Meridian Enterprise 2008a introduced 64-bit versions of the Windows desktop client applications and application links, a major step forward in migration to full 64-bit support. However, numerous features in the applications rely on components for which 64-bit versions were not yet available. Therefore, choosing which client version to install for a particular user depends largely on the user's need for those features. We strongly recommend that, unless a user has no need for any of the following features, they use the 32-bit version of the Windows desktop client applications until full support is provided in a future release.
Note Both the 32-bit and the 64-bit Windows desktop client applications will be installed when running the 64-bit setup of Meridian Enterprise 2011 SP1. The default client will be 32-bit.
The 64-bit editions of the Windows desktop client applications are supported on all 64-bit editions of the Microsoft desktop operating systems. The 32-bit editions will also work on 64-bit operating systems and run as 32-bit processes.
When they were originally released, the 64-bit versions of the Windows desktop client applications had limited support for the features listed in the following table. Improved support has been added in subsequent releases. The current solution for each issue is described in the following table.
| Feature | Solution |
|---|---|
| AutoVue viewer | Until a 64-bit version of AutoVue is available from Oracle, install AutoVue Client/Server as described in the BlueCielo Meridian Enterprise Administrator's Guide. |
| Visual Basic extensions | Convert extensions to .NET as described in the BlueCielo Meridian Enterprise Developer's Guide. |
| Visual Basic support DLLs called from VBScript | Convert support DLLs to .NET as described in the BlueCielo Meridian Enterprise Developer's Guide. |
| Visual Basic extension property pages displayed by the AMMEDIT command in AutoCAD 64-bit versions | |
| Remote sessions and the Offline Client | Install the Microsoft Access Database Engine hotfix described in Meridian Enterprise/TeamWork 2011 hotfixes in the Meridian Enterprise knowledge base. |
| Briefcases in open standard formats | Install the Microsoft Access Database Engine hotfix described in Meridian Enterprise/TeamWork 2011 hotfixes in the Meridian Enterprise knowledge base. |
| Document Import Tool | Install the Microsoft Access Database Engine hotfix described in Meridian Enterprise/TeamWork 2011 hotfixes in the Meridian Enterprise knowledge base. |
| Database Import Wizard (Configurator) | Install the Microsoft Access Database Engine hotfix described in Meridian Enterprise/TeamWork 2011 hotfixes in the Meridian Enterprise knowledge base. |
| Global Collaboration Framework function calls | |
| Global Collaboration Framework functions that use the Global Collaboration Framework support object in VBScript | Move Global Collaboration Framework operations from VBScript to the Task Server. |
| Document viewing or downloading with Web Access | Supported by version 2011 and higher. |
| Scanner support | |
| 64-bit application links | AutoCAD, Autodesk Inventor, SolidWorks, Revit only. Additional support may be provided depending on market demand. |
| CAD vertical application link installation | Depending on the version, CAD vertical application links may need to be installed manually as described in the BlueCielo Meridian Enterprise Configuration Guide and Installing AutoCAD vertical application support when the Windows Installer Package (MSI) is used in the Meridian Enterprise knowledge base. |
Resolving all of these issues completely is a high priority for BlueCielo. Solutions will be made available as hotfixes, in service packs, or in future releases. Monitor the Release Notes provided with future releases for updated information on this issue. The information provided in this version of the Release Notes will not necessarily contain the latest information.
For additional background information on any of the following, see BlueCielo support for 64-bit Windows operating systems in the Meridian Enterprise knowledge base: