OTCnet System Requirements & Reference Guide

Release 3.5

May 2021
Bureau of the Fiscal Service OTCnet System Requirements and Reference Guide Last Updated 4/30/2021

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Contents

System and Configuration Requirements...............................................................................................................3

OTCnet General Requirements.................................................................................................................................3

Operating System.............................................................................................................................................3

System Requirements......................................................................................................................................3

Other Requirements.........................................................................................................................................3

OTCnet Local Bridge (OLB) System Requirements ........................................................................................4

OTCnet Check Processing Requirements...............................................................................................................4

Additional System Requirements.....................................................................................................................4

Check Capture Hardware/Scanner Requirements...........................................................................................5

OTCnet Check Capture Offline Application Requirements ...................................................................................6

Additional System Requirements.....................................................................................................................7

OTCnet Card Processing Requirements .................................................................................................................8

Additional System Requirements for Verifone Devices ...................................................................................8

Additional System Requirements for 80 Millimeter (3.125 Inch) Receipt Printer Devices...............................8

OTCnet Bandwidth Requirements............................................................................................................................8

Bandwidth.........................................................................................................................................................8

Technical Reference Guide.......................................................................................................................................8

OTCnet General Requirements.................................................................................................................................9

Check Capture............................................................................................................................................................9

For More Information.................................................................................................................................................9
Bureau of the Fiscal Service OTCnet System Requirements and Reference Guide Last Updated 4/30/2021

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System and Configuration Requirements

This document provides system and configuration requirements for the use of OTCnet Online for Deposit Reporting, 

Check Capture, and Card Processing. This document also provides system and configuration requirements for OTCnet 

Offline, which is available for users performing check processing/check scanning in areas with low bandwidth and/or 

unreliable internet connectivity.

OTCnet General Requirements

This section details the system and configuration requirements necessary to utilize all OTCnet functionality. Additional 

requirements are necessary for OTCnet check capture. Refer to the “OTCnet Check Capture Requirements” and “OTCnet

Offline Check Capture Application Requirements” sections for more information.

Operating System

The following Operating System is supported by OTCnet:

• Windows 101 (OTCnet supports the 64-bit version of the operating system)

System Requirements

The following are requirements necessary to operate OTCnet:

• Web Browser:

 Google Chrome (OTCnet supports the 64-bit version)

 PDF Documents Setting: Disable the PDF Documents Setting within your browser to see PDFs

in the PDF preview pane. If the PDF Documents Setting is enabled, reports can only be opened

for download and do not display within the application.

• This option can be found in Chrome browser by navigating to: Chrome browser >

3 vertical dots in upper right > Settings > Click on “Advanced” > Site Settings

(under “Privacy and security”) > PDF documents (under “Permissions”).

 Internet Explorer 11 (OTCnet supports the 64-bit version)

 Zoom: Must be set at the web browser default (100% zoom). If zoom is not set to 100%, you may

experience issues while using the OTCnet application.

• Entrust Root Certificates: The following two certificates must be installed in the certificate store on your

workstation. These certificates are normally installed by default with the operating system and/or Internet

Explorer. If they do not exist or have been removed, you will need to have your agency install/re-install

the certificates:

 Entrust Certification Authority - L1K – install in “Intermediate Certification Authorities” certificate store

on the local machine.

 Entrust Root Certification Authority - G2 – install in “Trusted Root Certification Authorities” certificate

store on the local machine.

• Internet Options Security Settings:

 To ensure connectivity to OTCnet, the “Use TLS 1.2” option must be enabled for all workstations

using Windows 10.

• Ports: Router/Firewall Administrators must ensure and verify that outbound ACL (Access Control List)

has complete https access, on port 443.

• Workstation Memory: 2 GB physical memory is required; 4 GB is recommended.

• Free Disk Space: 100 MB of free disk space is required.

• Window Resolution: The recommended minimum resolution for OTCnet is 1024x768.

Other Requirements

• Email Address: Users must have access to a unique email address to change their initial OTCnet

passwords and access the online system.

• Supported File Formats: OTCnet Reports are only made available in Adobe PDF, Microsoft Word, and

Microsoft Excel file formats. To view reports, ensure that your workstation has these programs installed.

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As Microsoft no longer supports Windows 7, Windows 7 is no longer compatible with OTCnet. It is required to use Windows 10 for OTCnet 

workstations to ensure continued compatibility.
Bureau of the Fiscal Service OTCnet System Requirements and Reference Guide Last Updated 4/30/2021

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OTCnet Local Bridge (OLB) System Requirements

OLB Prerequisites

The OLB is an application that must be installed on all workstations performing Check Capture, Check Processing, 

Card Processing, OTC Kiosk Tablet transactions, and terminal configuration operations. Not having the OLB installed 

on your workstations will impact your ability to process checks properly.

