FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
What is squork.com?
Squork.com is an online Software-as-a-Service platform; an online workspace designed for web workers that provides a place online where people can network.
At the heart of Squork is a web-based real-time collaborative environment. And because it's designed using Encanvas Secure&Live we've made sure it's very, very secure.
What is Squork WebSpace?
Squork WebSpace is a Website Service. It's a platform that gives normal people (i.e. Non-coders and people who've never designed a website in their lives) the tools they need to create and maintain a professional website. What makes Squork WebSpace unique is its data-centricity. It means that all of the content held in sites is maintained using online forms and on robust databases. Websites created using WebSpace can be made public or secure. Squork WebSpace is supplied on a pay-as-you-use monthly basis. It's always online and available for Users to access 24-hours a day from any popular web browser.
What is Squork WebSpace for?
We've created Squork WebSpace so people and organizations can create a professional web presence for their company, community or to support their occupation. Unlike static websites that rarely change, Squork Webspace provides a transactionally oriented site with the ability to manage content, publish news, process enquiries and facilitate communications.
Why choose Squork WebSpace?
Squork WebSpace gives you a site that you can design and maintain easily that. It includes good practice design and incorporates the latest innovations in website technology to give you a truly world-class web presence. But it's not the only choice people have when selecting their website provision. We know there are lots of alternative ways to create a professional web presence. There's a cottage industry of website designers and a myriad of hosting companies that provide online platforms for websites – often with Do-It-Yourself design tools.
So what makes Squork WebSpace the right choice?
Here are a few reasons:
- Most websites don't deliver a Return-On-Investment (ROI). In simple terms they cost more than they deliver in terms of business value. This is because, despite the hype, most websites are the second point of contact for a business, not the first. Given that the World-wide Web is – er – world-wide, organizations that want to be on the first page of Google hits have to spend a lot of money to do it. Websites don't normally replace word-of-mouth recommendations, direct marketing or sales people – they only contribute to the brand story and take prospects and opportunities further along their journey to becoming a customer. One of the ways to deliver an ROI on websites is to spend less in designing and maintaining them. Squork WebSpace is offered on an affordable subscription and its easily maintained so there's no need for several contracts or third party designers – unless you want to enhance your web presence with features peculiar to your line of business.
- Most websites don't adopt good practice design – so they become confusing to site visitors. They might have creative elements to their appearance but business professionals today want to cut through the design and quickly understand what your site is telling them.
- Most websites are difficult to maintain. When websites are created or managed by someone else, it becomes difficult to keep them updated. The consequences of not keeping websites up-to-date with the latest contact details, case stories, news and product/service information can mean at best your site is not projecting you, your community or organization as well as it could, and it could mean that you're missing business opportunities without knowing it.
- Most websites are static (just text and images) and they don't change very much. This means the web experience that visitors see becomes predictable (boring) and web search engines will reduce the ranking of the site because there's little going on to excite visitors. As a general rule of thumb the more regularly content is changed on your website and the more links and visits associated with your site, the higher the web ranking becomes. Squork WebSpace is driven by a database that manages all of your site content and it uses rich Internet technology to create an eye-popping user experience that makes your website stand out from the crowd.
- Your basic WebSpace is just the beginning. We've designed Squork WebSpace in a modular structure that means you can add more and more differentiating tools and features to your site as your requirements mature.
What does Squork WebSpace do?
Squork WebSpace manages your web presence and takes care of the complex technical challenges of publishing content to the web.
How does Squork WebSpace work?
Behind Squork WebSpace is a database-driven engine that powers a cloud-based applications management architecture (Encanvas Secure&Live) that Rich Internet deployed website service that publishes content online. Having opened an account, Users can use online forms to describe their site. Next Users select the sections they require and upload content to produce and manage a professional web presence. Users can update content at any time. The Squork WebSpace adopts good practice design to guarantee a high quality web presence and manage brand continuity across the site.
Do I own my own data?
Absolutely yes. Squork is designed so that Users own and control their content. We only ask that account holder observe our terms and conditions that are there to ensure that no laws are broken or other Users upset by the content used. We try hard to balance a 'hands-off' approach to content management with our legal and moral duties as a thoughtful and responsible web service provider to take ownership and accountability for content held on our servers and the impact it can have on communities. If we are asked to provide technical assistance or solve problems, there may be occasions where we need to view your data. Nevertheless, we make no attempt profit from the re-use of your data.
