New 2024 Dealer Infrastructure & Security Guidelines Update Firewall Exclusions and SPS USB Requirements

With rapidly changing technology being utilized throughout the dealership environment, the GM Dealer Infrastructure & Security Guidelines (DISG) have been updated to help dealers maintain reliable data communications, establish security principles and follow best practices. The guidelines outline recommended PC hardware, software applications and network infrastructure to ensure communication between dealership PCs and GM servers. (Fig. 10)

 

Fig. 10

 

Updated Techline Application Recommendations and USB Guidelines

Techline applications (Techline Connect, GDS 2, MDI Manager, MDI/MDI 2, Tech2Win, Data Bus Diagnostics Tool, J2534 Wrapper and Service Information) require additional computing power to perform appropriately during vehicle diagnosis and programming.

The following recommendations are for all service technician applications:

• Local Windows Administrative access for software installation and updates to Windows registry
• One laptop for each technician performing service programming and vehicle diagnostics; otherwise, one for every two technicians
• One MDI 2 for every Techline PC
• One battery maintainer for every two MDI tools in use
• Use of Tripp-Lite Keyspan USB-to-serial adapter (Model: USA – 19HS or USA – 19HS-C) for computers without serial ports
• Recommended Service Programming USB standard for Legacy Vehicles is FAT 32 – File Allocation 4096 (64KB), Size 16 or 32 GB USB 2.0 and USB-C 3.X
• Recommended Service Programming USB standard for Vehicles with RPO IVD & IVE (Virtual Cockpit Infotainment Systems) is NTFS File Format, Size 32 GB or greater USB-C 3.X (no adapters recommended)

The new USB guidelines cover new vehicle requirements for the Service Programming System (SPS) to ensure a successful outcome while programming vehicles.

PCs in the Service Department

The Desktop, Laptop and Tablet computers matrix includes Operating Minimum (minimum acceptable capability/components) and Operating Recommended (capability/components that will deliver the best performance and security while maximizing the lifecycle of the investment) specifications. (Fig. 11)

 

Fig. 11

 

All dealership computers must meet the minimum standard in order to receive assistance form the Techline Customer Support Center (TCSC). Computers used in the service department for programming are recommended to have a hard drive size of 1 TB or larger to handle large calibration files.

For proper operation of Techline Connect apps, Local Windows Administrative access for software installation and updates is required. The DISG includes recommended firewall and security exceptions to protect from loss, theft and unauthorized access. GM also recommends using privilege management software to manage user rights without needing to give full administrator rights to an individual user.

The gmglobaltools.com website offers several laptop PCs meeting all GM specifications. The laptops also are pre-loaded with Techline Connect diagnostic software to help save time and effort at the dealership.

Supported vs. Not Supported Hardware and Software

The Supported vs. Not Supported matrix includes guidelines for hardware (Enterprise-grade hardware intended for a business environment is recommended) and software used by all departments in the dealership. (Fig. 12) Keep in mind that the rugged use of computers in the service department requires upgraded specifications than those used in other dealership departments.

Currently, Windows 10 Professional, Windows 11 Professional and Windows Server 2019 Standard are the recommended operating systems for new PCs. Keep in mind that Windows Operating System 10 is scheduled to reach end of support on October 14, 2025.

 

Fig. 12

 

View the New Guidelines

U.S. dealerships – The latest DISG can be found in the GM Dealer Information Technologies App on GM Global Connect. (Fig. 13) Select the Dealer Infrastructure & Security Guidelines link at the top of the app’s home page.

Canadian Dealerships – The latest DISG can be found in the Dealer Security and Information Technology App on GM Global Connect.

For PC questions related to the DISG, go to gmglobaltools.com or contact the Techline Customer Support Center.

 

Fig. 13

 

– Thanks to Chris Henley