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Spark Transition



Participation is 100% Voluntary

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Although we would like to see all of our existing clients participate, if you would prefer not to participate, you will still receive:

  • Security updates

  • Core enhancements

Last Updated ( Tuesday, 11 March 2008 18:21 )
 

Vendor Lock-In?

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Does Spark lock me into a long-term relationship with SynaTree?

Many of our customers understand the importance of evaluating vendor relationships that may create lock-in. At SynaTree, we've always taken the view that Open Source Software is an excellent protection against lock-in. With the emergence of Spark as a unique offering and a core part of SynaTree's business, we have had to carefully evaluate ways to minimize lock-in while still providing a unique and valuable offering. We think the result is a reasonable blend of open technologies and in-house data services.

Your website is (still) based on Open Source technologies

SynaTree's Spark system utilizes aspects of Joomla!, PHP, and other open technologies. As a GPL-licensed product, you are provided with a copy of the source code and are always 100% free to modify it.

All of your article content will be provided

In the event that you should take your business elsewhere, SynaTree will provide you with a copy of our database tables related to your site. This database will contain any content you have created for your site.

We cannot provide re-integration support

We provide everything that a skilled developer would need to transition your site to a different hosting provider. We cannot, however, provide support for reintegration.

Data Services only work for customers

Some of our Spark features and components rely on data served by the SynaTree central server. These data feeds are only made available to current SynaTree customers in good standing.

 

 

Last Updated ( Tuesday, 11 March 2008 19:03 )
 

Answers to Other Common Questions

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Can I still transition later?

Yes. However, our transition pricing is subject to change.

Is this a contract?

No. You may cancel your subscription at any time. For more about canceling your subscription, visit the cancellation questions page.

How Much to Additional Components Cost?

Each additional component is priced individually and vary. Pricing for components is based on the level of maintenance and support that each one requires.

What If I need a feature that doesn't exist yet?

The great thing about Spark is that it is always growing. If you need a feature that doesn't exist yet, you have two choices: sponsor the development of that feature (entitling you to unlimited updates for life) or wait for someone else to do so.

What If I don't want my component to be used on other's sites?

That's fine. We only make available components we've developed with the permission of the sponsoring customer.

Can I set up recurring billing?

Absolutely. We can set up recurring billing for you. Just give us a call.

Last Updated ( Tuesday, 11 March 2008 19:12 )
 

How Will Custom Components Be Handled?

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All of your custom components will continue to function as before, and will now be upgraded and enhanced over time along with the rest of the Spark system. SynaTree plans to offer selected custom components as 'modules' available to our customers for a small monthly fee. The original purchasers of these components will receive free upgrades for the life of the product at no extra charge.
Last Updated ( Tuesday, 11 March 2008 18:19 )
 

What About Support and Maintenance?

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SynaTree is now bundling three hours of maintenance per month as part of the service. These three hours of service are in addition to the updates you will receive automatically. Maintenance hours can be used for anything you like, including content updates or custom enhancements to your site.

Existing maintenance hours will remain on your account and can be used in the event that you consume more than three hours of maintenance in a month.

Last Updated ( Tuesday, 11 March 2008 18:17 )