Does Squork WebSpace (Encanvas Ltd) have rights to access or re-use my data?
Squork WebSpace is operated by Encanvas Ltd. We operate strict policies when it comes to the utilization of User data published on our sites. We want online customers to be confident that we take no ownership or rights of re-use over the data published on our sites (unlike other suppliers). In our terms of use we say that we require access to your data. This is because sometimes Users require our assistance and we need to access their data in order to help them. On other occasions, some Users choose to use online systems inappropriately and on occasions where we think behaviors are unfair, illegal or reasonable to our community we retain the rights to protect our communities and the goodwill associated with our brand reputation. Without your consent we won't re-use your data.
How do I create secure 'invitation only' websites with named-user login and password?
As an administrator you can click on the User tab on the home page and create named Users. You can give them a temporary username and password. This means when Named Users go to your site URL they will be required to login with their assigned User-Name and Password. Named Users can change their password when they login.
How do I create public websites?
To create a public website available to anyone with the assigned URL link for your site, you don't need to do anything. Unless you specify named-user logins to your site, the website is automatically available for public viewing.
How secure is the Squork WebSpace web service?
We think you'll find Squork WebSpace is one of the most secure online environments available today, mainly because it's built on the Encanvas Secure & Live platform that's brimming with security features that include protection from:
- External web attack - deployed on Microsoft IIS and employs Secure Socket Layer.
- Malicious code - code access security helps protect computer systems from malicious code, allows code from an unknown source to run safely, and protects trusted code from intentionally or unintentionally compromising security. Encanvas Web Server inherits this mechanism from ASP.NET and uses it to control access to protected resources and operations.
- Protection from impersonation – i.e. The ability of unscrupulous individuals to impersonate and take on the identity of another presents far-reaching threats for fraud and theft of company data assets, particularly with the growth in information sharing and collaborating communities where the identity of an individual is qualified only by a user name and a login.
- Canonicalization attacks – i.e. The use of malformed URLs to gain access to restricted files. The solution is to not make security decisions based on the filename and to validate all URLs accessed.
- Cross site scripting – i.e. Avoiding the potential risk of input forms being used to run malicious script. The solution is to validate user input, making safe the use of special characters and sequences.
- SQL injection attacks – i.e. This is the use of Input forms to execute SQL queries on the database. The solution is to validate all user inputs and avoid dynamic SQL as much as possible.
- Sessions – Sessions can cause problems because it becomes possible to impersonate another user. Squork WebSpace minimizes this risk by carefully marshalling the client server relationship and interactions. It includes a robust built-in permissions architecture. Furthermore, Squork WebSpace doesn't hold resources on the Microsoft IIS Server. Pages are created as they are requested and served to the requestor. This approach ensures that no data relating to the delivered web page is accessible to hackers.
For further information on security, please email us on security@squork.com.
What precautions does Squork WebSpace take to ensure its service is always available to me when I need it?
To ensure continuity of service we outsource our Server Platform to Managed Hosting experts NetBenefit (www.netbenefit.com). The hosting service they provide is underwritten by a 100% network availability Service Level Agreement, 4 Gbps always available bandwidth and a high availability network with multiple data centres. Further information please contact us on info@squork.com.
What precautions have been taken to prevent hiccups in Internet connectivity?
To prevent outages or poor service quality due to failures in Internet connections to our hosted environment we've taken a series of precautionary steps including:
- Multiple Internet connections supplied by different providers
- Border Gateway Protocol routing for automatic failover
- Part of London Internet Exchange (LiNX) for superior speed
What happens if there's a power-cut in the area where your service is hosted?
Firstly, we have backup servers in more than one location – so it would have to be a big problem! Secondly, our servers are backed up by a UPS system (Uninterrupted Power Supply). There are also two further mains supplies with circuit breaker protection installed. And if it's a truly catastrophic power shortage, the hosting site runs an onsite generator for additional backup. Finally, the hosting environment is monitored 24/7 by our managed hosting providers for interruptions to power or Internet connection. For further information please contact info@squork.com.
What precautions have been taken to ensure the hosting environment is secure?
