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VANTAGE workflow solutionInformation technology FAQ

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PurposeThe purpose of this document is to answer frequently asked questions regarding the VENTANA VANTAGE workflow solution technology. The content of the FAQ provides a starting point for in-depth technical discussions between our company, your lab personnel and your IT staff.

IntroductionThe FAQ should be used in conjunction with the materials provided by our IT specialist and workflow consultant to understand how the VANTAGE workflow solution will integrate into your environment.

Any questions, comments, or concerns should be directed to your IT workflow specialist.

Section IPrerequisites..........3

Section IIHardware Server..........5Workstations..........6

Section III Operating environment..........8

Section IV Database backups and maintenance..........9

Section V Software..........10

Section VI Network..........10

Table of Contents

Information technology FAQVANTAGE workflow solution

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PrerequisitesSection I

Prerequisites Section I

We highly recommend that the server, workstations and operating environment be incorporated into your IT organization’s regular maintenance programs for hardware, operating systems, patching and system monitoring.

The VANTAGE workflow solution requires the following for normal use in the anatomic pathology laboratory:• Orders interface from the Laboratory Information

System (LIS) • Unique specimen identification contained on barcoded

specimen container label• Unique block identification for barcoding cassettes• Unique slide identification for barcoding slides• Network connectivity for your VENTANA staining

platforms and from workstations to server• Installation of the Roche remote access solution for

implementation and ongoing support of VANTAGE workflow solution

• Integration with VENTANA Connect Middleware solution

What are the requirements for the specimen container label?The barcode scanner provided with the VANTAGE workflow solution can read your linear or 2D LIS barcode to identify your specimens. The information in the barcode must contain the specimen identifier, which is sent from your LIS.

The barcode scanner can accept the following barcode symbologies:• Code 39 (Standard and Full ASCII)• Code 128 (Standard and Full ASCII)• GS1 DataBar• MaxiCode• Datamatrix• Others – please check with your IT specialist

Can I use my current cassette marker printer or do I need to purchase a new one?If you will be printing cassettes via your LIS, the cassette marker printer must be LIS compatible and able to print a high-quality 2D (datamatrix) barcode containing the block identifier. You will need to work with your cassette marker vendor to properly configure the printer based on the data being sent from your LIS. Please ensure that the longest case ID you use will fit on the cassette in its entirety. The recommended layout includes the 2D barcode on the left, the case ID on the top line, and the block ID on the bottom line.

If you will be printing cassettes via the VANTAGE workflow solution, the cassette marker printer must be compatible. Please review the list of approved cassette marker printers validated with the VANTAGE workflow solution below.

What cassette marker printers can I use for marking through the VANTAGE workflow solution?

Printer Hoppers

Thermo Microwriter 6

Leica IP-C 6

Thermo PrintMate 6

General Data 1

What are the requirements for the 2D cassette barcode?The 2D barcode on the cassette must contain the unique block identifier, which is sent from your LIS.

The unique block identifier should contain only alphanumeric characters, or the special characters identified in the VENTANA HL7 Interface Specification (e.g. ; : - / \). Please refer to the specification for a complete list.

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Section I Prerequisites

What is the architecture of the VANTAGE workflow solution?The VANTAGE workflow solution is a web-browser-based application that is housed on a server in your IT data center.

The following diagram depicts a comprehensive view of the connectivity solution from Roche. It includes the VENTANA Connect Middleware solution, VANTAGE software, and VENTANA Virtuoso software, as well as VENTANA primary and advanced staining platforms.

Is remote support available?CareGiver remote support is the solution provided by Roche. It allows our customer support centers to diagnose and even resolve many issues remotely. For those issues that do require a site visit, resolution times are accelerated, as the Field Support personnel arrive prepared for the specific issue, decreasing downtime.

5* Minimum specifications shown above. Actual specifications and model number may be greater than posted minimums.

Hardware Section II

Minimum supported Current offering - HP ProLiant DL380p, G9

Processor Manufacturer N/A Intel Xeon

Sockets N/A 2

Cores Four Six

Speed 2.0 GHz 2.4 GHz

Memory Size 16 GB 32 GB

Speed 1333 MHz 2133 MHz

Storage controller Type N/A HP Smart Array P440ar

RAID level 1 1+0

Hard drives Type N/A SAS

Number of drives 1 4

Size 120 GB 300 GB

Speed N/A 15K RPM

System software Windows Windows Server 2008 64-bit SP2Windows Server 2008 R2 64-bit SP1

Windows Server 2012 64-bitWindows Server 2012 R2 64-bit

SQL Microsoft SQL Server 2008 64-bit SP3Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 64-bit SP2

Microsoft SQL Server 2012 SP3 Standard Edition

VMWare ESXi 5.1 ESXi 5.1

Misc Rack height N/A 2U

Network adapter 100Mbps Full Duplex HP Ethernet 1 GbE 4-port 331 FLR Adapter

Optical drive N/A DVD

Ports N/A 1 USB, 1 VGA (front)

Power N/A 2 x 800W

HardwareSection II

Server specifications

ServerThe software for the VANTAGE workflow solution may be installed on a server that we provide, or in your own virtual environment.

