System Requirements

Software Deployment Options, Hardware Requirements, FAQs and more!
Both web and premises-based systems available. The choice is yours.

Web-based Products FAQs Hardware Requirements
(For Premises-based versions only)

Overview of ASC Products

All ASC products are accessible via the web and securely hosted by ASC. For some of our Valuation products—like DC/401(k) Recordkeeping, Defined Benefit, and Compliance Testing—you also have the option to host them yourself if you prefer, either on your own server or through a cloud server.

Some DC/DB Val or Compliance Testing System clients need the extra control that comes with hosting the Val system in-house, while others prefer the simplicity of letting ASC handle everything through the ASC Val web-hosted option.

Our Document Generation and Management (DGEM) Platform—home to Plan Documents, 5500s, Plan Sponsor Connect, Custom Docs, and CATTS Systems—is web-based with no in-house option although for larger clients ASC offers the option of a dedicated server hosted by ASC.

ASC Valuation Products (DC, DB, Compliance) Deployment Options

Given the complexity of retirement plan calculations, many high-volume ASC clients prefer to host ASC val in-house. However, other clients prefer the ASC web-access version because ASC handles the hosting of the software and the necessary IT work. Below is more detail about both options.

Option 1: Host with ASC

Prefer a hands-off approach? ASC can host the Val system for you. This eliminates the IT work necessary to manage physical servers and maintenance.

To make sure performance is smooth, you’ll just need:

  • Windows 10 (or later) or Windows Server 2016 (or later).
  • A modern browser: Chrome, Edge, or Firefox.
  • A reliable internet connection (at least 10Mbps).
  • A PC or tablet with a screen resolution of 1280×800 or higher.

With these basics in place, you’ll enjoy seamless access while keeping costs down.

Option 2: Host on your own server

If your company needs the control of hosting ASC in-house, you can host ASCVal products on either:

1. In-house server
  • You own and maintain the server in your office.
  • Employees connect via a Local Area Network (LAN).
  • Remote access can be set up through tools like Remote Desktop Connection or Citrix.
  • You get complete control of your environment.
  • Our Installation Support Team will work with your IT staff to get DC/401(k), Defined Benefit, Compliance, Gemini, and/or PensionPal installed smoothly.
2. Cloud server
  • Instead of a physical server in your office, you use a virtual server in a cloud environment.
  • Employees can log in from anywhere with internet access.
  • Benefits include flexibility, scalability, and no need for in-office hardware.
  • Click here for our cloud server FAQs.

👉 Be sure to check the ASC System Hardware Requirements for details on what you’ll need.

DGEM (Document Generation & Management) Platform Requirements
Browser Support

Plan Documents, 5500, Plan Sponsor Connect, and CATTS all run on the DGEM platform. Simply log in through your browser—ASC supports the latest versions of Chrome and Edge.

DGEM CATTS (Client & Task Tracking System)

Client Requirements

CATTS integrates with Outlook add-ins. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Outlook 2016 or later, Outlook on iOS/Android, Outlook.com, or Outlook on the web (Exchange 2013 and later).
  • A direct connection to Microsoft 365, Outlook.com, or an Exchange server.
  • If you’re using POP3 or IMAP, add-ins won’t load.
Mail Server Requirements
  • If you’re on Microsoft 365 or Outlook.com, you’re all set.
  • For on-premises Exchange servers:
    • Must be Exchange 2016 or later.
    • Exchange Web Services (EWS) needs to be enabled and accessible over the internet.
    • A valid authentication certificate is required.
    • To use AppSource add-ins, your client access servers must be able to connect to AppSource.

Need help? Email us anytime at info@asc-net.com.