• If using Google Chrome, no prerequisites are needed for downloading and installing the OLB.

• If using IE, agencies are required to change their IE configuration settings prior to running the OLB

application. Assistance may be required from the Agency’s information technology (IT) team and these

actions may need to be performed via group policy. These prerequisites are only applicable to users

accessing OTCnet Online.

Agencies Change Their IE Configuration Settings (IE Users ONLY)

A. Local Intranet: If the “Automatically detect intranet network” option or the “Include all local (intranet)

sites not listed in other zones” option is enabled (checked) under the “Sites” button in the Local

Intranet zone, follow the steps below to configure your IE settings:

• Ensure the “Display Intranet sites in Compatibility View” option is disabled (unchecked).

• Enable Protected Mode in the Trusted Sites and Local Intranet zones.

• Add the OTCnet URL (i.e., *.otcnet.fms.treas.gov and *.otcnet.for.fiscal.treasury.gov) as a site in the

Local Intranet Zone. Please ensure other OTCnet specific websites, such as

www.otcnet.fms.treas.gov or qai.otcnet.fms.treas.gov are not included.

B. Compatibility View Settings: If checked, uncheck the Display Intranet Sites in Compatibility View

checkbox under the Compatibility View Settings. (IE Users ONLY)

Installing the OLB

Unless your Agency requires OTCnet to use an external JRE, it is recommended to use the default configuration, 

which includes a built-in JRE with the OTCnet Offline/OLB applications. We recommend using the built-in JRE as 

agency IT teams may need to modify the location of the JRE in the startup property files for the OLB or OTCnet 

Offline application when the external JRE is updated. With the built-in JRE, Agency IT teams will not need to modify 

the startup property files for the OLB or OTCnet Offline applications.

For more information and step-by-step guidance on how to download and install the OLB, visit the following 

webpages:

• OTCnet Local Bridge (OLB) Information and Resources:

https://fiscal.treasury.gov/otcnet/local-bridge-information-resources.html

• OTCnet Training Website - Printable Job Aids and simulations for downloading, installing, and starting the

OLB (Modules 2.1, 6.4, 6.5, 6.6, 8.3, 8.4, 8.5):

https://fiscal.treasury.gov/otcnet/training/wbt/content/course_OTC/menu_all_sims.htm

OTCnet Check Processing Requirements

This section outlines additional requirements necessary to perform OTCnet Check Processing/Check Scanning.

They are only necessary if OTCnet is utilized for check processing/check scanning.

Additional System Requirements

The following system requirements are necessary for utilizing OTCnet check processing. These requirements must be 

performed by a Windows administrator (a user who is logged onto the workstation as a workstation administrator):

• Scanner Drivers (the installation file): Scanner driver and Firmware (provided in an installation file)

must be installed on the workstation. Instructions for obtaining and installing the installation file will be

provided in a separate document. Further information is provided below in the Technical Reference

Guide.
Bureau of the Fiscal Service OTCnet System Requirements and Reference Guide Last Updated 4/30/2021

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• Adobe: All versions of Adobe are compatible with OTCnet, although Adobe X may require web

browser configuration changes.

• Adobe Reader: Adobe PDF Reader and the PDF Reader Plug-in must be installed on the

workstation to support receipt printing. All versions of Adobe are compatible with OTCnet,

although Adobe X may require web browser configuration changes. Adobe Reader Version 7.x or

higher is required.

• Java Access Bridge for individuals with disabilities only. OTCnet strives to provide individuals

with disabilities with equal access to its programs. Java Access Bridge must be installed on

workstations for Check Processing Offline to support the reading of browser pop-up windows. Assistive

Technology (AT) Users will need to install Java 8 (update 141 or higher). JAWS 16 or higher can only

be used with Java Access Bridge 2.0.2. Alternatively enable the Ease of Access Narrator by pressing

Windows logo Key+U and selecting Narrator in the Settings.

o For instructions on installing the Java Access Bridge, click or copy and paste the following link:

https://fiscal.treasury.gov/files/otcnet/InstallationStepsforJavaAccessBridgewithJAWS16.pdf

o To Verify Java Access Bridge is enabled in Window OS:

o Go to Start > Control Panel > Ease of Access > Ease of Access Center

o Select Use the computer without a display.

o In the section Other programs installed, select the check box Enable Java Access Bridge (you

may have to scroll down).

o Note: After enabling Java Access Bridge, you must restart your Assistive Technology (AT)

software (JAWS) and Java applications (OLB or Offline) that use the accessibility API

Check Capture Hardware/Scanner Requirements

The following hardware requirements are necessary for utilizing OTCnet check processing:

• Access to a printer from the workstation where you will be using OTCnet for Check processing.

