ProbationComm™ Frequently Asked Questions:

The main ProbationComm™ application resides on a web server and is a completely self-contained web application. Hosting on Circle 7 Software servers is included in your subscription service. ProbationComm™ installation and database setup are performed by Circle 7 Software technicians on our web server upon the purchase of ProbationComm™.

For the main ProbationComm™ application, a web server running Windows 2000 or greater is needed. Version 1.1 of the Microsoft .NET Framework must be installed and this is available for download from the Download page in the Admin/Officer navigation bar (or from the Microsoft website). ProbationComm™ also requires a Microsoft SQL Server database (version 2000).

For the Instant Message component, any Windows OS version 2000 or higher and version 1.1 of the .NET Framework will be required. To use ProbationComm™, the only requirement is a connection to the Internet and a web browser.

ProbationComm™ uses MS SQL Server 2000 as its main data store.

The recommended and most useful way for ProbationComm™ to connect to existing data stores is through an ODBC database connection. ODBC is used by most of the world's latest databases and provides for Open Connectivity. Since data stores can vary greatly, a ProbationComm™ technician may need to perform the connection routines specific for each data store.

ProbationComm™ can stand alone and does not need any connections to probation management programs. But, if a data connection is available to your existing management software, it should be utilized. A data connection reduces the amount of data that officers and Admins will need to add users and manage payments, but is not required. It is important to note that ProbationComm is not meant to handle the larger task of managing all aspects of probationers and is best used to augment an existing management solution.

There is a wide variety of payment processors (gateways) available, including Authorize.net and Texas Online. All major credit cards are accepted by most processors and the final selection is at the discretion of the county.

Yes. ProbationComm™ is designed to be administered by the county administrator. Self- maintenance is our goal.

The number of Officers and Administrators who may use the system are governed by the number of licenses that are purchased. For example, Officer licenses are available in various block quantities and Administrator licenses are purchased individually. Currently, the base ProbationComm™ base subscription includes 10 Officer licenses and 1 Administrator license. The number of probationer accounts is unlimited.

Web hosting is included in the subscription price. See &qout;What operating system is needed?" for requirement of web hosting servers if you wish to host the application yourself.

ProbationComm™ is written entirely in C# and leverages the power of the .NET Framework written by Microsoft. It utilizes an MS SQL Server database and uses its power to the fullest. The Instant Messenger component uses Web Services and AJAX technologies. AJAX is used is various places throughout the system.

No. All source code is encrypted for security purposes.

Yes. Your subscription includes an SSL security certificate that encrypts data being transmitted from the client computer to the hosting server and visa versa. ProbationComm™ is also written to be secure from hackers by utilizing the latest techniques in writing secure web applications.

Minimal.

Yes. Circle 7 Software can be contracted to provide additional "skins" at a nominal cost. Contact your sales representative for a quote.

No. A probation department website is not necessary. Circle 7 Software can provide web design services at an additional cost, if desired. A departmental Web site is recommended, though, to provide valuable information to your probationers.

Yes. ProbationComm™ was designed to handle multiple counties and will track probationers by county.

An account (created by his/her officer or the administrator), a connection to the Internet, and a web browser. Payments can be made with credit cards or PayPal. Broadband or Dialup Internet access will do. If the probationer doesn't have a computer, most libraries have them available.

That is totally up to the probation department or state regulators. There are no limitations built into ProbationComm™ restricting the supervision level of a probationer.

The counties (or CSCD) merchant account contract will clearly define the processing fees associated with each transaction. A typical rate is 2.25% of the total being charged, plus a 20 cent transaction fee. These fees are calculated upon payment and are passed on to the probationer. After the merchant takes his portion of the processing fees, the probation department will receive 100% of the probationer's designated payment.

No, but at the very least, you'll need a Business PayPal account, which is free to set up. PayPal charges convenience fees like traditional merchant accounts do, but there are no monthly fees and no contracts to sign.

Yes. You may choose to assess a convenience fee to probationers for the right to use the system. It would be included on top of the normal payment and credit card transaction fees. The amount would be determined by each CSCD.

Absolutely, and that's the beauty of having the calendar. This is where meetings, classes and special events may be posted for all to see. In fact, this is virtually the only information that may be publicly seen relating to ProbationComm™. The calendar updating is simple and easy and can be handled right in your office by an administrative assistant, secretary or probation officer. The login is secure and private, so it is accessed only by those who know the password. Do you have your events all firmed up? Great! The calendar is a real time-saver in that events can be added for one, two or three years in advance! Again, you can change event locations and times or add new events any time during any month.

Absolutely. As mentioned above, the calendar is a database of publicly available events either sponsored by the department or outside the department.

Yes. ProbationComm™ may be used to collect payments of any kind that would normally be payable to the department. For example, there are a number of revenue "user types" that can be selected when installing the ProbationComm™ system. If a "Civil" or "Indirect" payment type is requested, no problem. The reporting information will stay hidden and private, allowing only the payment to be accepted.