What are the hardware specifications for the server solution that we provide?We can provide a rack-mounted application server for your data center. Below are the minimum specifications, as well as the specifications for the current server offering provided by Roche. Your Roche representative will inform you of any changes associated with subsequent product versions.

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What are the workstation hardware specifications?

Section II Hardware

What are the requirements for a self-provided VMWare ESX virtual environment?The VMWare system must be configured with the following minimum specifications and you must provide the required licensing. The current shipping version of Microsoft SQL Server is available for purchase through Roche, if necessary.

Virtual machine

Virtual machine VMWare ESXi 5.1

Processor 4 virtual processors at 2.0 GHz or more

Memory 16 GB or more

Disk space 120 GB or more

Operating system Windows Server 2012 64-bit

Database system SQL Server 2012

Further details on the virtual machine requirements will be provided during the implementation as appropriate.

Workstations

Server Cont.

Workstation specifications*

HP Elite Desk 800 Mini All-In-One Touchscreen

Processor Manufacturer Intel PC

Core / Speed 1 / 2.7 GHz 4 / 2.0 GHz

Memory Size 4 GB 4GB DDR3

Video Type Integrated Intel Resistive Touchscreen

Memory HD Graphics Intel GMA

Hard drives Type / Size SATA / 500 GB SSD / 64GB

Speed 7200 RPM 6Gbps

OS Windows Windows 7 Professional, SP1, 32-bit Windows 7 Professional, 32-bit

Misc Form factor Ultra-Slim Desktop All-In-One

Network adapter Intel 82579LM Gigabit Ethernet Intel Gigabit Lan

Ports 10 USB, 1 gigabit ethernet, 1 VGA, 2 display port, 2 PS/2, 1 AV in, 1 AV out

5 USB, VGA out, HDMI out

Power 135 W/6.9 A 150W, AC100-240V 2A

Can we use our standard server configuration for the server?We understand that you may have policies that state a preference to limit the variance in operating system configuration that you are required to support. At this time, the VANTAGE workflow solution has been validated as a complete system, including the application installation configuration, SQL configuration and disk configuration, to ensure optimal performance and reliability. Therefore, we are unable to accommodate other configurations or requirements.

* Current specifications may be greater.

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Touchscreen monitor (for use with HP Elite Desk 800 Mini)

Manufacturer HP

Model L5015tm

Size 15”

Mount Articulating arm

Ports USB, Audio and VGA

Power 30 W/3.5 A

Barcode scanner Manufacturer Honeywell

Model 1900G or 3310

Mount Desk mount or side mount

Ports USB

Power from USB

Slide label printer Manufacturer Zebra

Model GX430t

Ports USB

Power 50 W/2.5 A

Hardware Section II

Workstations Cont.

VANTAGE workstation peripherals

What peripherals are required for theVANTAGE workflow solution workstations?Each workstation requires a touchscreen monitor and barcode reader provided by Roche. Microtomy workstations also require a slide label printer. Cassette marking workstations may also require a slide label printer for tech consults.

Can we source the PC and components from our preferred hardware provider?We understand you may have policies that state a preference to limit the variance in hardware and operating systems that you are required to support. At this time, the touchscreen solution has been validated as a complete system, including the PC, peripherals, operating system image and configuration to ensure optimal performance and reliability. Therefore, we are unable to accommodate other platforms or requirements.

What are the Windows login requirements for the touchscreen workstation?Due to the VANTAGE workflow solution not having a keyboard, the touchscreen workstations require a Windows account, which will be configured to automatically log in to Windows and launch the client software.

In addition, the account:• May be a local or domain account• Will only be used for the VANTAGE workflow solution• Requires local administrative rights for installation

and upgrade• Must be a non-expiring account• Must have a non-expiring password• Must not have screensavers• Must be configured not to have the display power off• Must be configured not to go into hibernation

or sleep mode• Must not have a login time-out

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Section III Operating environment

Operating environmentSection III

What system maintenance is required for VMWare?VMWare system maintenance is performed by your IT personnel. Please refer to the Roche Service Responsibility Matrix for detailed information.

What Windows Server operating system components are required for the VANTAGE workflow solutions?The Windows Server operating system is configured with Internet Information Services, (IIS). NET Framework, Microsoft Message Queuing Service (MSMQ) and Terminal Services. The system utilizes the Windows Presentation Foundation, Windows Communication Foundation and ASP.NET to deliver a rich user interface.

What Windows 7 operating system components are required for the client software?The Windows 7 Professional operating system is configured with .NET Framework and Internet Explorer to provide interactive data visualization, reliable web services and interoperability of connected systems. Roche currently recommends Internet Explorer Version 9.0.

Can I use hard-drive encryption on the PCs and server?VANTAGE 2.5 software has been validated to use Microsoft BitLocker on the client PCs. The hospital IT team is required to manage the upgrade to Windows 7 Enterprise in order to support BitLocker.

