Released on: August 29, 2008, 2:41 am

Press Release Author: Mark Alan Effinger

Industry: Software

Press Release Summary: Recent software developments are now helping overworked
detectives solve crimes faster than ever. ThoughtOffice, leaders in brainstorming
and innovation software, offer an affordable solution used by Private Investigators
and Detectives world-wide. The program condenses 18+ years of expertise and makes it
available to anyone, any time.

Press Release Body: Portland, OR August 29, 2008 -- All too frequently, economic
downturns put pressure on Law Enforcement agencies both in the form of increased
crime and budgetary cutbacks, making it even more difficult to stay ahead of
criminals. Taking a cue from industry, more and more private sleuths and police
detectives are turning to software to improve their productivity. One increasingly
popular investigative tool is eXpertInvestigator, from ThoughtOffice Corporation.
Already used by lawyers, criminal investigators, mystery writers, legal instructors
and private eyes, this combination of brainstorming software and plugin modules
allows investigative professionals to conclude their inquiries quickly and
efficiently.

This powerful investigative tool is a plugin developed specifically for
ThoughtOffice with the help of noted California Private Investigator, Nicholas
Cannon, and his staff. They documented their process, which has been refined over
many years of civil & criminal investigation. The result is a powerful web-top
software system that guides the user step-by-step through the investigative process.

\"I started creating this system when I first began working the beat as an
investigator,\" explains Mr. Cannon. \"Over time it became THE TOOL I used to keep me
on track in any given case. I subsequently used it to train my partners and fellow
investigators, and it became the formula for our leading Northern California
investigative services.\"

ThoughtOffice\'s eXpertInvestigator software helps the user to focus intently on the
facts without bias or prejudice (while retaining a healthy dose of skepticism),
guiding the user through a systematic progression of questions. As the user follows
the process outlined by the software, many questions will be answered, but some may
remain unresolved. Those unanswered questions will test the investigator\'s
curiosity, tenacity and resolve, leading to the formation of one or more hypotheses
for each unknown. The process helps to uncover the answers to issues such as: Who
would do \"X\"? What are their possible motives for doing \"X\"? How could they do \"X\"?
The software helps users drill-down into each issue, producing clear answers, and
finding even the smallest clues, helping to build a solid case. These same features
are also used by mystery writers to construct convincing crime novels and
screenplays.

The program then helps the user process and compile all the data gathered through
surveillance, interviews, and other sources. Mr. Cannon\'s comprehensive series of
questions and prompts allows users to separate fact from fiction in a systematic
search for verifiable evidence. Once users have proven and / or corroborated the
clear facts of the case, they can then prepare to form solid conclusions and test
their hypotheses.

A successful investigator needs excellent critical thinking skills, must be
proficient at inductive and deductive reasoning, competent at analytical assessment,
and above all else, able to remain open-minded no matter what twists or turns the
investigation might take. eXpertInvestigator promotes the development of all these
talents, and trains the user to examine every possibility, at every stage of the
investigation. Some of the many queries addressed by the software include:

* Do I have sufficient evidence?
* Is all my evidence relevant?
* On what evidence have I based my conclusion?
* Is my conclusion verifiable?
* Have I considered negative evidence, which might point toward a different conclusion?
* Is this the only possible conclusion that can be drawn?
* Given the same evidence, would others arrive at the same conclusion?

The eXpertInvestigator module contains these and hundreds more probing inquiries,
plus expert guidance from Mr. Cannon\'s practice, guiding the user to think
creatively, and explore every facet of the investigation.

\"Over the next few years, we hope to see a whole new breed of private investigators
entering the workforce,\" Cannon notes. \"Boosted by the popularity of television
programs such as CSI, Law & Order, and others like them, schools are reporting that
this area of study is one of the top 3 career choices for college freshmen. We
believe that eXpertInvestigator offers a clear and definitive methodology, that is
seasoned in real-world application. And as a result, we hope to see more and more
successful PIs, police academy grads, attorneys and other criminal investigators in
the future.\"

The program is available either as an a la carte plugin module for ThoughtOffice
Brainstorming software, or as a preconfigured bundle. The eXpertInvestigator bundle
includes ThoughtOffice creativity software - a powerful associative thinking program
accessing over 7,691,000 words and 3,000,000+ keyword-tagged images.

The eXpertInvestigator bundle also includes the 2,000 question eXpertExpander
module, a powerful plugin that complements and \"expands\" upon answers developed
through the Investigation Module, simultaneously drilling even deeper and opening up
even more questions. This combination often reveals weaknesses and amplifies
strengths in any decision being considered.

Also included is the eXpertNegotiator module, a plugin designed by expert conflict
management consultants, allowing the user to prepare for any important meeting or
impending confrontation by walking them through numerous scenarios.

ThoughtOffice Corporation will be offering its eXpertInvestigator suite at a
promotional price of $196, discounted from $249, through November 1, 2008. More
information about the plugin can be found at
http://www.thoughtoffice.com/?page_id=19.

Upgrade discounts are available for legacy IdeaFisher and eXpertSystem users, and
for users of other brainstorming and creativity software. Contact the company
directly for more details.

About ThoughtOffice
Based in Vancouver WA, ThoughtOffice Corporation develops and markets tools that
empower individuals and organizations to improve productivity through creativity and
quickly develop effective solutions. Founded in 2006, the company produces
brainstorming, writing and creativity software, and provides business & PR services
to high-tech startups and fast-growth companies (http://www.richcontent.com). The
company can be reached at http://www.thoughtoffice.com or by calling 360-609-9272.

Mr. Cannon has broad human relations experience, profound knowledge of human
behavior, and advanced scientific fact-finding skills. He was recently asked to help
plan a new certification exam for future California Licensed Investigators. Nicholas
Cannon can be reached via email at info@thoughtoffice.com. Please include the
subject line: ATTN: Nicholas Cannon, Private Eye.
Press Release submission By PressReleasePoint(http://www.pressreleasepoint.com)

Web Site: http://www.thoughtoffice.com

Contact Details: Press Contact:
Mark Alan Effinger
ThoughtOffice
815 E 20th Street
Vancouver, WA 98663
360-609-9272
info@thoughtoffice.com
http://www.thoughtoffice.com