We take security very seriously. For this reason our hosting environment is protected by industry leading Cisco and Juniper Network Security. A multi-layered site security system is installed including entry control through PAC cards and biometric palm readers, CCTV monitoring and recording systems and 24x7 monitoring of the campus by onsite security personnel. And to protect from fire risk, fire and smoke detection and state of the art fire control system is installed, temperature and humidity is controlled to 21C, 50% humidity and includes leak detection. For further information please contact service@squork.com.
Do I need a Squork Account?
Yes. Squork WebSpace is not a free service. If you wish to use Squork WebSpace, you will need to pay for the service on a subscription basis, although there are concessions for non business use, students, educational establishments, social enterprises and Not-for-Profit organizations. We also provide a 14-day free trial on all Squork services so that you can find out how useful our online services really are.
Can I use the 14-day free trial service more than once?
Yes – but you'll need to re-register and enter a new username and password and you won't be able to keep using the same Site Name.
Why does Squork WebSpace have account restrictions?
We want all sorts of online customers to gain as much value as possible from Squork WebSpace whatever their size of organization or circumstance. There are so many possible uses of Squork WebSpace and so many kinds of users that it's a constant battle to balance features and server loadings with the value Squork WebSpace brings. This means there may be usage restrictions applied to prevent circumstances from arising where the quality of service deteriorates because of extraordinary usage behaviors resulting from a minority of users. Because, Squork WebSpace is a self-service platform, it's for you to decide which service type and level is right for you so please take a moment to check through the contractual terms.
What if I find the service I'm using isn't suitable for my requirements?
If you find out that the Squork WebSpace service agreement you've selected isn't right for you, don't worry because it's easy to upgrade. Just login to Squork WebSpace using your username and password. Click on the Settings tab and select My Account. When you click on My Account a new Window will open and you will find an UPGRADE button. Click on this button and select the new service you require. Once you've selected the agreement you want to upgrade to, progress through the purchasing wizard.
If you find Squork WebSpace is unsuitable for the application you had in mind, please use the feedback form to explain what it is you're trying to do (see if we can help), or if you're not happy with the service, you can always cancel at any time.
Cancelling my Squork WebSpace service
If you want to cancel your service, all you need to do is send an email to cancel@squork.com and we will cancel your account within 48-hours. You can re-register on Squork WebSpace for a new account at any time.
I've forgotten my login details. What do I do?
If at any time you've forgotten your Squork WebSpace login details we just need to verify your account. When we create an account we ask you to enter a password reminder. Should you forget your login details we simply require your account password reminder and your account postcode. For enterprise accounts we may also request additional information.
If I cancel my account do I get my money back?
If you choose to cancel your account within 7-days of commencing into an agreement we will provide a full refund of any monies paid. Your statutory rights are not affected by this offer or our service agreement.
What happens if I'm unhappy with the service I receive?
If for any reason you are unhappy with the quality of service you're receiving then please let us know through the online feedback form, email service@encanvas.com or call the Chief Executive of Encanvas Ltd directly (yes really) on m. +44 (0) 1865 392150.
Can I use my own banners and images?
Yes. We've designed the site so you can add your own banners and images to make interesting web pages. You can even add a video if you like! Just work through the Design section tabs. It's all very straight-forward.
Can I select the sections I want to include in my WebSpace?
Yes. When you create or update your WebSpace in the 'Design' area of the Squork WebSpace site, it provides you with the ability to select the section templates you want to use for your site.
Can I change the colours and fonts used in my WebSpace?
We've provided a lot of image and banner areas throughout the site so that you can really personalize your site with styles and colours that make it stand out. There are some design limitations to custom control of colours and fonts built into Squork WebSpace to prevent Users from unwittingly introducing inconsistencies and design faults into published sites. Whilst we want to avoid constraining designers, a feature of WebSpace is its ability to deliver professional appearance and performance results every time by installing design good practice – so a level of design protocol must be adhered to. We also implement these standards so that organizations that publish their business in the Squork Directory present their offer in a format that offers site visitors a common look and feel.
Can I add my own HTML and custom pages to my WebSpace?
Yes. We've built in a lot of customization into Squork WebSpace so you can add your own custom sections if you want to. We also offer a design service in the event that you want to add custom pages. At the same time, Squork WebSpace is designed and deployed using Encanvas Secure&Live – so if you want the maximum level of design and functional flexibility, you can always rent or purchase a copy of Encanvas.
How do I create a Squork WebSpace Account?
