Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge 7 SQL
System requirements
System requirements are subject to change. Please ensure you have the latest information before making any purchase decisions. If you are running any other Blackbaud products, please refer to the System Requirements for those products separately.
Last updated: May 20, 2022
Workstation
Operating system
For Windows operating systems, Raiser’s Edge 7 SQL supports Windows 10 (32bit), Windows 10 (64bit), and Windows 11. Windows operating systems require .Net Framework 2.0 SP1 or higher.
Blackbaud does not support the use of Home operating systems.
Note: Microsoft Office 2013 (32-bit), or Office 2016 (32-bit) is required to use the Microsoft Integration features when locally hosted.
Not supported as standalone.
Later service packs for compatible operating systems, SQL server versions, and other infrastructure components are not specifically tested but are assumed compatible. Customers are still encouraged to test any new hardware update before releasing it into a production environment.
Processor (CPU)
Pentium IV-class or higher.
Memory (RAM)
Minimum requirements; 2GB will create a minimum performance level.
Disk space
1 GB minimum for program and system files and an additional 500 MB free disk space for processing activities.
Note: For standalone workstations, use the Disk Space chart under Database Server Requirements to estimate the disk space needed for database files.
Display
SVGA (800 x 600 resolution; 256 colors) minimum, 8-bit color or better
Database
Operating system
Windows Server 2019.
Note: Domain controllers, Small Business Servers and peer-to-peer networks, terminal servers and RDC access by workstations are not supported. (Review KB 105893 for more details.)
SQL server
SQL Server 2019 – *For additional steps required when migrating to SQL 2019, see KB 196038.
Processor (CPU)
Pentium IV-class or higher, 2 GHz minimum for large networks. SQL Server provides enhanced support for Windows servers with multiple processors. It is designed to improve the performance of multi-user databases under heavy use and increase the workload the database can handle. It can also handle larger databases and/or a large numbers of users (20 and more). A dedicated database server, especially with high user loads and activity, should be considered. No mission-critical databases or other client/server applications, including other Blackbaud applications, should run on the same server. If you run more than one client/server application on the same server, that server needs to exceed the minimum requirements for optimal performance.
Note: Larger networks and databases require faster processors.
Maximum supported memory (RAM)
SQL 2019 Standard – 128 GB
SQL 2019 Enterprise – Maximum that your OS allows.
Note: SQL Server can dynamically allocate the optimal amount of memory (or cache) to the database to increase performance. Consider purchasing more than the required RAM to allow for a larger cache.
Disk space
1 GB minimum for Raiser’s Edge program, system, and database management console files and an additional 500 MB for the workstation deployment files, which can be installed in a different location. Additional space is required for the database.
Note: Requirements vary, depending on the number of records and the additional modules used. Review the table below:
Total number of records (constituents and gifts) | Minimum disk space for database |
---|---|
Fewer than 100,000 | 300 MB |
100,000 – 250,000 | 750 MB |
500,000 – 1,000,000 | 4 GB |
1,000,000 – 2,000,000 | 5 GB |
2,000,000 – 5,000,000 | 7 GB |
5,000,000+ | 10 GB + 4 GB for each additional one million records |
Hard disk
A high-performance disk subsystem, such as SCSI-2 and RAID technology, is recommended.
Compatibility info
Third-party software
The following third-party software is included with Raiser’s Edge 7 installation:
- Microsoft SQL Server Express 2005 Backward Compatibility Components
- Microsoft SQL Server Express 2008 R2 SP2
- Microsoft Windows Installer 3.1
- Microsoft Windows Installer 4.5
- Microsoft Data Access Components (MDAC) 2.8
- Microsoft .NET Framework 4.6
- Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) Components
- Crystal Report XI Runtime Components
- Visual Basic for Applications (optional module)
- Microsoft System CLR Types 2012
- Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Shared Management Objects
Note: If you do not own a license for SQL Server and have a database smaller than 9.5 GBs, you can consider using the Microsoft SQL Server Express which comes bundled with Raiser’s Edge 7. If you have a database larger than 9.5 GBs, then you will need to budget and purchase your own license for a full version of SQL Server that is compatible with Raiser’s Edge. SQL Server Express only recognizes 1 GB of RAM. For more information on SQL Server Express hardware limitations or for SQL Server information, please visit Microsoft’s web site.
Note: Blackbaud does not support case sensitive collation sequences with SQL Server.
Mail Merge
Microsoft Word versions 2007, 2010, 2013 SP1 (32-bit), and 2016 (32-bit) Professional are supported for locally hosted databases.
Printers
Blackbaud does not make specific printer requirements. Reports and forms in Blackbaud products are specifically designed and tested with HP LaserJet printers. We cannot design for and test reports and forms with every printer; therefore, results with other printers may vary.
Speed, quality, and usability are generally best achieved with more recent printer models. Updated printer drivers, available directly from the printer or operating system manufacturer, may be necessary for compatibility with Blackbaud products. Consult with reputable vendors and suppliers to determine the best choice for your organization’s needs.
A MAPI-compliant (a Microsoft email standard) email system is required.
Note: Some vendors do not fully implement the MAPI standard. Blackbaud cannot guarantee these products will work with email features in The Raiser’s Edge. Blackbaud has tested compatibility with Microsoft Outlook 2007, 2010, 2013 SP1 (32-bit), and 2016 (32-bit) only.
Electronic funds transfer
The optional module RE:EFT for Electronic Funds Transfer transactions. Following are the supported bank EFT formats:
- CPA 1464 Standard Format
- CIBC 1464 Standard Format
- Royal Bank 1464 Standard Format
- National Bank 1464 Standard Format
- Toronto Dominion 1464 Standard Format
- Scotia Bank
RE:EFT also works with IATS to process electronic transmission files for credit card gifts. Refer to the Credit Card Processing section for IATS product information.
