What does Ciraden mean?
The name CIRADEN is derived from the company’s core philosophy as a business services and technology solutions provider to the dental profession, which is to create products and services that drive value and profitability in client practices. “Cira” comes from cere, which is the prefix for cerebral and other words associated with knowledge or thinking. Ciraden’s business solutions are built to provide rapid access to information, enhancing the ability of dentists and their staff members to learn about their patients, their practice, and making informed business decisions. “Den” refers to the center or the domain – Ciraden.com, which is the single destination for fulfilling all of the dentists’ practice management needs

What is an application services provider (ASP)?
An Application Services Provider (ASP) hosts and manages software for small to medium size businesses, “renting” the software and managed support services rather than selling them outright. In dentistry, traditional desktop solutions can be costly – the initial cost of the software, hardware and server requirements, data back-up and storage, and other day-to-day technical administration that takes dentists and their staff away from caring for their patients. As an application services provider, Ciraden reduces costs, headaches and risk by taking care of most of those technology management requirements for you. In addition to having no upfront software costs and a low monthly fee, Ciraden handles your daily back-ups and ensures the security and integrity of your data. Through our partnered hosting facility, we take care of your servers and technical administration with Tier 1 level support.

How is an ASP software solution different than a traditional practice management system?
ASP software solutions are built in web programming language (html and others), enabling users to access the application using a web browser from any computer with Internet connectivity (work, home, anywhere). Traditional desktop systems are mainly stored and accessed locally in your office only. Ciraden’s software solution, like most ASPs, is built on a platform that makes it easy to add functionality and provide upgrades. Traditional practice management systems are difficult to change and enhance because each new development requires that a new product be built. In addition, desktop systems require “bridges” to the Internet to utilize e-mail, conduct electronic transactions and business services. Ciraden, as an Internet based application, was built to seamlessly leverage electronic business and communications.

What technology is required for me to use Ciraden?
The first step for using Ciraden is getting connected. In order to use Ciraden’s software solution your practice must meet certain computerization standards to ensure consistency and optimal performance. In addition to a strong pipeline to the Internet, depending on how dated the computers are in your office, you might require some hardware upgrades. The following outlines the minimum requirements and recommendations for using Ciraden and Ciraden1:

Ciraden - Software Solution
Operating System.
- Windows NT, 4.0 workstation with latest service pack 6A or
- Windows 2000 Professional or
- Windows XP Professional

Hardware.
Minimum. (may work with less but less could seriously hamper system usability)
- Intel processor or equivalent (AMD, Cyrix, etc.)
- Pentium II, 400 mhz, 128 mb memory, 10/100 NIC card, and sound card
- 10 GB (or greater) hard drive
- Monitor. 15" with 13.9" viewable
- Laptop screen size should be at least 13.3 inches viewable area
- Monitor. 15" flat screen. 17" (16" viewable) monitors may ease eye strain

Other.
- Network cabling supporting a minimum of 100Mbs, ie. Cat 5 or better
- Network Switch is a device that connects your PC's and peripherals to the local network (LAN). This device must have enough ports to accommodate your practice needs
- Router is required to connect your LAN to the Internet Software. (must have to operate Ciraden product)

Each PC should have a licensed copy of software.
- Internet Explorer 5.5 with service pack 2
- Adobe Acrobat Reader 5.0
- Internet anti-virus software
- Firewall software
- MS Word 2000

Internet Connection.
High speed services include: xDSL, cable, satellite, or T-1.
1 to 3 concurrent users 4 to 6 concurrent users 8 to 10 concurrent users 384 KB/s 512 KB/s 768 KB/s large locations with 11 > concurrent users need a T-1 line 1544/1544

Peripherals.
Peripherals & PC's must be networked unless the office only has one PC.
- Recommended. Business class letter printer
- Required. Dymo 300 label printer

Ciraden1 - Business Services
Operating System.
Minimum. Windows 95, second edition
Recommended. Windows 98, second edition

Hardware
Minimum. Pentium, 200 mhz, 32 mb memory
Recommended. Pentium II, 366 mhz, 128 mb memory

Software
Minimum. Internet Explorer 5.0
Recommended. Adobe Acrobat Reader 5.0, MS Word 97, firewall and anti-virus protection Internet Connection

Other
Minimum. 56 K modem with analog line
Recommended. 128 DSLPeripherals
Recommended
- Business class letter printer
- Dymo 300 Label Printer
-- needs separate IP address
-- needs software
-- requires a print server or one PC must be mapped to fill this function.

For additional information or for a complimentary site evaluation (via phone), contact us via the Ciraden sales team.

How do I know if Ciraden is available in my marketplace?
To find out when and how your practice can start using Ciraden, please fill out the membership information form (link) and a Ciraden sales representative will follow-up with you within 24 hours. We will check Internet pipeline availability in your area, and assist you in a computer evaluation.

How can I see a Ciraden product demonstration?
Ciraden provides product demonstrations online and at various industry events/ tradeshows. To see the schedule of upcoming events and live demos, go to the News/Information section of the website. To schedule a personal demonstration, please contact us via the Ciraden sales team.

When can I start using Ciraden?
The most comprehensive software solution available in dentistry is in high demand! Recently, we announced that 61 practice locations are implementing Ciraden in their office. To expedite your inquiries, please fill out the Membership Information Form and a Ciraden representative will contact you shortly.