• A compatible check scanner connected to the workstation with an available USB 2.0 or 3.0 port.

• The following table lists the hardware that is compatible with OTCnet. The table also indicates which

version of the driver and Firmware is required for each combination of hardware and operating system.

• The OTCnet firmware file is downloaded from within OTCnet by the Check Capture Administrator.

• The drivers for the scanners are packaged within the OTCnet firmware, no separate install is

required.

Check Capture Requirements

Operating System Windows 10

Browser Chrome, IE 11

Firmware 4.2.0, 4.3.0

Scanner Models Supported

EC7000i 

EC9100i

Panini MyVision X 

Panini Vision X 

Panini i:Deal

OLB Version 2.4.0*

OLB External JRE 

Supported (optional) JRE 11 64bit

Java Applets/JRE Support Not Supported

*OLB version 2.4.0 was introduced in Release 3.5. We highly recommend installing the latest OLB version to ensure the

latest security updates are included.
Bureau of the Fiscal Service OTCnet System Requirements and Reference Guide Last Updated 4/30/2021

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OTCnet firmware versions 2.0.0-4.2.0 require VC++ redistributable packages to be installed prior to installing firmware. 

Firmware 4.3.0 automatically detects if the prerequisites (i.e. VC++ packages) are present during firmware installation. If 

they are not present, the firmware installer will automatically install the prerequisites, therefore, no longer needing to 

separately install the firmware prerequisites.

Please see the table below for prerequisite packages required for each firmware version.

Firmware Version by Scanner and Operating System

Operating System Windows 10 Windows 10

Firmware 4.2.0 4.3.0*

Microsoft Visual C++ 

Redistributable Package

VC++ 2015-2019 (x86)

VC++ 2015-2019 (x64) Automatically installed with the firmware

Microsoft .NET 

Framework 4.5.2 4.5.2 or newer

Download Links: 

Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 SP1 (x86): https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=8328

Microsoft Visual C++ 2015-2019 (X86, x64): https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/2977003/the-latest-supportedvisual-c-downloads

*Firmware 4.3.0 is only compatible with the latest OLB versions 2.3.0 and 2.4.0. We recommend as a best practice

to upgrade to the latest version of firmware.

OTCnet Check Capture Offline Application Requirements

This section details the additional system and configuration requirements necessary to use OTCnet Offline, which is 

available for users performing check processing/check scanning in areas with low bandwidth and/or unreliable internet 

connectivity.

Offline

Firmware and OLB Compatibility Matrix

Offline Version 3.4.0

Operating System Windows 10

Browser IE 11, Chrome2

Firmware 4.2.0, 4.3.0

Scanner Models Supported

EC7000i 

EC9100i

Panini MyVision X 

Panini Vision X 

Panini i:Deal

Offline External JRE 

Supported (optional) JRE 8 64bit

2 It is advised to set the default browser to the preferred browser (either IE 11 or Chrome) for the Offline application.
Bureau of the Fiscal Service OTCnet System Requirements and Reference Guide Last Updated 4/30/2021

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Additional System Requirements

The following system requirements are necessary to use the OTCnet Offline application.

• Free Disk Space: 600 MB additional disk space. 350 MB is required to install the application; 250 MB is

recommended to accommodate transaction and audit log data.

• Secondary Storage: Secondary storage is required. An external hard drive or network drive with 150 MB

free disk space or USB flash drive is advised.

• Windows User Permissions: OTCnet users must not have Windows administrator access to the

workstation on which the Offline application is installed. In addition, all workstation users must have

“write” permissions to the following subfolders within the Offline application’s main installation folder:

 C:\OTCnet_prod\data

 C:\OTCnet_prod\log

 C:\OTCnet_prod\server\logs

All folders and subfolders within the main Offline application folder (except the three folders specified 

above) must be set to “read-only” permissions for all OTCnet users on the workstation. To ensure “readonly” permissions are set for the OTCnet root folder and its subfolders, apply the following permissions to 

the OTCnet root folder: “Read & execute”, “List folder contents” and “Read”, for all workstation users 

(typically applied for the “Authenticated Users” and “Users”/“Domain Users” groups on the workstation).