What operating system maintenance is required for the server and workstations?The operating system maintenance is performed by your IT personnel. The system may be used with WSUS, SMS, or any other Microsoft Windows software-compliant monitoring tool to manage the Microsoft Windows software update process. In regards to service packs, they should not be installed unless advised by Roche. Please refer to the Roche Service Responsibility Matrix for detailed information.

What components are required for existing laboratory PCs that will be accessing the web portal?The web portal uses Microsoft Silverlight software to provide interactive portlets. The Microsoft Silverlight software package may be installed from the web portal or from Microsoft’s website and requires local administrative rights for installation.

Who owns the operating system and database licenses?All Microsoft Windows operating system and Microsoft SQL Server database licenses are owned by your organization.

Can the system be secured with an SSL certificate? Yes. The VANTAGE workflow solution offers you the ability to secure web traffic with your SSL certificate. During the installation process, an IT specialist will work with your IT department to install and configure your SSL certificate on the server and workstations.

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Database backups and maintenance Section IV

Database backups and maintenance

SoftwareSection IV Section V

What database system is used for the VANTAGE workflow solution?The system uses Microsoft SQL Server, to provide secure, reliable and scalable database support. VANTAGE2.5 software supports native Microsoft SQL database encryption. The hospital IT team is required to manage the upgrade to Microsoft SQL 2012 Enterprise in order to support database encryption.

What type of data is stored in the VANTAGE workflow solution?The system stores case information required to support the histology workflow. This includes specimen accession information, user identification and timestamps to support chain of custody when handling specimens. Specimen location information and analytical workflow information is stored to support histology process management. The system does not store patient information used for diagnosis or treatment.

What database maintenance is required for the system?The database maintenance is performed using a series of automated scripts and jobs that are provided by Roche.

What are the backup requirements for the system?While we do not have any strict requirements for backing up the system, the general recommendations are as follows:

SQL database1. If you have a SQL Backup Agent, you are welcome and

encouraged to use that agent to back up the database on a regular interval to be determined by your IT group and laboratory personnel.

2. If you do not have a SQL backup agent, scripts are provided to perform a full backup nightly to create .bak files in the SQL backup directory on the server.

Server1. A full backup of the server should be performed weekly.2. Incremental backups of the server should be

performed daily.

What third-party software is required with the VANTAGE workflow solution?Due to the variance of solutions that will be encountered at each site, we require your IT staff to install backup, anti-virus and system monitoring software to ensure the VANTAGE workflow solution complies with your policies and procedures. Please refer to the Roche Service Responsibility Matrix for more detailed information.

Can I use a single LIS interface for both my VANTAGE workflow solution and Virtuoso software?Yes. The VENTANA Connect Middleware solution enables a single LIS connection for all VENTANA systems and platforms. Please consult your product specialist or project manager for more details.

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Section V Software

Software Cont. NetworkSection V Section VI

How many IP addresses and data ports are required for the server?• Our server hardware solution: The VANTAGE workflow

solution requires (2) IP addresses – one for the VMWare Operating System and one for the Windows Operating System. The server is configured with (2) network data ports. It is highly recommended that both ports are used to provide failover capabilities in the event of a network port failure.

• Self-provided virtual server solution: requires (1) IP address for the Windows Operating System.

How many IP addresses and data ports are required for each workstation?Each workstation requires (1) IP address and (1) network data port.

Can the VANTAGE workflow solution be placed on a wireless network?Currently, the VANTAGE workflow solution may only be used on a wired network.

Can the VANTAGE workflow solution be placed onto a domain?Yes. The system authenticates users within the application and does not require, or have the capability to use, Active Directory, LDAP or other single-sign-on solutions for user authentication. All operating-system-level user authentication will be the responsibility of the site IT staff that will ultimately control access to the systems.

Does the VANTAGE workflow solution need to be placed onto a domain?No. The system can operate in a workgroup or domain environment so long as the workstations are able to resolve the server name via DNS.

Are there any directories that must be excluded from virus scanning?Yes. Please exclude the following directory:

C:\Program Files\Ventana\VANTAGE\*.*

If you do not wish to exclude all files in those directories, at minimum they should exclude .log and .exe files from on-access scanning.

With regards to SQL, each antivirus software manufacturer has recommendations on how to manage a Microsoft SQL Server system with their software. You should follow your A/V manufacturers’ recommended guidelines. If you want information from Roche on SQL, we can make a more generic recommendation.

If you do not wish to exclude all files in the SQL install, data and log directories, you should exclude, at minimum, .mdf and .ldf from on-access scanning.

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Network Section VI

Network Cont.Section VI

What ports are required for the VANTAGE workflow solution?The server can be configured to communicate with the web portal and the client workstation via port 80 or 443. The ports used for connectivity between the VANTAGE software and VENTANA Connect Middleware solution are completely configurable.

Is the system compatible with group policies?To ensure a smooth installation, our Roche technical team will work with your IT group to determine if the applied policies are causing issues.

Does the system support static or DHCP IP addressing?It is highly recommended that static IP addresses are used for the server. The workstations can utilize static or DHCP IP addressing schemas so long as the workstations are able to resolve the server name via DNS.

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