Storage devices include both magnetic and optical disks. Magnetic disks are used to index document location and as a staging area for images being prepared for permanent storage. They also provide rapid access to documents needed for scheduled proceedings. Optical disks contain the permanent version of documents. Workstations are typically personal computers with high-resolution monitors, capable of displaying document images with other case information.
Printers produce paper copies of documents.
Networks carry documents to court staff involved in processing the case and display images at any workstation. Workflow programs route the document, based on codes entered during indexing, to the first person who needs to take action, and to others as required until work is complete. At any point during the process the document can be accessed from any workstation by any user with appropriate security clearance. Optical disk technology, which was developed two decades ago, replaced microfilm and microfiche in these organizations. Imaging was first used in courts in the late 1980s for storing and viewing land records.