in-STEP BLUE offers a client-server architecture with a central database. You can access your results internally or externally via web or Windows client. Decide for yourself whether you want to use on-premise or in the cloud. Here we show you both options.

System Requirements

Hardware and Software Requirements

Hardware Requirements Server

CPU: Quad-Core or higher
At least 16 GB RAM
2 GB free hard drive space is recommended

Hardware Requirements Client

CPU: Dual-Core or higher
4 GB memory or higher
1 GB free hard disk space recommended

Software Requirements Server

MS Windows Server 2016 or higher

MS .NET Framework 3.5 and MS .NET Framework 4.0

Oracle 11g (Release 2), Oracle 12g, Oracle 18c, Oracle 19c

Software Requirements Client

MS Windows 10 or higher

MS .NET Framework 4.8

MS Office 2010 or higher

Optionally, the in-STEP BLUE client can be used on Citrix

in-STEP BLUE On-Premise

How to use in-STEP BLUE with your local Infrastructure

in-STEP BLUE Architecture On Premise
Central Database

Work securely and effectively with a centralized, multi-user capable Oracle database in your company network and via the internet for added flexibility.

Windows and Web App

Use in-STEP BLUE via the windows client or the web app in your browser at your smartphone, tablet pc or laptop. It gives you access to all project information and is available anywhere, anytime.

Work offline
Use a local copy of your project to edit products such as documents and forms (i.e. for requirements or change requests) and synchronize it with your database easily.

in-STEP BLUE in the Cloud

Various cloud solutions are possible:

Amazon Web Services
You need:

  • an Amazon Web Services Account
  • an Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2) with virtual Windows Server and Oracle Server
  • a license for in-STEP BLUE

The Elastic Compute Cloud EC2 should include:

  • a MS Windows Server 2019 with manual installation of Oracle Server.

As EC2 configuration we recommend “m4.xlarge” with 2 CPUs and 16 GB memory.

Amazon Web Services offers scaling of the Elastic Compute Cloud, i.e. you can adjust the configuration according to your needs.

Microsoft Azure
You need:

  • a Microsoft Azure account
  • a virtual Windows server with Oracle Server
  • a license for in-STEP BLUE

By creating a virtual machine, each in-STEP BLUE customer gets its own virtual network with a network security group, which means your servers and your systems are isolated from those of other customers. You can create your servers in any Azure region.

As configuration we recommend at least 4 CPUs and 16 GB memory.

Azure offers scaling of the virtual servers, i.e. you can adjust the configuration according to your needs.

  • a MS Windows Server 2019 with manual installation of Oracle Server.
Your cloud solution
You need:

  • Microsoft Windows operating system
  • a virtual Windows server with Oracle Server
  • a license for in-STEP BLUE

As configuration we recommend at least 4 CPUs and 16 GB memory.

Whether it’s AWS, Microsoft Azure, or your cloud, here’s how to get connected.

in-STEP BLUE Architecture in the Cloud
If needed, you can combine on-premise and cloud solution in a common virtual private network (VPN) for maximum flexibility.

Interfaces – a Strength of in-STEP BLUE

See below for an overview of in-STEP BLUE’s integration possibilities and data exchange options. In addition, in-STEP BLUE features a WebService interface for communication with even more applications. Many customers have incorporated individual solutions using that WebService interface.

Documentation

MS Word

MS Excel

MS PowerPoint

MS Visio

Requirements Management

ReqIF (Requirements Interchange Format)
MS Excel
CSV
Project Planning

MS Project

Collaboration

Active Directory

Atlassian Confluence

Atlassian Jira

Lotus Notes

MS Outlook

Version and Configuration Management
SCC (Source Code Control Interface)
Standard formats

HTML

XML

CSV

PDF

Import

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Export

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Clear Structures – Every Administrator’s Dream

in-STEP BLUE Server
The in-STEP BLUE Server handles simultaneous communication between any number of in-STEP BLUE clients. It is available in different expansion stages dependent on the number of in-STEP BLUE Clients in use. Regardless of the number of users the in-STEP BLUE Server provides:

  • fast, concurrent access to your project data,
  • high performance,
  • full-text search for all documents, files and forms,
  • secure data management.
in-STEP BLUE Windows Client

In your local area network, project members access the data saved in an in-STEP BLUE system via the Windows Client on their work station. Access to project data through the Internet with the Windows Client is also possible, so

  • the complete functionality of your in-STEP BLUE Edition is available.
  • full access to your project data and results from any location is granted.
  • the communication is encrypted and handled via TCP/IP.
in-STEP BLUE Web App

You only need occasional access to your in-STEP BLUE data over the internet, e.g. to determine your clients requirements in in-STEP BLUE on location? In this case simply use the in-STEP BLUE Web App, a browser-based application. The Web Client offers you

  • a simple, browser-integrated user interface to run in-STEP BLUE with smartphones, tablets and laptops.
  • editing of in-STEP BLUE forms, current states and time recording.
  • a roles and rights defined access to all data.

Try It for Free

Request a free trial of in-STEP BLUE now.

Tips & Tricks

In our Download Center you will find even more interesting downloads for in-STEP BLUE.

Download in-STEP BLUE Administrator Manual

Do You Have Any Questions?

Thomas Schmoldt will answer your questions about our tools and help you develop a strategy for migrating your data.