In this document:

• CLERK capabilities
  • How many simultaneous users can CLERK support?
  • How many records can CLERK store?
  • Can CLERK generate UCR reports?
  • Can CLERK generate NIBRS reports?
  • What about state-specific reports?
  • Can I customize the data CLERK stores?
  • Can I design my own printed reports?
  • Can I import data into CLERK?
  • Can I export data into other applications?
  • Does CLERK have digital photography capabilities?
  • Do you have a Macintosh version?
  • What future plans do you have for CLERK?
• Server questions
  • What sort of computer do I need for a server?
  • How much does a server cost?
  • Can I use my existing server?
  • Will CLERK run on a Windows NT/2000 server?
  • Will CLERK run on Linux/Solaris/HPUX/Irix/A-UX/... ?
  • Can I use my server for other purposes (e.g. mail/file server)?
  • Which database engine do you use?
• Networking questions
  • Can I use CLERK without a computer network?
  • Our computers are not networked. What do I need to do to use CLERK?
  • Can I use CLERK on a Novell network?
  • Can I interface CLERK with other databases or financial systems?
  • Can I use my CLERK server as an Internet (e.g. WWW) server?
  • Can I use CLERK from a squad car?
  • How secure is a CLERK server?
• Pricing questions
  • How much does CLERK cost?
  • Which version of CLERK is currently shipping?
  • How much is an upgrade from version 1.0 to version 2.0?
  • What other costs do I incur?
  • What is the annual maintenance fee?
  • Is there any per-client cost?
  • Your price is much lower than other companies. What's the catch?
  • How much will future CLERK upgrades cost?
  • Why do on-site installation fees vary by state?
  • Do you take purchase orders or credit cards?
• Support questions
  • How can I receive technical support?
  • What is your response policy?
  • What support will I receive after 12 months?
  • I'm having problems with my operating system. Can you help?

CLERK capabilities

How many simultaneous users can CLERK support?

CLERK potentially supports hundreds of simultaneously connected users. Actual restrictions will depend upon your hardware limitations.

How many records can CLERK store?

CLERK supports over 4 million records for each of the CAD, case report, names database and vehicles modules. Your hardware may prevent you from reaching these limitations.

Can CLERK generate UCR reports?

Yes! Given a date range, CLERK can generate a UCR report in a flash.

Can CLERK generate NIBRS reports?

Yes! CLERK generates NIBRS data which conform to the FBI's NIBRS Vol. 2 specifications. Many state IBR programs have added fields to the FBI requirements. CLERK handles these cases via state-specific "plugins". See our NIBRS info page for details.

What about state-specific reports?

Although UCR statistics are covered by national guidelines, certain states may require additional statistics or forms (e.g. accident reports). Terrier Technologies will make available "plugins" for CLERK which allow state-specific information to be generated. Generally, plugins for common state-required forms are free of charge.

Can I import data into CLERK?

Yes, if it is stored in a standard format, such as tab-delimited. If you have data from another CAD/RMS system, you will need to be able to export it to this format before importing it into CLERK.

Can I export data into other applications?

Yes, CLERK exports data in several standard formats, including tab-delimited and XLS. This will allow you to load data from CLERK reports into applications such as Microsoft Excel, Corel Suite or Lotus 123.

Does CLERK have digital photography capabilities?

Yes. Pictures which are scanned or captured using a digital camera can be stored in CLERK.

Do you have a Macintosh version?

Our Macintosh version has been discontinued.

What future plans do you have for CLERK?

Terrier Technologies has many plans for CLERK, ranging from mapping enhancements to handheld versions. We expect to make some announcements later in 2004.

Server questions

What sort of computer do I need for a server?

Your department will need a Pentium-based PC (or compatible) to act as the CLERK server. View our precise system requirements. The type of computer we recommend for your department would depend upon three factors: (a) the activity level of your department, or how many calls you process; (b) how long you plan to use your server before upgrading; and (c) how quickly you want your server to run. To give a rough idea, a department of 10 full-time Officers wanting their server to last three years, should consider purchasing at least a 3GHz Pentium with 1 GB of RAM and a 20.0 GB hard disk.

How much does a server cost?

A CLERK server may cost anywhere from $500 to $5,000, depending on your department's needs and budget. For a department of around 20-30 officers, you should expect to pay a total of around $1,500 for a decent server. Choosing extra features, such as tape backup facilities, may add an extra $1,000 to this price.

Can I use my existing server?

Yes. Your server must still meet our minium requirements. Depending how much your server is utilized for other functions, you may need to substantially exceed these requirements in order to have sufficient "computing power" to run the CLERK server in addition to the existing functions.
Note: There are many legal requirements pertaining to the storage of criminal records, which may preclude you from using servers not directly controlled by your department or which are accessible by non-department staff. Consider this before choosing to store your records on the same server as (say) your enrollment or financial systems.

Will CLERK run on a Windows NT/2000/XP server?

Yes. You do not need a Windows server license for each user. Example: even if you will have 20 simultaneously connected users, the CLERK server can still run on Windows NT Workstation.

