OTCnet System Requirements & Reference Guide

Release 4.8

January 2024
Bureau of the Fiscal Service OTCnet System Requirements and Reference Guide Last Updated 02/07/2023

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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............................................................................................................................5

OTCnet Check Processing Requirements ...................................................................................................6

Additional System Requirements ........................................................................................................................................................6

Check Capture Hardware Requirements............................................................................................................................................7

OTCnet Check Capture Offline Application Requirements ..........................................................................9

Additional System Requirements ........................................................................................................................................................9

OTCnet Card Processing Requirements ................................................................................................... 10

Additional System Requirements for Verifone Devices.....................................................................................................................10

Additional System Requirements for 80 Millimeter (3.125 Inch) Receipt Printer Devices .................................................................11

OTCnet Bandwidth Requirements ............................................................................................................. 11

Bandwidth .........................................................................................................................................................................................11

Technical Reference Guide ....................................................................................................................... 11

OTCnet General Requirements ................................................................................................................. 11

Check Capture .......................................................................................................................................... 11

For More Information ................................................................................................................................ 11
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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 or 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 Systems are supported by OTCnet:

• Windows 11 and Windows 10 (OTCnet supports the 64-bit version of the operating system)

• Java versions 8, 11, 17, or 21

System Requirements

The following are requirements necessary to operate OTCnet:

• Web Browsers:

▪ Microsoft Edge (Version 79 or higher)

▪ 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”).

• Entrust Root Certificates: 

▪ The following two certificates must be installed in the certificate store on your workstation. These

certificates are typically installed by default with the operating system or browser. If they do not exist 

or have been removed, you will need to have your agency 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 or Windows 11.

• 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.

• Java Versions: Java versions 7 or 11 will be necessary for the JDK11 upgrade.

Other Requirements

• Access to OTCnet: OTCnet Online can only be accessed using PIV/CAC or ID.me. Users who were 

issued PIV/CAC credentials must use their PIV/CAC credentials to access OTCnet. All other users must 
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use ID.me to access OTCnet. Note that users with PIV/CAC credentials are not authorized to use an 

ID.me account to access OTCnet.

▪ New users (PIV/CAC): New users to OTCnet who are PIV/CAC users must perform the following 

steps to gain access to OTCnet:

1. Access https://www.otcnet.for.fiscal.treasury.gov using the PIV/CAC option on the 

OTCnet login page. If this is the first time the user has accessed any Fiscal Service 

system, service or application using their PIV/CAC credentials, they will be prompted to 

enter their email address, and once entered, an authorization code will be sent to this 

email address. The code must be entered to create their Fiscal Service CAIA identity; the 

user will see the following message: “An entitlement request has been submitted to 

enable privileged access to OTCnet”.

2. After performing step 1, the user must contact their OTCnet PLSA or LSA and ask them 

to assign the authorized OTCnet role(s) and high-level OTCnet org(s) to their Fiscal 

Service CAIA identity. 

3. Once the PLSA/LSA informs the user that they have completed step 2, the user must log 

into OTCnet again: https://www.otcnet.for.fiscal.treasury.gov. Upon doing so, the user will 

see the message: “Thank you for logging into OTCnet. You have completed the 

steps to request access to the application.” 

4. After the user completes step 3, they must contact their PLSA/LSA again, and ask them 

to assign the authorized OTCnet roles and endpoints to their OTCnet account. Once the 

PLSA/LSA completes this task, the user will have full access to OTCnet.

▪ New users (ID.me): New users to OTCnet who are existing or new ID.me users must perform the 

following steps to gain access to OTCnet:

1. Access https://www.otcnet.for.fiscal.treasury.gov using the ID.me option on the OTCnet 

login page. If the user does not have an existing ID.me account, they must click on the 

“Create an ID.me account” link on the ID.me login page to create their ID.me account, 

ensuring that they use their work email to create the account. ID.me account creation 

requires selecting an MFA option (see table below) and performing identity proofing. 

Identity proofing is a one-time process requiring the user to enter their SSN and to submit 

a picture/scan of a valid government ID (e.g. a passport or driver’s license) and a selfie 

photo to confirm the user’s identity. Upon successful ID.me account creation (for new 

ID.me users) or successful authentication (for existing ID.me account users), the user will 

see the following message: “An entitlement request has been submitted to enable 

privileged access to OTCnet”.

2. After completing step 1, the user must follow the steps 2 through 4 detailed in the “New 

users (PIV/CAC)” section.

• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): As described above, OTCnet Online users who are ID.me users 

will be prompted to set up multifactor authentication when creating their ID.me accounts. Listed below 

are the ID.me MFA options with the corresponding requirements:

ID.me MFA option Requirements

1. Device Unlock: You complete sign in using your computer, 

smartphone, or tablet.

