<% @ LANGUAGE="VBSCRIPT" %> What do I need to get Justice^TM up and running?
In short, the minimum requirements to run the Justice system are:

1. SQL Server 2000, Standard or Professional Edition
2. Necessary SQL Server licenses for all client machines accessing data on the server.
3. Windows 2000/2003 server, operating in a client-server environment.
4. Microsoft Office2000/2000XP suite installed (professional edition on each workstation).

Below is a discussion of the necessary minimum requirements with possible alternatives that could be considered:

Justice Database • SQL Server 2000 is the database engine needed for the Justice system. Justice applications work nicely with the Professional Edition of SQL Server 2000. However, the Standard Edition is much cheaper and very adequate for most departments. Departments desiring the highest degrees of availability/scalability may consider purchasing the Enterprise Edition of SQL Server. Enterprise Edition offers support for up to 32 processors on a single machine, can utilize up to 64GB of Random Access Memory (RAM), and provides for clustering support to distribute the load among multiple servers.

Server Licensing Options • SQL Server 2000 is currently available under two licensing options: -Processor License. Requires a single license for each CPU in the computer running SQL Server. This license includes unlimited client device access. Server/Per-Seat Client Access License (CAL), requires a license for the computer running the Microsoft server product, as well as Client Access Licenses (CALs) for each client device. A set number of CALs is included (usually 5) with a server license and the server software. Justice doesn't require a CAL for every workstation, because Justice only accesses the SQL database for a fraction of a second and then closes the connection. For more information on licensing/pricing, go to http://www.microsoft.com/sql/howtobuy/pricing/

Software Licensing • Justice^TM software is licensed on a per terminal basis from Custom Micro Inc. at the time of installation. Additional terminal licenses can be purchased at any time in the future.

SQL Server 2000 • was designed and optimized to run only on Windows 2000/2003 based servers. While client machines may access the data on the server from the networks of other vendors, there has to be at least one Windows 2000/2003-based member server that hosts the database engine (SQL Server) for the Justice application.

Operating Systems • SQL Server 2000 Enterprise Edition and Standard Edition run on Microsoft Windows® 2000/2003 Servers, Windows 2000 Advanced Server, Windows 2000 Data Center Server operating systems, Microsoft Windows NT® Server with version 4.0 Service Pack 5 (SP5) or later, and Windows NT Server 4.0 Enterprise Edition with SP5 or later. WindowsXP is the best environment for workstation terminals. NOTE: Justice will operate on 32 or 64 bit processors and operating systems with the exception of Dispatch, which still needs a 32-bit operating system if using 911 ALI integration.

Microsoft Access • A copy of Microsoft Access 2000/XP is required to be installed on every workstation that runs reports from the Justice system. Access 2000/XP is the preferred reporting tool for CMI's products because it's widely available, allows conversion of reports utilized by current customers, and has local training available for end users. CAUTION Do NOT add part of Microsoft Access2000 to Microsoft Office97. Confused computer registries may result if you mix part of the Office97 suite, with part of the Office2000 suite. Either upgrade Office97 completely with Office2000, or install both completely in separate directories.

Networks • In order for CMI's SQL based software systems to function satisfactorily, a properly operating network, including proper hardware and software components are required. Your agency's NT or Windows2000/2003 Server network needs be operating properly and have Microsoft SQL Server 2000/2003 software installed prior to our arrival. We will install the SQL Server software if desired, however, Microsoft Access should be installed prior to our arrival.

Data Security/backup • When multiple server CPU's are available, a separate CPU and 1GB (GigaByte) of dedicated RAM for the SQL Server software itself will greatly enhance performance. Servers with software capable of RAID level 5 will provide the best level of fault tolerance. The term RAID is an acronym for Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks. Basically it involves having your data stored on multiple disks in a manner such that if you lost one hard disk, the others would still perform, but at a reduced speed for data retrieval. In other words, the network would slow down maybe 20-30%, but the data would still be retrievable. When the bad disk is replaced everything would come back up to full speed. It's a hardware issue that you should discuss along with pricing from your hardware vendor. If you can live without access to your data for a day or two when your hard disk dies, it might not be worth the price. It's not a question of WILL your hard disk crash, it's WHEN it happens what do I need to get by till it's repaired. If you can afford it, it's worth it.

Terminals • Work stations normally should be 600MHz or higher with as much RAM as possible, minimum 512 MB. NOTE: 32 or 64 bit processors will work but the Operating system must be 32-bit.

Monitors • Video adapter cards capable of 1024 x 768 True Color resolution (32 bit) will provide the best video display. Monitors with 800x600 resolution work, but leave much to be desired. Monitors with lower resolution are not supported.

Microsoft Word • An external word processor is not necessary for Justice narratives. However, Word comes in very handy if the extended features of a dedicated word processor are desired, or required for special high profile cases. Justice handles all text processing internally. Spell checking and a thesaurus are available within Justice.