FAQ

The service is divided into four main areas: the infrastructure associated with processing the data, the type of configuration packages used for profiling, the Core Service Type (the level of configurability an end user has to modify the analysis components) and the additional analysis components selected. All of these options are combined to provide the service required.

An event data server is employed that performs validation checks on the incoming data for completeness and ensures it conforms to the correct data types. If records are unable to be processed then these are logged for IT and stored for later processing, if required.

MinotaurCloud™ utilises SecureFTP (SFTP) as the primary mechanism for secure transfer of data. In addition a secure VPN tunnel is created between sites to prevent unauthorised access.

Neural Technologies' approach is to offer the same 'enterprise' level system to our cloud customers as our in-situ customers. Cutomers can select the level of functionality required but the same level of flexibilty and processing capacity can be provided as in-situ systems.

Each customer has their data stored in their own isolated Oracle database.

A secure VPN tunnel is created between the customer environment and the MinotaurCloud™ environment. Data is then transferred using secure FTP. All user actions are logged for auditing purposes.

MinotaurCloud™ is a combination of Windows 2008 and Linux Redhat environments with Oracle used for storage of data. Environments are virtualised where possible to ensure a resilient environment and to provide isolation of data. The customer's PC will need Internet Explorer with Windows XP, Vista or 7.

Access to the environment is available 24x7. Scheduled maintenance sessions are between 22:00 - 05:00 (GMT), although it is unlikely that these affect operation of the system.

A fully trained set of support engineers are allocated to monitoring and maintaining the MinotaurCloud™ environment. They ensure all appropriate patches, product updates and auditing is performed on a periodic basis.

The cost of the service is calculated based upon the volume of data processed, the number of registered users, any additional components selected and the type of configuration services used. A detailed costing can be provided by a suitable account manager at .

The key benefits are: minimising hardware and network infrastructure costs; having an overall lower running cost; paying by usage; having the system supported by experienced MinotaurCloud™ system administrator personnel; and having a tailored package to your specific needs.

A test environment can be set up in as little as two weeks, with a minimum of a three month term. New environments are dependent upon the volumes of data and services selected: normally expect a two month setup period for a standard configuration implementation.

Minimum term is 12 months with a three month rolling window.

Demonstration environments are available for limited usage to review the system. These are based upon a generic configuration and pre-prepared data sets. Please contact an account manager at to review options.

The objective of MinotaurCloud™ is to minimise risks associated with such a purchase. Clients can purchase functionality and data volume processing capacity as required. There is no penalty for enhancements to the environment post initial contract.

Awareness and training is provided through on-line sessions and is scheduled on a periodic basis based upon customer requests. On-site training can also be provided at an additional cost.

MinotaurCloud™ operates on an N+1 strategy for most internal servers, or a full resiliency scenario if applicable. For firewalls, switches and network connectivity, a full redundancy strategy is employed. This allows for any device to completely fail, yet ensures continued service with the backup device.

MinotaurCloud™ can be configured to provide an exact replication of your in-situ system if required, while allowing you to focus on the business rather than the system maintenance. Back-end processes will be managed by the support team. You may have to upgrade your analysts interface to Insight as Case Manager is not supported in the cloud.

Updates of the system are performed at least twice a year and are fully managed by Neural Technologies staff. Updates will be available from the web site and are instantly accessible.

Upgrades are included within the service charge. There are no additional costs.