A computer or mobile device (smartphone or tablet).

2. Push Notification: You receive a notification via your ID.me 

Authenticator app on your mobile device that you press to confirm.

A mobile device and the ID.me Authenticator app.

3. Code Generator: You enter a 6-digit verification code you’ll find in your 

ID.me Authenticator (or other TOTP authenticator) app.

A mobile device and the ID.me Authenticator app, or a TOTP authenticator app 

running on a desktop/computer or mobile device.

4. Text Message or Phone Call: You receive a text or phone call that has 

a verification code you’ll enter.

A mobile phone that accepts text messages or phone calls or a landline phone.

5. FIDO Security Key: Use a physical security key (insert or tap) with your 

device.

A USB/YubiKey security key
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6. NFC-Enabled Mobile Security Key: Enroll a YubiKey security key for 

secure mobile authentication.

A mobile phone that supports NFC, with the ID.me Authenticator app installed 

and a NFC-enabled Yubikey security key

• All OTCnet users are required to use MFA to access OTCnet. Please see the user description below with 

corresponding permitted MFA options.

User Description Allowable MFA option

User who has PIV, PIV-I or CAC credentials PIV/CAC

Financial or Fiscal agent user for BFS who does not have PIV/CAC 

credentials and who is restricted from using mobile devices in their 

operating environment

ID.me MFA option 1 (using computer only)

ID.me MFA option 5 (YubiKey)

User who is not a Financial or Fiscal Agent for BFS and who does not 

have PIV/CAC credentials, but who is restricted from using mobile devices 

in their operating environment

ID.me MFA option 1 (using computer only)

ID.me MFA option 3 (using desktop authenticator app)

ID.me MFA option 4 (using landline phone only)

ID.me MFA option 5 (YubiKey)

User who is not a Financial or Fiscal Agent for BFS and who does not 

have PIV/CAC credentials

All ID.me MFA options:

ID.me option 1

ID.me option 2

ID.me option 3

ID.me option 4

ID.me option 5 (YubiKey)

ID.me option 6 (YubiKey NFC)

• For more information and step-by-step guides on how to register with OTCnet, please view the OTCnet 

Training Website. 

• 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. 

Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge users can view PDF files in their browser.

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.

• OLB v2.6.0.2 will require Java Runtime Environment (JRE) or Java Development Kit (JDK) version 8, 11, 

17, or 21 to be installed and managed on all workstations requiring the OLB. Older OLB versions will still 

be supported by older Java versions.

Installing the OLB

During installation, the OLB application is configured to use JRE or JDK. The most recent OLB is compatible with JRE 

and JDK versions 8, 11, 17, or 21 only.

If you recently upgraded to Windows 10 or Windows 11 and the OLB desktop icon no longer successfully starts the 

OLB, please reinstall the OLB before attempting to start the OLB again. You will need to reconfigure the OLB startup 

property file (as shown above) with the Java runtime location if you are using an external (i.e. workstation installed) 

Java runtime with the OLB. 

For more information and step-by-step guides 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, 8.1):

https://fiscal.treasury.gov/otcnet/training/wbt/content/course_OTC/menu_all.htm
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Upgrading the OLB

Existing Verifone MX925 users will need to upgrade to OLB v2.6.0.2 to continue using existing card terminals. For more 

information on upgrading the OLB, please refer to the section above titled “Upgrading the OLB”.

For more information and step-by-step guides on how to upgrade the OLB, visit the following webpages:

• Download, Install, and Upgrade the OTCnet Local Bridge (OLB) Application Training Module: 

https://fiscal.treasury.gov/otcnet/training/wbt/content/MOD08/08.01/story .html

• Upgrade the OTCnet Local Bridge (OLB) Application Printable Job Aid:

https://fiscal.treasury.gov/otcnet/training/wbt/content/_resources/PJA/pja_upgrade_olb_app.pdf

• OTCnet Local Bridge (OLB) Application FAQ:

https://fiscal.treasury.gov/files/otcnet/OTCnetLocalBridge(OLB)RolloutFrequentlyAskedQuestions.pdf

OTCnet Check Processing Requirements

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

Additional System Requirements

These Check Processing requirements must be performed by a Windows administrator (a user who is logged onto the 

workstation as a workstation administrator):

• Scanner Drivers: A Scanner Driver and Firmware (provided in an installation file) must be installed on 

the workstation. Instructions for obtaining and installing the installation filewill be provided in a separate 

document. Further information is provided below in the Technical Reference Guide.

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

configuration changes.