Will CLERK run on Solaris/HPUX/Irix/A-UX/... ?

Terrier Technologies supports the CLERK server on three different platforms: Windows (NT/2000), RedHat Linux, and Solaris (Sparc/Intel). Technically, the CLERK server can run on most other platforms, but we are not equipped to provide technical support for these platforms.

Can I use my server for other purposes (e.g. mail/file server)?

Yes. Your CLERK server can act as a file server for your Microsoft Windows machines, and can also act as a print/mail server. These tools are not supplied with CLERK.

Which database engine do you use?

We use the Firebird SQL engine. Firebird conforms to ANSI SQL standards and has ODBC drivers.

Networking questions

Can I use CLERK without a computer network?

Yes. CLERK is designed to function in a networked environment, but it is possible to install CLERK on a single Windows NT/2000/XP Pro machine. But this can have bad security and performance implications. We recommend that all departments run their CLERK server on a separate machine.

Our computers are not networked. What do I need to do to use CLERK?

Installing a computer network is simple. You will need a NIC (Network Interface Card, or ethernet card) for each PC and for the CLERK server. These may be purchased for under $20 each. You will need an ethernet hub, likely to cost under $50. Finally, you need to obtain Category 5 wiring to connect each of these devices.

Can I use CLERK on a Novell network?

Yes.

Can I interface CLERK with other databases or financial systems?

Yes. CLERK databases are fully SQL-compliant. ODBC drivers are available, which will let CLERK data be accessed from other software. You can also write software to transfer data between CLERK and other databases (e.g. record fine amounts in bursar's computer). You will need to have extensive programming skills, and may need to purchase additional software to build such a complex integrated system.

Can I use my CLERK server as an Internet (e.g. WWW) server?

Yes, although you should carefully consider the security implications of making your computer accessible via the Internet. Some of our plugins which are regulated by state agencies will not function if the server is connected to the Internet.

Can I use CLERK from a squad car?

Yes, assuming the squad car has network connectivity with the CLERK server (e.g. via trunked radio, CDPD or IEEE 802.11).

How secure is a CLERK server?

Configured properly, CLERK has a high level of security. There are four steps which you can take to maintain security: (a) select CLERK passwords which are hard to guess, and change them regularly; (b) run IP filtering software on the CLERK server to prevent access from outside your department; (c) install a firewall to prevent access at the network level; and (d) disconnect your server from networks it does not need to access, e.g. the Internet.

Pricing and availability questions

How much does CLERK cost?

CLERK version 2.1 lists at $2,500.

Which version of CLERK is currently shipping?

CLERK 2.1 is the "current version".

What other costs do I incur?

There are no hidden costs in the CLERK license fee. Of course, hardware is not included, and any additional services you may request (e.g. on-site visits) might increase the total cost of acquiring CLERK.

What is the annual maintenance fee?

CLERK has no annual maintenance fee.

Is there any per-client cost?

CLERK has no per-client cost. Whether your department has five or fifty PC's, the license fee remains the same.

Your price is much lower than other companies. What's the catch?

There is no catch, we offer software equally as good as our direct competitors (and often better) for less. We can do that by keeping our costs lower, and by accepting a lower profit margin.

How much will future CLERK upgrades cost?

Minor revisions to CLERK, such as bug fixes, will be free. Upgrades after the first 12 months will be available to existing users at a substantial discount from the license fee. There will be no obligation to upgrade unless you need/want access to the new features that version introduces.

Why do on-site installation fees vary by state?

We are based in Texas, and adjust our fees based upon airline pricing. For this reason, we periodically update our on-site installation fees to reflect airline pricing. You should always confirm on-site pricing with us, because fees could have either risen or fallen. If you are interested in a weekend visit or can make use of contracted airfares ('state rates'), please let us know, since this may reduce your fee. In the future, we hope to have regionally-based training teams which will allow us to offer a more uniform price structure.

Do you take purchase orders or credit cards?

We accept credit cards subject to a 3% handling fee. The majority of our customers are institutional and use purchase orders.

Support questions

How can I receive technical support?

We offer technical support over the internet, telephone, and fax. See our contact page for details on how to reach us.

What is your response policy?

See our support policy.

What support will I receive after 12 months?

You are entitled to toll-free technical support for 12 months from the date of purchase. After that period, you will still be able to access technical support via email or fax free of charge. We may impose a charge for toll-free technical support beyond the first year, however, we have no current plans to do so.

I'm having problems with my operating system. Can you help?

If you are having problems with your Windows or Linux operating system and are a registered CLERK user, we will generally try and assist you in resolving your problem. However, please be aware that we are not obliged to do so, and only some of our support staff are trained in operating system support. Please consider seeking support from your own support staff for these problems. Problems which we consider to be operating system-related include: configuring your network settings; adding non-standard peripherals (e.g. scanners, printers); hardware problems; problems relating to applications other than CLERK; fundamental computer usage concepts (e.g. "double-clicking")