Q. Why a turn-key solution, hardware and software?. Why can't I just purchase the software?

A. Only Solomon sells a turn-key solution, because it greatly reduces the variables in providing support. Solomon makes sure that all the components of the hardware are compatible. We then make sure that the operating system and all the various services are load correctly. Finally, the CFC software is properly loaded. The software may be purchased separately, however Solomon will install on the customer systems provided.

Q. Why do you require a separate server for network system, instead of just loading the software on the current server?

A. Imaging requires considerable amount of computer assets. Most data files are less than 4K in size while image files start at 40K. When imaging systems are installed with other applications, the other applications have a slower response.

Q. Am I completely dependant on Solomon or my local dealer?

A. Yes and No. Yes, if you want to continue working with the CFC system over the years, as nothing in computers stays static. No, the system has OPEN architecture.industry standard TIFF group IV, SQL database that any SQL programmer can read and understand.

Q. Who is the computer manufacturer Premio Computers?

A. Premio Computer is a large PC manufacturer with 8 plants in the US. They do limited advertising as they sell primarily through VARS. However, they were fourth in sales to schools last year.

Q. Who does the maintenance? Do I have to send the computer someplace?

A. Unisys a large international firm provides the on-site computer maintenance. All Premio computers used by Solomon come with a three-year on-site maintenance.

Q. If I start with a Standalone system and later want to move to a server system, how long will I be down and what is involved?

A. The standalone computer (box only) is shipped to Solomon. Solomon transfers the SQL database and volumes to the new server system. This is normally accomplished and returned within 3 working days.

Q. How much computer knowledge will I need to "administer" the system?

A. CFC is designed in such a way that special knowledge of computer hardware, operating systems, and SQL databases is not necessary. If there is a problem contact your dealer and if he does not immediately know the answer call Solomon. If the problem is computer hardware Premio will dispatch Unisys to fix the system. If the problem is with Fujitsu, then the scancare plan in effect will repair the scanner. If the problem is software then the Solomon support staff will find the solution, which might require connecting to your system via "PCAnywhere".

Q. Why don't you use "Magnetic Optical" (MO) for storage?

A. Originally, MO (and MO jukeboxes - 10 second response) was the storage of choice with imaging systems. Next followed CD-ROM jukeboxes. Solomon recognized the extreme drop in cost per gigabyte of hard disk storage and designed the SILO approach with instant response for less than half the price of the MO or CD jukeboxes. Remember, you operate daily on your silo, you have reliable backup on CD's.

Q. Why do you use CD-ROM's? Isn't magnetic tape sufficient for backup?

A. We use both. Tape is great for daily backups, but when you want a permanent backup to last for years and years, CD's are the best choice.

Q. What happens if the system tells me it's time to do a volume back and I don't cut the CD?

A. Nothing happens. Daily backups take longer and may require more than one tape. If you are in a hurry, you can wait until you have two or three volumes to be cut before cutting CD's and transferring them to the SILO; however, this process is not difficult and for peace of mind, it should be done when the systems firsts tells you to do it.

Q. What is the difference between an" internal" and "external" SILO?

A. The various systems may or may not have available areas in which to add additional hard disks. if the system has availabe space then "internal" SILO space may be added, otherwise all of our systems allow for the "external" SILO. The external SILO is a series of hard disks managed by a RAID-5 controller and SCSI connected to the CFC system.

Q. What is Workflow?

A. Workflow is software that takes the firm's business rules for manually moving paper through the firm and moves the rules into the workflow software. Efficiencies of office operation are greatly increased; some have reported clerical savings of 70%.

Q. Do you offer a "Workflow" solution?

A. There are several software workflow solutions available. We recommend that firms become comfortable with using CFC before venturing into workflow as this can radically change the operation of the firm. Implementing workflow is a time consuming effort and affects all aspects of the business.

Q. What is COLD?

A. This is where the printing from a firm's computer is directed to a file instead of on paper and the file is handled so that from a viewer they can retrieve and view as if the file had been printed and scanned into the viewing system. It is normally used with mini-computers or mainframe systems, however it can be very cost effective as well with micro-computer output.

Q. Do you offer a "Computer Output to Laser Disk" (COLD) software?

A. CFC offers two types of COLD. 1. The computer-generated reports are indexed and stored for retrieval. 2. The computer-generated pages are converted into tiffs and stored as documents in specific folders.

