Cornerstone Software: Hardware and operating system guidelines
IDEXX recommends that your system meet or exceed the minimum specifications in this document, based on Cornerstone* Software testing and a typical suite of installed applications. Contact your IT consultant to determine whether your system meets these requirements or whether additional resources may be needed for other software/services installed on your computers. It is recommended that your Cornerstone Software be a version within the last three releases. Example: 9.4 and later.
Cornerstone Software versions 9.4 and later
See Microsoft End of Support Life notifications for details on end of support life dates.
- Supported operating systems:
- Windows* Server 2016 through 2025 (Standard and Datacenter)
- Windows* 11 (Professional and Enterprise)
- Monitor setting: Monitor screen resolution of 1280 x 1024 or higher recommended
Recommended configuration for Cornerstone
| Hardware type | OS | Processor | Hard drive | Memory |
| Dedicated server | Windows server 2016-2025 | Intel* Xeon | 500 GBc | 16 GB or more + 1 GB per thin client |
| Peer-to-peera server | Windows 11 Professional | Intel* Coreb | 500 GBc | 16 GB |
| Thick-client workstation | Windows 11 Professional | Intel Coreb | 256 GB | 8 GB |
| Thin-client workstation | Windows 11 loT Windows 11 | minimum supported by operating system |
Note: For Cornerstone Software later than 9.3, the Cornerstone database server must have a 64-bit operating system whether the server is a peer-to-peer server, a stand-alone system, or a checked-out mobile computer. Cornerstone* Software 9.5 is the last version to support 32 bit workstations.
Cornerstone* Software versions 8.5 NEXT – 9.3
See Microsoft End of Support Life notifications for details on end of support life dates.
- Supported operating systems:
- Windows* Server 2016 through 2022 (Standard and Datacenter)
- Windows* 10 (Professional and Enterprise)
- Monitor setting: Monitor screen resolution of 1280 x 1024 or higher recommended.
Recommended configuration for Cornerstone
| Hardware type | OS | Processor | Hard drive | Memory |
| Dedicated server | Windows server 2016 | Intel* Xeon | 500 GBc | 8 GB or more + 1 GB per thin client |
| Peer-to-peera server or thick-client workstation | Windows 10 Professional | Intel* Coreb | 256 GBc | 8 GB |
| Thin-client workstation | Windows 10/11 loT; Windows 10/11 | Minimum supported by operating system |
Microsoft End of Support Life notifications
Important!
- Cornerstone does not support Windows* operating systems that have reached Microsoft End of Support Life. Cornerstone recommends upgrading systems that have reached Microsoft End of Support Life because of potential compatibility concerns and certain security risks.
- It is always best to confirm the compatibility of your software before any operating system upgrade.
- To discuss your network/system needs, contact your Practice Services Consultant at 1-800-283-8386.
End of Support Life refers to the date when Microsoft no longer provides security updates or online technical assistance. Without security updates your computer system will be more susceptible to harmful viruses and other malicious software. Also, using an unsupported operating system is not Payment Card Industry (PCI) compliant.
Be mindful of the End of Support life notifications below and ensure that you are using a supported operating system to better protect your computer system and, in turn, your business and customers.
Current End of Support Life notifications
Cornerstone Software does not support Windows operating systems that are no longer supported by Microsoft, including Windows Server* 2008 R2, Windows* 8, and previous operating system versions.
Versions that have reached End of Support Life:
- Windows 8.1 – January 2023
- Windows Server 2012 – October 2023
- Windows 10 – October 2025
Upcoming End of Life notices
- Windows Server 2016 – January 12, 2027.
Important!
- If your IDEXX radiography PC is currently running Windows 7, it is strongly recommended that you upgrade to the newest IDEXX PC model because Windows 7 is no longer supported by Microsoft*. For more information, contact IDEXX Diagnostic Imaging Customer Support at 1-877-433-9948.
General recommendations
Business-class computers, printers, and peripherals
IDEXX recommends you use business-class computers, printers, and peripherals to ensure the best performance, reliability, and warranty. Business-class devices are available from manufacturers like Dell and include components, configuration options, and a warranty designed to meet the needs of a demanding business environment. Home versions are not
recommended or supported.
Gigabit-speed wired networks
IDEXX recommends you use computers and switches capable of gigabit speed with a wired connection. Gigabit network speeds require CAT5e or better cabling. A wired connection will always provide a faster and more stable Cornerstone experience. A wireless connection should be used only for mobile computers.
Firewall and antivirus (malware) protection
IDEXX recommends a hardware firewall and the Trend Micro* Worry-Free* Business Security Services antivirus solution for Cornerstone, which includes a software firewall. Cornerstone supports only configuration of the Trend Micro software firewall for proper operation of Cornerstone products and services. For firewall configuration details specific to Cornerstone, see the Firewall Configuration Guide.
a For a peer-to-peer network, IDEXX recommends no more than nine thick-client workstations.
b Excludes Intel* Celeron, Intel Pentium, and Intel Atom* processors.
c Servers that store digital images will require more hard drive and backup space.
For more information, call your Practice Services Consultant at 1-800-283-8386.