To set “write” permissions for the three folders specified above, you must apply the “Modify”, “Read & 

execute”, “List folder contents”, “Read” and “Write” permissions to the three folders for all workstation 

users (typically applied for the “Authenticated Users” and “Users”/“Domain Users” groups on the 

workstation).

If upgrading OTCnet, set all OTCnet folders to “write”, run the upgrade installer, then follow the above 

instructions to set the folder permissions accordingly.

Failure to follow this requirement may result in application exploits for which agencies will have to assume 

responsibility.

• McAfee Exclusion: McAfee Antivirus users that experience slow application startup times are advised to

implement the following exclusions based on the Operating System (Windows 7 and 10) used at the

terminal.

Windows 10:

C:\Users\*\AppData\Local\Temp\*\jetty-0.0.0.0-XXXX-otcnet-offline.war-_otcnet-any-\

C:\Users\*\AppData\Local\Temp\*\JRCJNI\

C:\OTCnet_prod\

The McAfee Exclusion C:\OTCnet_prod\ is based on the default install location for OTCnet. Users should

apply the appropriate McAfee Exclusion above based on the install location of OTCnet selected during

the installation process. During the installation process of OTCnet Offline, users have the option to select

the location to install.

Also, note that users should apply the appropriate McAfee Exclusion above based on the Server HTTPS

Port used in the OTCnet Offline installation process. During the installation process of OTCnet Offline,

users have the option to input the Server HTTPS Port or keep the default Port setting. The McAfee

Exclusions above use the Server HTTPS Port X; however, users must use Port inputted during the

installation process.
Bureau of the Fiscal Service OTCnet System Requirements and Reference Guide Last Updated 4/30/2021

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OTCnet Card Processing Requirements

This section details the additional system and configuration requirements necessary to utilize OTCnet Card Processing, 

which is available for users accepting credit, debit, and gift card pay types.

Card Processing Requirements

Operating System Windows 10

Browser Google Chrome / IE 11

Firmware N/A

CardProcessing Terminal 

Supported MX925 Verifone Terminal

Receipt Printer

Any printer that supports 8.5”x 11” 

paper or 80mm 3.125in printer 

(optional) for receipt printing

OLB Version 2.4.0*

OLB External JRE Supported 

(optional) JRE 11 64bit

*OLB version 2.4.0 was introduced in Release 3.5. We highly recommend installing the latest version of the OLB to

ensure the latest security updates are included.

Additional System Requirements for Verifone Devices

The following system requirements are necessary to use OTCnet Card Processing.

Note: the port setting information below is the latest information obtained from Verifone but is subject to change. 

Agencies should confirm with Verifone regarding the production port settings for their MX925 device before deploying 

in production.

• Port Setting for PAYware Connect Gateway:

o Primary URL: https://vhq.verifone.com/MessagingServer/MessageHandler.asmx

o IP Addresses: 199.71.106.30, 199.71.107.160

o Port: 443

Additional System Requirements for 80 Millimeter (3.125 Inch) Receipt Printer Devices

Additional drivers may need to be installed for 80mm (3.125in) receipt printer devices. Please refer to the vendor of 

your selected printer to determine additional driver information.

OTCnet Bandwidth Requirements

This section provides the minimum internet connectivity recommendations for setting up and utilizing OTCnet.

Bandwidth

• A 1.2 MBPS connection is recommended to download the OTCnet Scanner Firmware and/or the Offline

client.

• A 512 KBPS connection is recommended to utilize the OTCnet Online application.

• A 512 KBPS connection is recommended to utilize the OTCnet Offline application when uploading batches.

Technical Reference Guide

This section provides further information to your agency system administrator on the system and configuration 

requirements needed for OTCnet Online. Check Scanning and Check Processing requirements are only necessary if
Bureau of the Fiscal Service OTCnet System Requirements and Reference Guide Last Updated 4/30/2021

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OTCnet is used for Check Processing/Check Scanning. Your agency’s OTCnet Point of Contact (PoC) has the 

Deployment Specialist’s contact information, should you require assistance.

