Collections MAX Windows VPS hosting FAQ

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Why ServerPoint for my Collections MAX installation?

We've been hosting Collections MAX servers for hundreds of clients since 2010. We've learned the server side of the software quite well and can efficiently and reliably maintain it.

Do I need to install the Collections MAX server?

No need to! We have created a Windows 2008 based template with Collections MAX server-side tools, and its database server, MySQL, already pre-installed. All we need is your data to import and you are set to go.

What is the service you provide to host my Collections MAX software?

We provide you with a fully operational Windows 2008 based virtual server, where Collections MAX' database server will operate. This server is also referred to as a "virtual machine".

Once I sign up, what happens next?

If you are new to Collections MAX, we will provide you with the necessary usernames and passwords that you will use to log in to Collections MAX via its desktop software.

If we imported a pre-existing Collections MAX database, then all of your existing users and passwords will still work exactly the same. The only difference is that you will be connecting to a new IP number.

Do you back up my data?

Your Collections MAX database is backed up in two ways.

First, within your Windows 2008 virtual machine, Collections MAX' scheduler will create a "dump" of its database (basically a text copy of all data stored within it) once a day. This dump is saved in "c:\Collections MAX Backups" within the Windows 2008 virtual machine.

Aside from that, our virtualization platform also does a daily backup of the entire Windows 2008 virtual machine.

Should I do my own backups?

Absolutely yes! If you read above, you will notice that backups of your Collections MAX database are in the same system. If something catastrophic were to happen to our data center, your data would be gone!

We've also seen cases where the Windows scheduler stops doing backups for unknown reasons or Windows 2008's file system can get corrupted, so it is suggested you have a secondary backup method.

Aside from that, we've also witnessed cases of sabotage. For example, in one occasion, a client was having a major dispute with his partner, thus his partner logged into Collections MAX, deleted all data and then deleted all backups from our system!

Imagine what would happen to your business if your Collections MAX data were to be lost! This data is a valuable asset to your business and you have to protect it in every way possible!

How do you recommend I do my own backups?

Sign up for a non-free account to iDrive. It is a remote backup service that we can install in your Windows 2008 virtual machine. It will do daily backups of database dump files, as well as the live database, to iDrive's remote servers.

Using iDrive for secondary backups is the recommended configuration as implemented by Decca Software.

Note: at least once a week, you must make sure that these backups are being made! Also, do not sign up for their free account. You will quickly reach its limit and iDrive will stop doing backups!

Who is ultimately responsible for my Collections MAX data?

Yourself. It is your business and your data is your valuable asset.

We did not develop Windows 2008, our virtualization platform software (Xen, and other related components) or Collections MAX, thus, we can't be responsible for flaws, bugs, corruption and security issues in any of these products that may result in loss of your data.

No hosting provider is responsible for your data and/or applications.

You need to make the time to ensure that you are properly protecting your data.

Do I get Administrator access to the VM's Windows 2008?

Yes. However, unless you have Windows 2008 administration skills, please do not log in.

What about security updates to Windows 2008?

They are enabled to be installed automatically at night. This may sometimes make Windows automatically reboot itself.

Does the Collections MAX server update itself?

No. If Decca Software advises you to do so, or they inform you of a security issue, please let us know and we will update it for you.

How do I do "X" in Collections MAX?

Be aware that we are very familiar with the server side of Collections MAX. Basically, we are familiar with the storage of its data. However, how to actually use the software to run your business is up to you to learn. If you have questions about the usage of the software, please contact Decca Software's technical support.

Can you move my existing Collections MAX data to your servers?

Yes we can. If we can remotely access your existing Collections MAX server via Windows' Remote Desktop, and you have all the proper passwords, we will do so at no cost to you.

If however we can not remotely access it, we can engage in a GotoMeeting session directly on your office's server and a member of our staff will retrieve it. There is a one-time $99 charge for this service. Please contact us about this before signing up.

How do I get started?

Please visit our Windows Cloud VPS page and sign up for a Level2 or Level3 plan. Level3 will offer better performance as it will provide your server with more RAM to handle your Collections MAX database.