Spinnsoft Web Component Frequently Asked Questions

 

1) How long does it take to install the Website Components?
 
2) Can I buy the Webpage Script Components and install them myself?
 
3) What do I have to do on my end to get the web components working?
 
4) What technology do the Webpage Script Components use?
 
5) Can we keep our existing web hosting company?
 
6) What are the requirements for the Web hosting company?
 
7) Can Spinnsoft and MicroCreations provide a full website solution for our gallery?

 

1) How long does it take to install the Website Components?

Depending on how complicated your website is and which components you choose to use the time it takes to complete the installation can vary greatly. Typically if you have an existing site the process of installation and testing can happen in as little as a few days. If you need to change hosting servers that may take a few days as well.

If we are creating a website from scratch for you the process can be completed in as short as a week or two.

We have found that the availability of gallery personnel to work with us and to help the process move forward is the single most important factor in the project running smoothly and quickly.

2) Can I buy the Webpage Script Components and install them myself?

Yes, we do sell a packaged version of the Web Components that can be inserted into an existing website. For this to be accomplished the person who is inserting the components must have webpage development experience and be knowledgeable in webpage scripting code and databases. This option should only be used by an experienced web developer.

3) What do I have to do on my end to get the web components working?

There are three important steps the gallery must take to ensure a working website once the web components are installed.

First it is important to ensure that the art images and thumbnails have been created for the items which will be on the website. All images should be in the Spinnsoft Art Images directory and named with the inventory number of the item. Within that directory there should be a Thumbnails directory with the thumbnails named with a “tn” in front of the inventory number. It is important that the images are named with the inventory number so Spinnsoft will automatically upload them to your website and also to avoid illegally characters in the name which could cause problems on your website. During the web development process we will let you know what image size best for your thumbnails and art images. This step should be done while the Web Components are being installed to ensure that the gallery has art to test with the new components.

The second step which the gallery will need to do is populate their Web Publisher with information. Simply select the art which you would like on the website and update any event information if the Events module is being used.

If it is determined that the gallery must switch to a new server with their current hosting company or move to a new web hosting company the gallery will need to make arrangements for this to happen prior to using the Web Components. Typically if this needs to happen we will host a demonstration version of your site so we can continue with installing the Web Components. It is best to begin this process as the Web Components are being installed as it may take a few days to complete.

4) What technology do the Webpage Script Components use?

The Web Components are developed using Microsoft Active Server Pages (ASP). We use ASP because it has been a proven technology for many years and is integrated with Microsoft Windows servers. It also provides the best method to gathering the Spinnsoft data and does not require the gallery to set up ODBC data sources on their hosting servers.

5) Can we keep our existing web hosting company?

The Web Components will function on any Microsoft Windows hosting plan, which are offered from all major hosting companies. However, some hosting companies block certain functionality due to concerns over security and occasionally the ability to communicate with some hosting servers from Spinnsoft has been problematic. These issues are completely out of our control and will need to be resolved with the hosting company for the system to function.

We have teamed with a hosting company to provide an environment which works exclusively with the Web Components and web scripting. We strongly recommend that the galleries use this hosting service because we can control and monitor any changes which may cause an issue with the process. Please ask us about this hosting option if you are interested.

6) What are the requirements for the Web hosting company?

If you would like to stay with your current web hosting company you will need to make sure they offer a Windows hosting account. In addition you should contact them and make sure that they do not restrict any ASP functionality on their servers. Also it is important that they do not restrict any FTP functionality or block bulk FTP file uploads. We can usually test your web service for ASP and FTP functionality prior to development.

7) Can Spinnsoft and MicroCreations provide a full website solution for our gallery?

Yes, we have provided a complete solution for several galleries and would be glad to work with you on developing a website to your specifications. We can provide anything from a complete graphically rich web experience to a content specific website which focuses on your art inventory.

We can also provide custom functionality and Flash animation for your site if you desire.