently have a backup internet solution in place?
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