Browser-Based Deployment

All Corvus modules are browser-based, so can be accessed by any device equipped with a browser. All modules use a familiar web style interface utilising header and footer bars for common functions and a consistent look and feel throughout. This look is completely configurable based on customer preferences. There are numerous advantages in adopting a consistent web-based approach, including:

• Minimal client costs.
• Reduced deployment/administration costs - centralised server-side deployment, administration and security.
• Reduced training costs - all modules look and operate in a similar way that can be tailored to suit the customers preferences.

Security & Encryption

Corvus can connect to, and interface with, existing enterprise security mechanisms such as LDAP or Novell. As well as minimising administration, this also provides a single sign-on capability.

Corvus supports the use of industry standard 128 bit SSL encryption. This is the highest level of encryption supported by current client browsers.

Advanced Searching

Advanced features are available to assist users in supplying search criteria. These can help users retrieve the data they are looking for very easily or allow users to define complex queries. Features can include:

• Full text and partial text wild card searching.
• Logical operators (AND, OR, NOT).
• Range searching of dates and numbers.
• Numeric operators (e.g. >= 10).
• Ordering of results.
• Soundex searching.
• Context searching.

Integration

One of the strongest features of the Corvus environment is integration between modules. For example, the Crime Search Module typically consists of a minimum of four search screens (Crime, Offender, Property, Victim) but they are integrated together to provide a complete view. For example, from the Offender search results page a user can click on a link to then show all Crimes related to a particular Offender, and from each Crime show all Victims etc.

Another example of module integration is the Single Enterprise View (SEV). Using Offenders as an example: Offender data from multiple sources is extracted and matched using customised criteria. A single search screen then allows a user to search for a particular individual and immediately see what associated information is held (for example, crime records, warrants, stop & search records, court results etc). The user can use the links to access the full details of the relevant record in the appropriate Corvus module.

Administration

The Administration modules allow authorised users complete control over all aspects of the Corvus installation including:

• User Administration - Create, Manage, Maintain and Delete users and permissions.
• Corvus Configuration - Adjust various settings and parameters.
• Module Administration - Switch individual Corvus modules On-line/Off-line etc.

Mapping

Map Viewer is a flexible component that may be integrated with any Corvus module or application. Map displays can utilise a variety of scales and formats.

User Customisation

The Corvus technology infrastructure separates presentation from the application logic and data access layers. This allows a completely unique presentation to be configured without compromising on support and maintenance considerations. User customisation is provided as standard.

Data Extracts

Corvus modules can be configured to allow search results to be extracted or downloaded in a number of formats for importing into external programs. The most common format is CSV (Comma Separated Values) files that can either be saved or automatically loaded into a spreadsheet within the browser window depending on client configuration.

This feature allows users to perform further extended analysis or comparison of the search results provided by Corvus modules.

Auditing

All Corvus modules automatically log audit information, configurable from application-level right down to database-level transactions. The Auditing module allows authorised users to search all recorded audit information. Audit data can be searched and ordered using a number of criteria including module name, date/time, username, terminal ID, execution time, transaction details.

Charting

A variety of chart types and presentation styles are supported including bar graphs, pie charts and trend analysis views. Results can be displayed for a customer specific range of categories and measures. These can be selected at different levels within the organisational hierarchy. Charts can be generated for any combination of date ranges and/or time periods. All chart displays integrate with map viewer and the standard data extraction utility.

Help

Help is always available within Corvus, either through clickable help icons or links. Clicking on links or icons shows a common Corvus help bar containing a brief description of the relevant topic and links to HTML and PDF documentation.

The pop-up tooltips also appear where appropriate, for example hovering the mouse over buttons or controls will give a brief explanation of the usage.

Performance Monitoring

The Monitor Performance module gives a summary view of the performance of different Corvus modules. It shows search counts and average response times for each hour over the current day or the past week. Managers and administrators can use this module to ensure that Corvus is performing as specified and to show how many users are active.

Status Monitoring

The Monitor Status module shows a real-time summary view of the status of all Corvus processes. Further details on job steps and history can also be viewed.

First-line support teams or systems administrators can use this module to easily see if there are any issues to deal with. The module can also be configured to email or SMS relevant support staff with details of warnings or failures.

Monitored jobs would usually include data refreshes and extracts, backups, archiving, daily housekeeping etc.

News

The news system can be used by managers or system administrators to inform users of new software releases, or of important items of information. By default, the latest news items are shown on every users home page which is displayed when they login.

Saved Searches

Many users compose complex searches that they would like to repeat in the future but don't want to continually retype the query details. The 'Saved Searches' option satisfies this requirement by allowing users to associate a name with their search criteria. All standard Corvus search and reporting modules support the Saved Search functionality, simplifying repeat searching and saving valuable time.

Once a user has saved a search it will appear on their Corvus home page as well as in the "My Searches" menu.