FAQ

Why would I want to use Surpass Hosting Service?
Some of the most common reasons to choose hosting are:
1. Lack of servers and/or technical expertise to run the software yourself.
2. Need to work easily from different computers.
3. Desire to have someone else backup and update your software regularly.

What do I need to do before I sign up for Surpass Hosting Service?
Purchase the Surpass applications you would like us to host.  After you buy the software, Surpass Hosting Service will install the software on our servers in order to host the software and data. 

Do I actually own the Surpass software you host?
Yes. Because you own the software, you may cancel your service at any time if you choose to run the software on your own computers.

What kind of computer do I need?
Any PC or Macintosh (OS X 10.3 and above) with a high-speed Internet connection such as DSL.

Can I access my software from home for cataloging or other administrative work?
Yes. Simply log in to your hosting account through your Web browser.

How do I access my software from any computer?
Open a Web browser, go to the Surpass Hosting Service Web site, then enter your ID and password. Your software is available to you 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. 

Can you host Surpass Self-Check?
No. We are exploring ways to provide this service in the future.

Can others in my organization use my account to access my data?
Yes and no. Web Safari makes your catalog freely available over the Internet. Anyone can search without logging in.

To access your other Surpass applications, you will have a hosting ID and password. You may share this login with others; however, only one person may be logged in at a time.  If you need the capability to run concurrent sessions, be sure to purchase additional "seats." Each seat has a unique login ID and password and allows one simultaneous login.

How do I pay for my hosting service?
The service is billed annually with your Surpass Support subscription renewal. If you are already running Surpass and have a support subscription, we'll pro-rate your annual hosting fee so that it will have the same expiration date as your Surpass Support subscription; that way you'll only receive one invoice annually for both services. A subscription to Surpass Support is required while using the hosting service.

How do you calculate the cost of hosting?  
There are two fees involved with Surpass Hosting Service. The first fee is a one-time setup fee. It can vary in price based on library size and type, starting at about $150 for a small library. The setup fee applies to each "seat" ordered (see below).

The second fee is your annual hosting fee. Fees vary based on the size and type of the library and the number of seats required. The smallest libraries can subscribe to Surpass Hosting Service starting at about $40 per month.

What is a "seat?" How many seats do I need?
Seats are necessary for all Surpass programs except Surpass Web Safari.  A seat is a license for a simultaneous login to the hosting account. The number of seats you have is equal to the number of simultaneous users you can have logged in, regardless of which computers they are using. 

Seat needs will vary.  Schools, for example, will most likely want two or three seats. Very large libraries with more staff will need more seats.

Does the annual fee cover support?
Yes, your hosting fee covers support for any hosting issues you have.  However, you must have a separate Surpass Support contract for issues with your software. Your Surpass Support subscription is billed with Surpass Hosting Service once per year.

What if I want to end my contract?  
You may cancel your service at any time. However there is no refund for months remaining on your contract.

If I cancel my service, what happens to my data?
Upon your request, we will provide you with a current Surpass Quick Backup file via electronic download at no cost to you.  We will send you the backup on CD-ROM for an additional fee

Download Surpass Hosting Service Flyer (PDF)