Q. Why do I need to pay for annual software updates if I'm satisfied with the way the system works now?

A. CFC is a constantly enhancing the software so that it stays up-to-date with the Microsoft Operating System. As Microsoft makes changes, CFC must be modified. When "Undocumented Features" (bugs), are discovered and fixed, we modify our system and update our users. Solomon continues to add new features to the system to make it more efficient and feature-rich for the user. Most IMPORTANT, it is impossible to support users that do not have the current release of the CFC software. Each version updates based upon the previous version.

Q. Why is a scanner station more expensive than a viewing station?

A. More software is incorporated in the scanning station, which translates to a higher cost.

Q. What is the difference between "ISIS" and "TWAIN" scanner protocols and why doesn't CFC use "TWAIN"?

A. Several years ago Pixtran developed software drivers for most all of the high-speed scanners and named them "ISIS". Inexpensive low volume, low speed scanners connecting to PC's via serial/parallel and now USB ports developed "TWAIN" as drivers for these scanners. There are several versions of TWAIN drivers and they are all different. When an industry standard is available Solomon will offer it as well.

Q. Why does the Solomon CFC system cost less than other solution providers?

A. Systems that can be integrated into existing customer networks require extensive programming and maintenance costs, which can double or triple upfront and long-term maintenance costs. A turnkey system is easily controlled, maintained and modified.

Q. Do you have other customer's in my line of business?

A. Remember, that simply stated, we scan documents, index them so you can easily retrieve them and store them on a computer with a fail-safe backup system. This simple solution fits almost every business. However, we always find new ways to improve the software for specific applications. If we do not have a system installed in a business that is exactly like yours, then you can become a member of an elite group. Solomon treats these new family members as special, and encourage suggestions that we can incorporate into our software and system designs. Our customers are our best source when it comes to new ideas, and we welcome them.

Q. How can I protect access to documents?

A. CFC requires the user to log into the systems. The authorized users are assigned specific permissions, a similar to the security systems on network servers.

Q. Who manufactures the computer used in the CFC systems?

A. The computer equipment (the Server and Scan Station PC0 are manufactured by Premio Computer (www.premiopc.com) they are one of the top ten computer manufacturers in the US. In fact they are fourth in volume to schools. They only market directly to government and schools and the rest through VAR's and OEM's like us. The warranty service is done through Unisys. When you have a problem you may call us or we will give you a direct number. Once the problem is diagnosed over the phone, the service rep will be dispatched. Since you are local, we will probably have you back within a day.

Q. What is the warranty on the scanners?

A. The Fujitsu Scanner is warranted for one year. During that year if there is a problem, you call either call us or we will give you a direct number for Fujitsu service. Once the problem is diagnosed over the phone they will ship a duplicate scanner to you. When you receive the scanner, using the same carton return the defective scanner to Fujitsu. If you want to extend this type of maintenance for another year the cost is $99 per year. There may be some small costs for the replacement of feeder pads ($150 as they wear out with heavy usage).

Q. How long have you been in business?

A. The company was incorporated in 1996, however the CFC software was started in 1995.

Q. What happens if Solomon goes out of business?

A. Solomon's Computer Filing Cabinet "source" software is escrowed with DSI in Atlanta. If you would like to be added to that notification list the cost is $100 per year. Otherwise, we will give you the name of some customers that have subscribed to this service. Any company can quit regardless of size, but we believe we have protected all of our customers by designing the system with industry standard TIFF & JPEG images and the open Microsoft SQL2000 database. Besides we don't quit easily.

Q. When is payment required for the CFC systems?

A. A 40% deposit is required at the time of signing the Sales Agreement and the balance upon installation. The exception is if it is a rental or lease. The leasing companies require the first and last two monthly payments and they make a commitment to Solomon. Rental requires the first and last two monthly payments.

Q. When will the CFC System be installed?

A. Unless there are unusual requirements, the systems are shipped with in three weeks of financial commitment.

Q. What happens after a one-year rental?

A. If the rental agreement is renewed a 10% discount is provided. If it is not renewed the images are cut on CD's. A special CFC software (cost $395) is available to view these CD's with the index. If the rental agreement is continued for three years on the fourth year the computers and scanners are replaced with new equipment.

Q. If I purchase or lease the equipment and the maintenance runs out after three years how can the systems be repaired?

A. Repairs are done on a "time and material" basis, the same as any other computer. However, Solomon at anytime has a plan for moving your software from the old system to new equipment, not requiring the repurchase of the CFC software.