OTCnet General Requirements

• Entrust Root Certificate: The following two certificates must be installed in the certificate store on your

workstation. These certificates are normally installed by default with the operating system and/or Internet

Explorer. If they do not exist or have been removed, you will need to have your agency install/re-install the

certificates:

 Entrust Certification Authority - L1K – install in “Intermediate Certification Authorities” certificate store

on workstation

 Entrust Root Certification Authority - G2 – install in “Trusted Root Certification Authorities” certificate

store on workstation

• Internet Options Security Settings: If you are using Internet Explorer (IE), the “Use TLS 1.2” option must be

enabled in the advanced tab of Internet Options for all user profiles on the workstation. Multiple TLS

(Transport Layer Security) versions may be available in your browser settings and at least one of these is

normally enabled by default. You must ensure “Use TLS 1.2” is enabled to ensure connectivity between

OTCnet and IE.

Check Capture

• Scanner Drivers (installation file): Scanner driver and Firmware (provided in an installation file) must be

installed on the workstation. Instructions for downloading and installing the installation file can be found in the

OTCnet Printable Job-Aids, Module 6.3:

o Download Firmware

o Install Firmware

For More Information

To learn more, access the OTCnet website, email us at FiscalService.OTCDeployment@citi.com, or call 703-377-5586.
Bureau of the Fiscal Service

1

OTCnet Printable Job Aid

Download Firmware

To download firmware, complete the following steps:

1. From the Administration tab, click Manage Centralized Deployment >Download

Release.

2. From the Application drop-down menu, select Firmware.

3. Click Next. The Select Firmware for Download page appears.

• Prior to each firmware upgrade, the currently installed firmware version must be

uninstalled first.

• Firmware upgrades are operating system (e.g., Windows 11 or Windows 10) and

scanner (e.g., EC7000i, EC9100i, EC9600i, EC9700i, Panini MyVision X) specific.

• Each firmware version has a corresponding terminal configuration(s) that it supports

(by scanner and by operating system). Determine the appropriate firmware upgrade

by firmware version, scanner, and operating system before downloading.

4. Click the Firmware hyperlink to download the firmware. The Review Firmware Download

page appears.

5. Click Download as shown in Figure 1. The Save Program dialog box appears.

Figure 1. Review Firmware Download

6. Click Save or Cancel.

Application Tips
Bureau of the Fiscal Service

2

OTCnet Printable Job Aid

• Click Save to choose the location where you want to save the file. 

• Click Cancel to the OTCnet Check Capture Application Download page without 

saving the file.

• Click Previous to return to the previous page.

• Click Return Home to the OTCnet Home 

Application Tips

Additional Buttons
Bureau of the Fiscal Service

1

OTCnet Printable Job Aid

Install Firmware

To install OTCnet firmware, complete the following steps:

1. Locate the folder where the firmware file (MSI file) resides and double-click the file to start

the installation. The Welcome to the OTCnet Firmware Installation Wizard dialog box

appears.

2. Click Next. The User Information dialog box appears.

3. Click Next. The Destination Folder dialog box appears as shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1. Destination Folder Dialog Box

To install the firmware to another folder destination, click Browse to select a different 

folder. Click Cancel to exit the setup.

4. Click Next. The Ready to Install the Application dialog box appears.

5. Click Next. Wait a moment while the files install.

Application Tip
Bureau of the Fiscal Service

2

OTCnet Printable Job Aid

• During the installation process for OTCnet Firmware, you can continue to use their 

workstations. However, OTCnet and all related activities are unavailable until the 

installation of the Firmware is complete. 

• The installation time can vary from workstation to workstation. Users can expect a 

duration of up to 30 minutes to complete full installation. Do not close the installation 

window until the installation is complete.

6. The OTCnet Firmware has been successfully installed message appears. Click Finish.

Application Tips
OTCnet

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OTCnet

The Over-the-Counter Channel Application (OTCnet) is a web-based

application that offers federal agencies flexible solutions to streamline

management and reporting of payment transactions and deposits. OTCnet

provides an all-in-one platform to automate deposit and payment

processes, simplifying the classification of Treasury collections.

GETTING STARTED LOGIN TO OTCNET TRAINING

OTCNET NEWS AND UPDATES

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Frames

One Stop Shop for Collections

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Manage deposit, check, and card payments within one

web-based application

All-in-One Reporting

Streamline reporting with one platform compatible

with Central Account Reporting System (CARS),

Collections Information Repository (CIR) and Treasury

reporting requirements.

Always Available

Process payments anytime and anywhere on the

OTCnet platform; available both online and offline.

Electronic Deposit Reporting

Eliminate the need to travel to a bank for check

deposit.

Reliable Customer Support

Receive friendly, expert support from a dedicated 24/7

Customer Support Team.

Training Resources

Access a comprehensive repository of training

resources for every OTCnet task.
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Resources Overview

Release Notes

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System Requirements

Hardware

Training

Need Help?

FAQs

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