Frequently asked questions

To view a top are please click on the links below:

Data importing

Security

How do we ensure your data is safe?

Disaster Recovery

How long are backups held for?

Leaving witsIFA

What happens to my data if I leave witsIFA?

Improving / altering witsIFA

Can we request changes to witsIFA?

Data importing (click here to go to top of page)

What information can be imported to witsIFA?

Providing witsIFA offers the appropriate fields for the data you want to import we can import it.  This will also depend on the file type your data is stored in and the structure of the data within that file.

Which file formats can we import?

We can import from the following file formats (Most systems should be able to export data to at least one of these formats):

• MS Excel

• MS Access

• CSV

• Some text files…

Though we can import directly from the file formats mentioned above it is important that the data is in a particular structure within these files.  Please see the link below for an example import file (Note in MS Excel format):

Click here to see example import file

Will I have to pay for data to be imported?

Normally no, we will work with you to ensure your data will migrate easily.  However in the event that your data structure is not in an easy to import format we reserve the right to charge for this service.

Security (click here to go to top of page)

Where is my data stored?

Your data is stored on a server provided to W.I.T.S. Uk ltd by www.1and1.co.uk.  This server is located in Germany.

Is my data safe on the witsIFA server?

Yes it is.  We make every effort to ensure the security of your data.

How do we ensure your data is safe?

We do the following:

• We ensure that all current operating system updates and security patches are applied to the server where your data is stored.

• We use strong server virus protection software which protects against any virus, malware or rootkit threats.

• Each user which is setup on our server is assigned to its own security group ensuring that no users can view other users data.  At the point of setup we physically test this to ensure that accidental view of other users data cannot happen.

• We use Go Global from Graphon to deliver witsIFA over the internet which has inbuilt encryption to ensure that 3^rd parties cannot gain access to your system whilst you are on it.

• We ensure that if a user logs into witsIFA and leaves his or her work station the server will automatically log that user off to ensure 3^rd parties cannot gain access to that users data.

Disaster Recovery (click here to go to top of page)

Do we backup your data?

Yes we do.

Who holds the backup data?

witsIFA backup data is stored on a separate server which is also hosted with www.1and1.co.uk

What is the backup schedule?

Please see below details of each backup and where they are put.

Backup A:

A complete copy of the customer’s database and any documents uploaded is created at 1.5 hour intervals throughout the day.  This backup is stored on the same server the database is hosted on.

Backup B:

A complete backup of the customer’s database and documents is taken daily at 9.00pm and stored on a separate FTP server also hosted by 1and1.

Backup C:

A backup of the customer’s database but not the documents is taken at 3 intervals during the day (3am, 12pm, 9pm).  These backups are stored on another 1and1 hosted server which is different to that used by backup A and B

How long are backups held for?

Please see below the period of time that backups are held for:

Backup A:

This backup is kept for 1.5 hours as is written over by each new backup.

Backup B:

Each backup made is kept for 2 days.  So it is possible for W.I.T.S Uk to restore data up to 2 days old.

Backup C:

Each backup made is kept for 3 days.  So it is possible for W.I.T.S Uk to restore data up to 3 days old.

Leaving witsIFA (click here to go to top of page)

How do I leave witsIFA?

In the event that you should wish to stop using witsIFA you will need to provide written notice to us and make arrangements to stop any standing order payments to W.I.T.S. Uk Ltd with your bank.  Your letter to us should include an instruction for us to delete all your data from our system.  We DO NOT charge you in any way for recovering your data from witsIFA.  You can at any point extract your data from witsIFA into excel format.  We have made efforts to ensure that the data is in a format conducive for easy import into other systems so you are not tied to us. 

What happens to my data if I leave witsIFA?

Assuming you have authorised us in writing (mentioned above) your data will be removed from our server and after a period of time will no longer be stored on any backup media.  (This period of time will depend on the backup routines cycle at the time you leave witsIFA). It is your responsibility to ensure you have extracted your data prior to us receiving notice to delete your data.

Improving / altering witsIFA (click here to go to top of page)

Do we update and improve witsIFA?

In response to changes in industry practices or majority feedback from our user base we periodically release improved versions of witsIFA.  All the users will be automatically updated to the new version of witsIFA when this happens.  We will provide notice of any changes to the system and also ensure that the training material available supports these changes.  We do not offer the option of downgrading to older versions of witsIFA for support reasons.

Can we request changes to witsIFA?

Should you have a change or a feature you require adding to the witsIFA that does not run in line with the needs of the majority of the user base, or the direction we see the products evolution.  We can provide bespoke development services at a cost based on an hourly rate.  Please do keep in mind that bespoke development can be a time consuming endeavour and relies on you stating your requirements clearly and giving time to feedback on any progress we make.