Performance Issues in IRis 3.0

IRis 3.0 was written to run a number of different systems for a number of different scenarios.  As a result of the large number of possible combinations of hardware and software configurations available, some people may experience slow performance in IRis.  This document will cover some of the possible reasons for this behavior, as well as any solutions.

You can use the following checklist to help determine the most likely cause for your particular behavior:

 Resource File Conflict
If you have IRis 3.0 Multi-User licensing, all workstations should be configured to access a local resource file.  In versions 3.0.921 and previous, settings in IRis 3.0 may have prevented this.  In order to check to see if this may be the case, please use the steps to check your resource file. This is most often the cause when the performance issues are only noted when IRis is first starting (before the login screen appears.)

When the 3.0.923 update is available, install and run this update.  This will force all workstations to use a local resource file.  This update should be posted to the SunCoast website on July 8th, 2003.
 

 Index Files
Over a period of time, indexes within the database will begin to grow.  Normally it is recommended for average users that they re-index their database once a month or once every other month.  This rebuilds the indexes used and can often increase performance.  For more information on running the re-indexing utility, please click here.
 
Virus Scanners
Virus scanners, in particular over a network, can seriously impact the performance of IRis.  When IRis requests data from a particular file, that file is opened into memory.  By default, most virus scanners scan all files, regardless of whether they are being opened from a location on the local hard drive or from a server.  In most cases, you can establish rules of exclusion that prevent your virus scanner from scanning the IRis 3.0 data files.  In particular, you may exclude the *.dbf, *.cdx, and *.fpt file extensions.  These are the file types used by IRis to store data.  For more information on how to create these rules of exclusion, please consult your help manual or online help for your particular virus scanner.

(NOTE: If your performance issue is occurring when you are opening the screen designer, you might also add *.vcx and *.vct file extensions to the exclusion rules.)
 

Workstation Configuration
In order for IRis 3.0 to perform as expected, the workstation must meet our published minimum system requirements.  To review the minimum system requirements for IRis 3.0 workstations, click here. 
 
Network Performance
Network conditions can often cause intermittent behavior.  If none of the above situations exist for your IRis, then you should carefully check all network conditions to ensure that your network is not the cause of the problem.  Some of the network conditions to check include:
  • Buffering configurations on the IRis server.  Increasing or decreasing the amount of available buffers on your server may also affect IRis performance.  The number of available file handles, as well as the ratio of read to write buffers may also affect the performance.
  • Overloaded or failing network server.  Make sure that your server is capable of handling the overall amount of network traffic.  It is recommended that you do not install IRis to a server that is also housing internet applications, e-mail servers, etc.
  • Damaged or old network cards/cables.  Kinked wires in network cables or damaged/old network cards can cause "drops" in your network connectivity that slow down performance as well as cause other strange behaviors in IRis.  (This can lead to, among other things, index file corruption.)  Network traffic between two points is always reduced to the lowest speed available at any one point.  
  • Firewalls/switches/workgroups.  If there is a firewall between your IRis server and the workstations, make sure that firewall is configured properly to allow access back and forth.  Additionally, check to see if there is "bottlenecking" occurring at a particular switch or hub.

NOTE: A number of different people have installed IRis on a number of different server operating systems, including Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP, Novell Netware 3/4/5/6, even different versions of the Linux operating system. 

Re-indexing Your IRis:
To re-index IRis, follow these steps:

Checking Your Resource File:
To check the resource file location in IRis, follow these steps:
1. Open IRis.
2. From the "Files" menu, select "System Properties"
3. On the "File Locations" tab, note the location next to the caption "Resource File:"  This should be a location on your local hard drive, normally "C:\Windows\Temp\FoxUser.dbf" or "C:\Documents and Settings\<username>\Local Settings\Temp\FoxUser.dbf" (This depends on your operating system and the settings for your temporary files.)

System Requirements:
The minimum workstation system requirements for IRis 3.0 include:
    * Processor:  300MHz or better, 500MHz or better is recommended.
    * 32M of memory, 64+ is recommended.  (Performance with larger the data files, larger reports, etc will in general be increased by more memory.)
    * Display resolution set to 800 X 600 or better, with at least 256 colors.