Linear Systems ImageServer technology is the clear answer to manage and store your critical digital evidence and information. The ImageServer was designed specifically to provide expandability and performance enhancements across your agency. The Linear DIMS ImageServer operating system is a customized distribution of Linux Gentoo derivative. This core application has embedded multiple libraries using C++, C# (C Sharp), .NET Framework, Delphi, JAVA and other code. The Digital Information Management System ImageServer Solution and Digital Information Management System RNSS contain specific hardware configurations that are optimized for performance, reliability, redundancy and supportability. As implemented with DIMS2, the ImageServer provides these additional features and functions:
Continuous Up-time
Linear Systems ImageServer Solutions are built based upon a model that allows your agency the ability to upload and secure digital evidence even if the download stations lose network connectivity, (this is not possible with a DIMS2 application writing directly to your network shares). Essentially, in a DIMS2 installation, the download stations can be configured to write directly to your network. In this scenario, if the network goes down, the station cannot write the data. When DIMS acquire stations are configured with an ImageServer, the station writes the data in two locations at the acquisition station level, to the internal hard drive of the station, and a secondary hard drive near the station. Within a few minutes the ImageServer pulls the data back to the server, and again, redundantly stores the data. If the server was unable to pull the data from the acquisition station for whatever reason, the acquisition station would continue to accept downloads, and when the connectivity was re-establis
hed, the ImageServer would then pull in all of the downloads. This allows for the stations to independently function, even in the event of loss of connectivity to the network.
Quality of Service
The ImageServer pulls the data from acquisition stations using QoS (Quality of Service) Model. In addition to ensuring continuous up-time, this model will more than ease the strain on your network. For example, if the acquisition station is writing the evidence to a network share, it will be publishing 2 copies of data to the network at once. If there are several stations downloading at the same time, or a large volume of images or evidence being downloaded at once, this can take time depending on the speed of your network. The DIMS QoS model allows the ImageServer to function in a manner that (throttles) uses only a portion of the network bandwidth, and schedules the migration of the data on a per station basis. This ensures that all other network processes will run without interruption.
More Efficient Downloads
Downloading the data directly to the network share can often keep the officer or detective waiting. With the ImageServer configuration, the initial download is completed to the station directly as described in “continuous up-time”, and the QoS Model allows the DIMS ImageServer to pull the data to both storage repositories once the download is complete, not while the user is waiting.
Web Based Access
Another major component of the DIMS ImageServer is the Web-Based browser for access to the assets stored on the server. This model is based upon a very sophisticated security and permission model, and in addition to allowing users restricted access and features based upon their individual authority or grade within the department, DIMS continues to log the chain of custody for every image. This includes every view, print, CD creation, etc. This access can be granted, based upon the department’s terms, to as many employees within the department, as well as outside agencies, such as a District Attorney, if necessary. With the department’s server storing the information from the acquisition stations, access will only be available from those acquisition stations.
Complete Searchable Database
The DIMS ImageServer includes a customized, searchable database that allows the department to determine exactly what fields they would like to use to classify the assets that are stored within DIMS. This allows for detailed classification of cases, and very specific security and permissions. With the department server, all assets will be stored in a Case # file structure, and the department will not be able to further differentiate the types of cases and data. This means that access to the evidence within DIMS2 can be made accessible, or not. In addition, the database of the ImageServer will make it simple to control access, and manage the life-cycle of data, such as juvenile records, which need to be purged based upon specific legal requirements. This database is standardized, which allows for easy integration with other systems running in the department, including records management systems, or laboratory information management systems.
Print and Workflow Management
The ImageServer browser not only provides access to the assets within DIMS, but contains a complete module to manage the request of prints, CD/DVD’s and can even include an advanced module to allow for the authorization of requests, and automate the printing of images, envelopes, and labels.
High Performance, Expandable Hardware
Linear Systems has spent over 15 years developing and optimizing solutions specifically designed to manage the movement of massive amounts of data over existing, often less than optimal, networks. Linear Systems custom builds our ImageServer hardware specifically to run the ImageServer software, which increases functionality and overall performance. The DIMS ImageServer solutions include Linear’s own Extended Dynamic Volume Allocation Array Module advanced technology for storage capacity upgrades. This allows Linear to provide RAID upgrades to the ImageServer storage without taking the existing DIMS Systems offline for extended periods, and without having to copy data off the array, reformat and reallocate the volume, then copy data back onto the array.
Encrypted, Secure Network Data Transfer
DIMS ImageServer will ensure that not only is the transfer of departments’ evidence rapid, but also secure. All assets are transmitted from DIMS2 acquisition stations in a secure, standardized, encrypted format, eliminating the possibility of anyone intercepting and hacking the data stream over the network. These assets are immediately unencrypted upon receipt by the server.
Service & Support
Linear has worked closely with our current customers for the last 10 years to add product and feature sets that specifically fit departmental workflow and best practice scenarios. Linear Systems coordinates a team of experts that provide unrivaled systems integration capabilities, training and technical support services for all aspects of photography and applied digital imaging solutions, encompassing both large and small-scale projects. Every ImageServer solution provided by Linear Systems is created and supported by this team of experts.