Easy, visit http://www.squork.com/webspace and click on Register.
What are Role Types?
Squork WebSpace employs Role Types to assign users to levels of accessibility and privileges. There are four basic role types: Administrator, Sub-Administrator, Named User and Public Viewer.
What is an Administrator?
An Administrator is a Role Type on Squork WebSpace. The person that registers on Squork WebSpace is automatically assigned the Administrator role. There can only be one administrator per Squork WebSpace. An administrator has more privileges so they can manage the Squork WebSpace site, assign Named User permissions, configure the site design etc.
What is a Sub-Administrator?
A Sub-Administrator is a Role Type on Squork WebSpace. Sub-Administrators share the load on User and systems administration tasks. We've created a Sub-Administrator role because larger organizations might want more than one person to manage the Named-User permissions and the content of their website sections.
What is a Named-User?
A Named-User is a Role Type on Squork WebSpace. Named-Users are users that are recognized on Squork WebSpace for site security reasons. Named-Users are created by Administrators (or Sub-Administrators) when they assign users a username and login. From this point, when a Named-User goes to the secure Squork WebSpace URL for your account, a login page greets them.
What is a Public Viewer
A Public Viewer is a web surfer that visits your WebSpace Account URL is not recognized by Squork WebSpace because public access to the site is required. Administrators always have the option to specify whether public viewing of an account is permissible or not.
Am I breaking any rules if I have a number of people sharing a Named-User account?
Not at all. It's up to you how you administer security on your Squork WebSpace site. If you want many people to use the same login credentials that's fine by us.
Who can see my WebSpace?
You can limit access to your site. Each WebSpace account comes with a dedicated URL for a public and private space. That means while Users are developing their site they can keep it hidden and only 'go public' when they're happy with the design (and they've been able to see it for themselves live online). When site maintenance is required, Users can take down their site (so it's not visible), update it and then publish it again. Of course, you might want to always keep your site private and only allow Named-Users to see it. In these situations, use the private URL and create Users in the 'Users' area of the Squork WebSpace site.
Can I use my own domain name?
Yes. We provide instructions in the Sharing section of the site to describe how to point your external domain name at the Squork WebSpace you've created.
What happens if I don't have a domain name?
We automatically provide each Account Holder with a Unique Relational Location (URL) for their public and private WebSpaces. The publical WebSpace is typically deployed in the form of http://www.squork.com/dir/'yoursiteURL' but you can find the specific URL of your site in the 'Sharing' section of Squork WebSpace.
What is Squork Directory?
Squork Directory is a directory of WebSpaces that we maintain. It provides WebSpace Users with the ability to promote their site through our own network to other WebSpace Users. It's a free service but you don't have to publish your WebSpace on Squork Directory if you don't want to. There's a selection check box you can click to remain anonymous.
I'm getting an on-screen error saying 'this website is not available'.
We normally advise customers of any planned outages so if you're having this problem it's most likely to be your online service provider. Firstly make sure that you're able to connect to another site on the Internet. To make sure your browser isn't just looking at a web page that's cached in your machine, try looking at another site. It that's working and you're confident that it's just the Squork WebSpace site that's down then (huge apologies because this should never happen) please leave it for 10-minutes and try again. If it's still not working then please send us an email at outage@squork.com (that always gets our immediate attention!). We'll be back in touch as soon as we can.
Does Squork WebSpace comply with Section 508, the W3C Web Accessibility Initiative Standard (WAI)?
The quick answer is yes although we're always looking to source better ways of providing improved accessibility. If you have any suggestions please email us on info@squork.com.
Could firewalls be causing a problem with my viewing the site?
It's highly unlikely because there's no need to download or install any plug-ins with WebSpace. We've designed the site so that it can be viewed on all major web browsers without needing extra components like Java, Microsoft Silverlight or Adobe Flash.
Where do I go for help and support?
We recommend customers start here with the FAQs. There's a lot of information about how to get the most from Squork WebSpace and plenty of feedback from customers. If you're really stuck then email support@squork.com and we'll get back to you as quickly as we can.
What hours does your support office operate?
We have a number of service locations around the world but our technical center for Squork is in Oxfordshire in the United Kingdom. Our hours of work are officially 9.00am to 5.30pm GMT but we're a keen lot and you'll normally be able to speak to someone so always try the support number on +44 (0) 1865 392150.