Workstation Specifications

Only computers identified by an agency's Executive Director or authorized designee will be allowed access to HMIS. All computers, laptops, and mobile devices used for HMIS, whether within the agency's property or off-site, should have the most up-to-date firewall and virus protection. This includes the most recent versions of web browsers such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, or Microsoft Internet Explorer. If you're not sure if your computer or mobile device is secure, check with your IT professional. 


Computers should meet these minimum desktop specifications:

  • Operating system: Capable of running the most up-to-date internet browser
  • Processor: Intel or AMD dual-core processor (or newer) that supports SSE2
  • Memory: 1 GB of RAM
  • Hard drive: 500 MB of hard drive space available

Bandwidth

Each user must be provided a minimum of 20 Kbps available for Clarity HMIS access. This does not include other traffic, such as email, web access, or web serving; it's important to provide sufficient capacity for the amount of traffic each agency handles. 

Server Level Security

Software security best practices:

  • The database and application are kept on different servers
  • More than one firewall is used between the database, application, and users
  • Data on the database is encrypted
  • Servers are kept in an undisclosed location
  • Servers are locked in a secure, fire-proof room(s)


Application Level Security

There are layers of security built into the HMIS software itself. This makes the system harder to access without appropriate permissions. These security features include:


  • 128-bit encryption of the connection between an HMIS user's computer and the HMIS application 
  • Users are organized into security groups that are given specific permissions for what their members can access in HMIS
  • A user's connection to the application automatically closes after a period of inactivity
  • Logging and audit systems in the background automatically record each user's activities in adding, viewing, and editing information
  • Users are required to use two-factor authentication


Contact Information


If you need help, or wish to offer suggestions or feedback, please contact the Cincinnati/Hamilton County HMIS Support Team at HMISsupport@end-homelessness.org or by calling 513-263-2790 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Monday-Friday excluding holidays. 


When contacting HMIS Support, please do not include any Personal Identifiable Information such as social security numbers, birth dates, etc. Acceptable information is first name and last 4 digits of SSN, or Clarity Unique Identifier found on the Clarity client's profile page.