With the highly anticipated release of AQUA® 8 Infinity (AQUA 8) available for pre-release and the full release scheduled for late summer, we thought it was time to share information on the new AQUA 8 Administration, Case Review, and License Manager. Look for more articles about this release—there is a lot to cover.
In this article we are focusing on the changes your agency will need to be aware of to successfully install and use these products.
What is AQUA 8?
AQUA 8 is our next generation product that uses Web browsers to access the program and databases—no more installing software on each QA machine. This design provides easier navigation and better functionality. No more clicking from panel to panel during a case review; it smoothly scrolls through each section.
AQUA 8 utilizes a Windows Server platform and MS SQL Server for the database. There are three services, two for AQUA 8 and one for the Priority Dispatch Corp.™ (PDC™) License Manager (which supersedes XLerator® Server), installed on your server.
Two distinct programs help keep administration and reviewing functions easier to control.
The AQUA 8 Admin module houses all administrative functions and is also accessed via a browser, either on the server or from a workstation. It contains agency info, how obtained, permission groups/roles, employees, positions, teams, report settings, etc.
The second module is case review. During the case review, a sidebar is available to show Total Compliance and each field that triggers anything other than a High Compliance case review. This also allows ED-Qs to focus entirely on case review, providing the ability to not only see compliance on a sidebar but to see the exact questions triggering anything other than a High Compliance case review.
Prerequisites
Prior to installing the PDC License Manager and AQUA 8 Infinity, the following must be installed or updated.
MS SQL Server or SQL Server Express™
MS SQL Server
An agency choosing the full Server installation should have an internal Database Administrator who can install and configure the Server to the agency’s needs. This is not provided by nor installed by PDC.
MS SQL Server Express
PDC has created an installer that requires the agency to only input options. The PDC SQL Server Express and SSMS v19 Install Wrapper can be downloaded from the AQUA 8 Installer location. There is a specific document in this location as well to walk the agency through the two options needed. Look for a document titled “Installation Guide for PDC’s SQL Server Express and SSMS v19 Install Wrapper.”
License Manager
This must also be installed prior to installing AQUA 8 Infinity. The download and document for this is also located in the AQUA 8 Installer location. The License Manager must be installed on the same server AQUA 8 will be installed on.
AQUA 7.1.1.4 or higher
This version is required to export Employees and import completed cases from AQUA 7 into AQUA 8.
ProQA v5.1.1.44 or higher
This version is required to export ProQA® Cases for use in AQUA 8.
System requirements
MS SQL Server or SQL Server Express
This program is required for AQUA 8 Infinity to run. We recommend that it is installed on a non-CAD server.
For a full list of MS SQL Server Express requirements: MS SQL Server 2022 Hardware & Software Requirement
PDC License Manager–Server
The License Manager is the license management software component that is required for AQUA 8 Infinity to run. We recommend that it is installed on a non-CAD server—it must be installed on the same server AQUA 8 Infinity will be installed. Licenses are per logged in AQUA 8 user.
AQUA 8 Infinity Applications–Server
The AQUA 8 Application Server is required for AQUA 8 Infinity Admin and Case Review to run. We recommend that it is installed on a non-CAD server.
AQUA 8 Infinity Applications (Admin & Case Review)–Workstations
The AQUA 8 Admin and Case Review components are browser based, and during login the License Manager is contacted to ensure there is an available license for that user.
For a complete list of requirements such as Windows Servers, MS SQL Server\SQL Express, RAM, etc., please email Aqua8@prioritydispatch.net.
Sneak peek
So, you are probably wondering what some of these programs look like. (Please check out the screenshots in this article in our Journal issue PDF after it's published.)
License Manager
This has replaced the XLerator Server. After installing you will need to request a license to finish the configuration. A list of steps to finish the configuration can be found on the Home tab.
AQUA 8 Admin
All administrative items are in one easy to navigate browser window, including updated permissions, tags, employee import, etc.
AQUA 8 Case Review
All case review items are in one easy to navigate browser window. This includes uploading the AQUA 7 completed case reviews into AQUA 8.
Please read the accompanying article in this issue of the Journal about the Frontline Forum. It is a great way to get involved with adding features into the software.
