In IrisBG, the data can be accessed through a Windows user interface, a mobile device (IrisBG Mobile) or a Web-based map module (Garden Explorer). The software solution will run on most versions of Windows and is available for several database systems. IrisBG does not depend on third party products that require additional license fees, but license fees may be incurred, depending on your choice of database, web server platform etc.

The IrisBG installation follows best practices and recommendations from Microsoft to ensure a smooth installation on all the supported Microsoft Windows platforms. We have made a big effort to make IrisBG easy to setup for smaller gardens with few resources, as well as large organizations with high expectations and requirements.

IrisBG trial version

The trial version of IrisBG can be installed on any standalone or networked computer running Microsoft Windows XP, Vista or Windows 7 (32 or 64 bit). The trial installation requires Microsoft .NET version 3.5 and approximately 130MB of available disk space. The trial database is a 100 MB single user SQLite database that contains a sample plant collection of approximately 1000 accessions, 400 images and 15000 taxa. Some reports and sample label templates will produce Excel Spreadsheets and Word documents, and will require Microsoft office or other Excel/Word compatible software.

Production environment

IrisBG can be installed on a stand-alone PC or in a multi-user enviroment. In a multi-user environment, the database can reside on a database server in your local network or on an internet hosted database service.

PC

The IrisBG client software runs on Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7 (32 bit and 64 bit). The system is built with Microsoft .NET 3.5 and requires a free memory of about 100 Mb, and approximately 30 MB of free disk space.

Some reports and label templates will produce Excel Spreadsheets and Word Documents. For this feature to work, you will need Microsoft Office or other Excel compatible product such as Open Office.

Databases

IrisBG uses relational databases (SQL) for data storage with an access technology that is database independent. Currently, the system has been tested for the databases Microsoft SQL Server 2000 or later and MySQL 5 or later.

In addition to support for locally hosted databases, IrisBG can also be supplied with an internet hosted database service. With this setup, IrisBG can be used in a multi-user environment from different locations without the need of a local network. For more information, read our blog article "Using IrisBG with an internet hosted database".

Network

This software solution can be used either in a network or on a single computer.

Web server

Index Seminum module: The internet seed order module requires a web server that can host the ASP.NET 2.0 runtime environment. This module has been tested on Microsoft Internet Information Services.   

Garden Explorer module: The Garden Explorer module requires a web server that can host the ASP.NET 2.0 runtime environment. This module has been tested on Microsoft Internet Information Services.   

Mobile device

Devices running Windows Mobile 5 or newer with a touch screen. Windows Mobile 6 or newer recommended. A range of screen resolutions and page orientation is supported. Portrait WVGA or VGA is recommended.