• Adobe Reader: Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge users may view PDFs in-browser. All versions of 

Adobe are compatible with OTCnet, although Adobe X may require web browser configuration changes. 

Adobe Reader Version 7 or higher is required.

• Java Access Bridge for individuals using screen reader Assistive Technology (AT). OTCnet strives 

to provide individuals 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:

o The terminal needs to be configured to allow receipt printing automatically.

o JAWS 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, visit the following link: 

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

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

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

• Select Use the computer without a display. 

• In the section Other programs installed, select the check box Enable Java Access Bridge 

(you may have to scroll down). 

• 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
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Check Capture Hardware Requirements

The following hardware is necessary for 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 OTCnet compatible hardware and indicates what Firmware is required for each hardware 

and operating system.

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

• The drivers for the scanners are included in the OTCnet Firmware, no separate install is needed.

Check Capture Requirements

Operating System Windows 10, Windows 11

Browser Chrome, Microsoft Edge (Version 79+)

Firmware 4.3.0, 4.4.0

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*

Scanner Models Supported

RDM EC7000i

RDM EC9100i

RDM EC9600i*

RDM EC9700i*

Panini MyVision X

Panini Vision X

Panini I:Deal

OLB Version 2.6.0.1

2.6.0.2

Compatible External JRE 

Required JRE 17, JRE 11, JRE 8 64bit, JRE 21

Java Applets / Java 

Runtime Support Not Supported

1 Firmwares 4.3.0 and 4.4.0 are only compatible with OLB versions 2.3.0 and above. Firmware 4.4.0 is required for the 

RDM EC9600i and EC9700i scanner models. We recommend upgrading to the latest firmware and OLB version.
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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 11

Microsoft .NET 

Framework

4.5.2 or newer

OTCnet Firmware 4.2.0 4.3.0, 4.4.0

Microsoft Visual C++ 

Redistributable Package

VC++ 2015-2019 (x64) Installed by Firmware Installer.

VC++ 2015-2019 (x86) Requisites included by Firmware 

Installer.

VC++ 2010 (x86)

Requisites included*

*For issues with RDM 7000 scanner, 

Install VC++ 2010 (x86) redistributable 

package and reboot

OTCnet firmware versions 2.0.0-4.4.0 require VC++ redistributable packages to be installed prior to installing 

firmware. When users upgrade their firmware, we recommend installing the required VC++ redistributable 

package and rebooting their computer before upgrading their firmware and launching the OLB.

Download Links:

Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 SP1 (x86): https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=26999

Microsoft Visual C++ 2015-2019 (X86, x64): https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/2977003/the-latest-supportedvisual-c-downloads
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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 4.4.0

Operating System Windows 10, Windows 11

Browser Google Chrome, Microsoft 

Edge (Version 79+)2

Firmware 4.2.0, 4.3.0

Scanner Models Supported

RDM EC7000i

RDM EC9100i

Panini MyVision X

Panini Vision X

Panini i:Deal

Offline External JRE

Required 

JRE 8 64bit

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:\ProgramData\OTCnet_prod\data

▪ C:\ProgramData\OTCnet_prod\server

All folders and subfolders within the main Offline application folder (except the two 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 two folders specified above, you must apply the “Modify”, “Read & 

execute”, “List folder contents”, “Read” and “Write” permissions to the two 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.

2

It is advised to set the default browser to the preferred browser (either Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge) for the Offline 

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

implement the following exclusions:

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.

Users should apply the appropriate McAfee Exclusion above based on the Server HTTPS Port used in 

the OTCnet Offline installation process. During OTCnet Offline installation, 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; users must use Port input during the installation process.

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 payments. 

Card Processing Requirements

Operating System Windows 10, Windows 11

Browsers

Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge

(Version 79+)

Firmware N/A

Card Processing Terminal

Supported

Verifone MX925

Verifone M440

Receipt Printer

Any Windows printer that supports 

8.5”x 11” paper or 80mm 3.125in 

printer (optional) for receipt 

printing

OLB Version 2.6.0.2

OLB Compatible External JRE

Required

JRE 17, JRE 11, JRE 8 64bit, JRE 

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Additional System Requirements for Verifone Devices 

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

Existing Verifone MX925 users will need to upgrade to OLB v2.6.0.2 to continue using existing card terminals. For 

more information on upgrading the OLB, please refer to the section above titled “Upgrading the OLB”. 

The port setting information below is the latest information from Verifone but is subject to change. Agencies should 

confirm the production port settings with Verifone for their Verifone terminal device before deploying in production.

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

Additional drivers may need to be installed for 80mm (3.125 in) 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 the Offline client.

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

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

Technical Reference Guide

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

requirements needed for OTCnet Online. 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. 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: 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 your browser.

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 7.3: 

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.