CMI
CMI offers two types of thin client Mobile (MDT) Data Terminal solutions for mobile computers:
A. MS Terminal Services Win2003 using an internet ready wireless laptop with built-in XP technology on the remote laptop side and MS (Microsoft)Terminal Services running on a Windows 2003 Server.
B. Radio Services using a car radio modem, local radio transmitter coverage, and a laptop PC with CMI mobile software.
Both of these options depend upon local availability of internet and/or radio coverage. However, MS Terminal Services Win2003 is the preferred method. It’s simpler, more cost efffective, requires less maintenance/overhead, and provides better performance. Most states now will have the ability to send license plates and driver registrations with CMI's MDT solutions. Both types use CMI Justice Lite© software, which is designed to accommodate dark, back-lit screens for sun glare, and large buttons for PC touch screen technology (Panasonic Tough Books). Messaging between cars and dispatch is also available. CMI's MDT solutions provide the ability for the main Justice database to be accessed realtime in a remote portable enviorment.
A. MS Terminal Services Win2003 utilizes built-in XP technology to access Justice data via the internet through a RDC (Remote Desktop Connection) to the MS TS Win2003 server. The basic idea is that the wireless laptop in the car sets up a remote dektop connection to the server via the internet and runs the Justice Lite application remotely on the server. The remote wireless laptop only sends mouse clicks/key stokes and receives back updated screen shots from the server which is running the Justice Lite application. For this reason, a powerful PC is NOT needed in the car because all of the application processing is performed at the server.
Internet access may be obtained through a local internet service provider using either dial-up or DSL . Both dial-up or DSL (prefered) service can provide adequate performance.
Multiple wireless remote laptops operating RDC's simultaneously access individual virtual sessions in memory on the MS TS (Terminal Server)Win2003 server. Everything is done in memory on the Server, not in the car. MS Terminal Services Win2003 is activated on the Server with “TS CALs” (client access licenses) purchased from Microsoft at about $400 for 5-pack licenses per Device. Government pricing is available. Link: (http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/howtobuy/licensing/ts2003.mspx)
Departments in Washington and
Agencies using CMI’s CAD application can view Active,
Waiting, and Available/Unit Status in Justice Lite. CMI can demo any of the Justice systems from
our server in
Security for Terminal Services includes Encryption, specific MS Windows Authentication, and CMI database login security.
B. Radio Services utilizing radio UHF frequency transmitters
Radio Services uses a radio modem in the car (i.e., Esteem Wireless Modems, from Kinewick, WA) to connect to a server at a radio base station running CMI Mobile Gateway and Tailored Solutions ForceCom Server & RSS software. The CMI Mobile Gateway is an expensive item. Because of the small radio bandwidth throughput (12K for CDPD and 40K for CDMA), the laptop Justice Mobile software is specifically designed to minimize data traffic to either the state switch (for running plates, registrations) or SQL Server (for CAD, Incident, Master Name screens).
The radio base station antenna is connected to a PC that is constantly running a ForseCom Server and CMI’s Mobile Gateway software.
The mobile laptop logs into RSS first, and then log into the Justice Mobile software. The user then logs into a Justice login screen.
Individual application screens look similar to the normal Justice screens. Search requests are sent to the base station which in turn transfers them to the SQL server. Search results are sent back to the car via the base station. Each individual record takes about three seconds for the round trip. Larger searches may take longer.
Justice application that are available include Central Data, Master Name, Locator, Passdown, Tickets, Vehicles, Field Contacts and Hazmat. CAD Status board viewing includes Active & Waiting calls, Available Unit Status and inter-car messaging. Officers may send queries for plates and registrations (both in/out of state).
Each laptop has its own two letter identifier which accepts only radio transmissions to that individual laptop, if multiple transmissions are taking place. System utilization is limited to radio tower coverage. There may be multiple repeater towers involved.
Photos are stored in local PC’s to reduce transmission times. Individual photos may be transmitted. Each laptop has its own radio, ForseCom and Justice Mobile software. A suggested laptop is the Panasonic Tough Book. Microsoft’s Access is required.
Besides the cost of the laptops and wireless modem hardware, there are costs from Tailored Solutions for the individual ForseCom workstations and from Custom Micro Inc. (CMI) for Justice Lite and Mobile Gateway software/licensing.
|
CMI software
costs |
Option A (Terminal Services) |
Option B (RF radios) |
|
Mobile Terminals |
$ 250ea. or $1,000 (5-pack) |
$ 250ea. or $1,000 (5-pack) |
|
Mobile |
$ 17,500 (Justice Lite) |
$ 27,500 (w/Gateway) |
|
|
----------------------- |
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|
Total (for 5 mobiles) |
$ 18,500 + Installation* |
$ 28,500 + Installation* |
Installation/Setup* and/or Maintenance after Installation --> $795/day + (Per Diem, if we have to come on-site)
An Annual License/Maintenance fee of 10% will also apply.
*Typically 2-3 days
**These costs do not include connection to the state switch for messaging or running plates & wants.Note: Call Tailored Solutions at 503-391-7177, for costs related to ForseCom.
CMI does not recommend option B because of comments we receive from users. Here is a sample: "...Our RF problems are probably not going to get fixed to a acceptable level and I'm seriously thinking of trashing the whole thing and going to something completely different." and "my RF works great if there isn't a tree, building, fly or other flying bug in the way of the signal. You can literally sit in the back parking lot in city hall and not get a signal but if you drive 20 ft ahead the signal is perfect. Drive to the left 20 ft. and you loose the signal again . . .whoever unofficially told you (CMI) it doesn't work is absolutely right. "