Before you start the installation

General setup

Before you can use Switch, you must:

Install the application, by running the Switch Installer. The Switch Installer installs the Switch components (Switch Server, Switch Designer, etc.) with all the different Switch modules (Core Engine, Configurator Module, Database Module ...).
Activate the modules you have purchased, by entering a valid license key.

Note: Afterwards, you can still activate additional Switch modules.

Local Designer versus Remote Designer

If you install and activate Switch on one system, this one system will be used to configure Switch flows (with Switch Designer) and to run processes (with Switch Server).

However, if you want to be able to access Switch Server remotely, i.e. if you want to configure flows and administer Switch on another computer than the one that is running the processes, you must install Switch on all systems (MAC and/or PC) you want to use with Switch. In that case, some additional steps are required (see below).

Note: Make sure to use the same Switch version on all systems.

Setup for Remote Designer

To set up Switch for Remote Designer, proceed as follows:

Set up Switch on the system that will be used to run the processes (see general setup).
On this system, configure the users and/or users groups that will have the right to use Remote Designer.
Install the same version of Switch on all systems where you are going to use the Remote Designer. You do not have to activate any licenses, as they will be checked automatically in the background.

When starting Switch, you will be asked if you want to connect to a local or a remote Switch Server.

System requirements

Before installing Switch, make sure to check the system requirements on the Enfocus website.

Installation order for Switch and third-party applications/PitStop Server

If you are going to use Switch with a third-party application or PitStop Server (using a configurator), we recommend installing this application first, before installing Switch. That way, Switch can automatically find the third-party application. This is necessary for the configurator to run.

If the third-party application/PitStop Server is installed afterwards while Switch is running, make sure to restart Switch.

For more information, refer to About the Configurator Module and About the configurators.

Some tips to optimize the performance of Switch

Use multiple processors: As Switch is a multi-threaded application, it takes full advantage of multiple processor systems. Also, if you're working with third-party applications, they too will require processing time (cycles). More processors can help improve the overall performance.; The number of concurrent processing tasks is however limited by default in Switch Core Engine (see the preference 'Concurrent processing tasks'). If you have a multi-core powerful system, you may want to buy additional concurrent processes licenses or even the Performance module to have an unlimited number of concurrent tasks.
Ensure sufficient disk space and speed: Switch will be managing many files in and out of the Switch workflow. As well, 3rd-party applications will need to open and work with files on the local Switch Server. To increase performance of the system, selecting faster access (read/write) disk drives will help speed up the performance of each application. Also ensure to allow for enough disk space to accommodate your highest possible workload.
Provide sufficent system memory (RAM): Although Switch is not RAM intensive, be sure to take into account third-party application requirements as well. In general, the more RAM available, the better and it will help improve the overall system performance.
Make sure to meet all network requirements: Given Switch will work with files from all over your network as well may be receiving or sending information or jobs to other systems within your workflow, be sure the Switch Server can easily access to all your shared systems.