Following are the supported bank EFT formats for Standing Orders in the United Kingdom:
- Barclays
- Natwest
- Bank of Scotland
- Lloyds
- Royal Bank of Scotland
- Bank of Ireland
- HSBC
- Co-Operative Bank
For direct debits in the United Kingdom, Raiser’s Edge works with any banks that have a BACS eligible system.
Server-based computing (“thin-client” technology)
The Raiser’s Edge 7 application and database. Access to the application is provided via your Web browser (Internet Explorer or Firefox) over a secure Citrix client connection. The hosted version provides access to complete Raiser’s Edge functionality including a temporary storage directory for exporting and transferring files. For more information, contact your account manager.
Raiser’s Edge is compatible with Windows 2008 Terminal Services, and Citrix hosting solutions. These thin-client technologies provide complete access to Blackbaud applications over low-bandwidth connections (dial-up, 56K, ISDN) from low-end legacy PCs or from computers running non-supported operating systems such as Macintosh or OS/2. In these environments, all application processing occurs on a single, centralized server.
For information on Microsoft Terminal Services Edition, visit http://www.microsoft.com. For information on Citrix, visit http://www.citrix.com. To determine your hardware requirements, Citrix suggests a pilot setup and the use of performance tools to measure the impact that users, applications, and location have on setup.
Consult with qualified information systems professionals when implementing this technology.
Wide Area Network (WAN) and Virtual Private Network (VPN) connections are not supported. for more information, refer to Knowledgebase solution BB50293.
Credit card processing
Credit card processing in Raiser’s Edge Enterprise works with Blackbaud Merchant Services (BBMS), IATS, CyberSource, and Beanstream to authorize and transfer credit card transactions. For more information on processing credit cards in Raiser’s Edge Enterprise, refer to 38453 in our Knowledgebase.
Note: Multiple merchant accounts are supported with Raiser’s Edge Enterprise and BBMS or IATS.
Bar code scanners
A laser printer and bar code reader capable of reading a 12-point 3 of 9 bar code font are required to support bar code printing and scanning in mailing and batch entry facilities.
Note: Serial bar code scanners are not supported.
Additional requirements
Luminate Online Integration
Supported Versions
The Raiser’s Edge build 796.6401 or higher is required.
Operating System confirmed compatibility
- Microsoft .NET Framework Full Build 4.6 (Client Profile and Extended) is required on the server and all workstations that will be running the Luminate Online Plug-In
- Windows Server 2012 (64-bit), SP1
- Windows Server 2012 R2 (64-bit)
- Windows 2003 is not supported
Environment requirements
- Internet Connection: The machine on which your web service is installed must have a permanent internet connection, and access to The Raiser’s Edge. Blackbaud recommends using a high-speed internet connection.
- Firewall: Outbound traffic must be allowed over ports: 80 (http), 443(https), and 9350-9354.
If you would like to restrict outbound traffic to our RELO Azure services the range of IP addresses are documented here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=41653. The IP address ranges listed for the US South Central data center are the ones that are applicable. Please ensure that you don’t have a firewall rule preventing outbound traffic to these IP ranges.
address | ports | what it is |
---|---|---|
Azure US South (re- luminate.servicebus.windows.net) |
80,443, 9350-9354 (TCP) | RELO Application Connectivity |
bbg7ps.blackbaudhosting.com | 80 & 443 (TCP) | Provisioning/Subscription Service Check |
bbwsupdate1.blackbaud.com (63.128.0.14) | 80 & 443 (TCP) | Update Service (Soap Request) |
70.37.92.127 | 80 & 443 (TCP) |
Address Accelerator
This optional subscription service is available via download from our web site.
Raiser’s Edge Mobile Web Service
In order for mobile users to connect to your database in Raiser’s Edge, you must have the Mobile Service for Raiser’s Edge installed and running on your server or a single workstation that stays on, and is always connected to the Internet.
Note: Raiser’s Edge does not need to be open and running at all times for users to use the mobile application. Rather, the server or workstation just needs to remain on.
Supported Devices:
Android – v2.2 and above
iOS – iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch v4.4 and above
Recommendations
Recommendation disclaimer
System recommendations are based on information available on the last updated date. They are published only as a guide and relate solely to Blackbaud software. Performance and response time are affected by many factors related to hardware (such as RAM, processor speed, and hard disk subsystem performance), network configuration (such as NIC performance, cable type, topology, operating system, parameters, and traffic), and the database (such as size, number of concurrent users, and the type of activities each user is performing).
In addition, network and workstation operating systems, third-party software products, and our own products are continuously updated with new features and options, which often place greater demands on hardware. Blackbaud recommends the purchase of top-of-the-line equipment when possible and that organizations budget for continual upgrades to their system. Blackbaud staff may provide limited informal guidance based on information made available. However, neither these system recommendations nor our staff’s guidance constitute a guarantee of compatibility, outcome, or performance. We encourage organizations to consult their own systems staff or outside technical experts to ensure appropriate results.
Note: System recommendations are subject to change. Before making any purchase or installation decisions, ensure you have the latest system recommendations and check for third-party compatibility information in Knowledgebase. If you use multiple Blackbaud products, refer to the system recommendations for each product; the total recommendations may be different from what is listed above. For additional assistance, contact Blackbaud Support.
Security recommendation
Blackbaud employs security best practices for all Blackbaud OnDemand systems, including the protection of all systems and information located at the Blackbaud Data Center, as well as communications between systems at the Blackbaud Data Center and client servers and workstations.
Although Blackbaud makes every effort to ensure the security of client data, it is imperative that organizations also employ security best practices at their site(s) and on their workstations.