Required Technology Platform

Our Required Technology Platform

 

This document outlines the mandatory technology standards for all NOC Technology clients. These requirements ensure we can deliver secure, reliable IT services. Compliance with these standards is a condition of our service agreement.

 

Hardware & Software Requirements

Workstations/Laptops

 

  • Processor: Intel Core i5/i7 (10th generation or newer) or AMD equivalent
  • Memory: 16GB RAM minimum (8GB only for limited use cases with approval)
  • Storage: 250GB SSD minimum
  • Operating System:Windows 11 Professional for all new machines
  • Windows 10 Professional version 22H2 (until October 2025)
  • macOS current version for Apple devices with Apple Silicon processors
  • Warranty: Full manufacturer warranty (e.g., Dell ProSupport Next Business Day) for the entire 5-year lifecycle
  • Maximum Age: 5 years from manufacture date

 

Unsupported Systems: 

  • Windows 7/8/8.1 (all versions)
  • Windows 10 Home editions
  • Windows 10 versions prior to 22H2
  • Mac computers with Intel processors

 

Servers

 

  • Hardware Requirements:Hardware RAID (RAID 10 for database servers, RAID 5 minimum for others)
  • Redundant power supplies
  • Enterprise-grade SSD storage
  • Minimum 32GB RAM
  • Operating System:Windows Server 2016, 2019, or 2022 with at least 3 years of support remaining
  • Warranty: Full manufacturer warranty (e.g., Dell ProSupport Next Business Day) for the entire 5-year lifecycle
  • Maximum Age: 5 years from manufacture date

 

Unsupported Server Systems: Windows Server 2012 R2 and earlier versions are not supported

Network Equipment

Firewalls

 

  • Required Brand: Watchguard
  • Subscription: Active Total Security Suite required
  • Maximum Age: 5 years from manufacture date

 

Switches

 

  • Type: Fully managed business-grade switches
  • Approved Brands: Ubiquiti, HPE/Aruba, Cisco Meraki
  • Maximum Age: 7 years from manufacture date

 

Wireless Access Points

 

  • Approved Brands: Ubiquiti, Watchguard, Aruba
  • Security: WPA2 Enterprise or WPA3 required for internal networks
  • Configuration: Separate networks for staff and guests required
  • Maximum Age: 5 years from manufacture date

 

Not Permitted: ISP-provided wireless equipment

Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)

 

  • Coverage: Required for all servers and network equipment
  • Management: Cloud-managed with automatic notifications
  • Battery Replacement: Per manufacturer recommendation (typically 3-5 years)
  • Testing: Quarterly testing required

 

Internet Service

 

  • Type: Business-class internet service required
  • Redundancy: Backup internet connection required for businesses dependent on internet
  • Minimum Speed: 100Mbps for most business operations

 

Security Requirements

Authentication

 

  • Multi-Factor Authentication:Required for:
  • Email access
  • Remote network access
  • Administrative accounts
  • Cloud services
  • Password Standards:Minimum 16 characters for administrative accounts
  • Minimum 12 characters for standard accounts
  • Must include uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and special characters
  • Cannot include dictionary words or predictable patterns
  • Must be unique across services
  • Password Management: Password manager solution required
  • Account Controls:Individual accounts required (no shared logins)
  • Former employee accounts disabled within 24 hours

 

Cybersecurity

 

  • Endpoint Protection: SentinelOne required on all systems
  • Email Security: AI-assisted filtering system required
  • Web Security: DNS filtering required
  • Training: Security awareness training required quarterly
  • Testing: Monthly phishing simulations required
  • Patching Schedule:Critical updates: Within 14 days
  • High-priority updates: Within 30 days
  • Regular updates: Within 60 days
  • Cybersecurity Insurance: Required with minimum coverage of $1 million

 

Business Software Requirements

 

  • Support Contracts:All business-critical software must have current support contracts with the software vendor, including but not limited to:
  • Accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks, Sage)
  • Practice management software
  • Industry-specific software (e.g., Eaglesoft, Dentrix for dental practices)
  • ERP systems
  • CRM platforms
  • Electronic medical record (EMR) systems
  • Version Requirements:All business software must be on currently supported versions
  • Software must be no more than one major version behind current release
  • All security updates must be applied within the patching schedule timeframes
  • Licensing:All software must be properly licensed for the number of users/devices
  • License documentation must be maintained and available upon request
  • Software audits may be conducted periodically
  • Vendor Access: Administrative credentials for software vendors must be documented and controlled

 

Backup Requirements

 

  • Local Backup:Enterprise-grade storage
  • Capacity for minimum 3 full backups
  • Unique authentication credentials
  • Isolated network segment
  • Offsite Backup:Daily copies required
  • Geographically separate location
  • AES-256 encryption
  • Verification:Weekly backup success verification
  • Quarterly restore testing
  • Documentation of recovery procedures

 

Lifecycle Management

 

All equipment must have a documented replacement schedule:

 

  • Workstations/Laptops: 5-year maximum lifecycle
  • Servers: 5-year maximum lifecycle
  • Network Equipment: 7-year maximum lifecycle
  • Firewalls: 5-year maximum lifecycle
  • UPS Batteries: Per manufacturer (typically 3-5 years)

 

Compliance Timeline

 

Existing clients must comply according to this schedule:

 

60 days

Security requirements

90 days

Backup requirements

180 days

Network infrastructure

12 months

Hardware/software or next hardware refresh

Exceptions Process

 

Exceptions must be requested in writing with:

 

  • Specific requirement(s) needing exception
  • Business justification
  • Proposed alternative
  • Requested duration

 

All exceptions are subject to approval and may incur additional fees.

Non-Compliance Consequences

 

Failure to maintain these requirements may result in:

 

  • Limited support capabilities
  • Additional service fees
  • Service limitations or interruptions
  • Possible service termination

 

Cost Responsibility

 

Clients are responsible for all costs associated with maintaining compliance with these requirements. NOC Technology can provide recommendations and implementation assistance.