Design Look & Feel
How do we customize Spark to match our branding? How customizable is it?
Spark is based on 100% valid XHTML and CSS. This makes it easy for a designer to make changes to its look and feel. Your Spark installation can be totally customized. We have designers ready to help you with this, or you can use your own. Whatever your choice, we're ready to help.
Data Migration
I got my current data in FileMaker Pro and Salesforce.com. Does Spark import this data?
Short answer is Yes. We can help you migrate your data from any system that you can get your data out of. Spark is based on open standards so all our data is import/export-able in CSV, XML or Excel formats. We store data in a MySQL database and make it easy to work with any other system that you have. Our implementation engineers will help you get started.
Credit Card Processing
Credit card processing. Is there a per transaction charge, who does the processing, do we set it up through our bank, are there any hidden fees?
Credit card processing is done by a financial institution authorized to do those transactions. There are no fees on our part, but the credit card processor does charge fees. Typical range is 2-3% plus 20-30 cents per transaction, depending on the company. We personally use PayPal to process all major credit cards. Spark will work with any credit card processor that has an API for us to integrate with.
What About Google Checkout?
Spark will work with Google Checkout, but that will cause it to bypass entire Spark Ecommerce component. That means we won't know what transactions went through, but Google will. This kind of beats the purpose of having an ecommerce-enabled site in the first place. Your customers will be re-directed to Google to complete the transaction. This creates somewhat of a less professional customer experience.
We recommend signing up with a credit card processor that supports API connections. We personally use PayPal PayFlow Pro service. It costs about $30/month plus standard credit card transactions.
Technology
The backbone of Spark, is it open source? Are we only allowed to change the CSS? What language is the software written in?
Spark is built on open source technologies and open standards: Java with Spring/Hibernate frameworks, MySQL database, deployed on Apache Tomcat server typically running on Linux. The look and feel is 100% done in valid XHTML and CSS so it's easy for any designer to change it. We can also provide design services to help you.
Hosting
Can you host Spark for us? How does that work?
Yes, we can host Spark for you, or you can host it yourself - your choice. Here are the details for hosting.
If you guys host Spark for us, do we get the complete access to the server?
Yes, we can arrange to give you the root access to the server so you can manage your own data and application, if you so choose.
Security
How secure is it?
Spark is using industry standard Asegi security.
Have you been evaluated by a third party company for your security?
One of the premier computer forensics companies from San Jose, California is running their entire business on Spark. Although we haven't gone through a formal 3rd party evaluation, the fact that this customer trusts us with their security speaks volumes.
Testimonials
