Frequently Asked Questions
What about security?
Security is of the utmost importance in Lamplight. Lamplight is packed with security features to help protect your data. Many of the organisation we work with have data so sensitive that their service users would be in extreme physical danger if security was compromised. We take this very seriously.
Lamplight is housed on a secure server encrypted using 256 bit strong SSL encryption. The system is password protected and secure programming techniques are used to prevent unauthorised access. Pages can only be used for a limited period and the system itself times out if left inactive for 30 minutes.
The physical server is in a secure site within the UK and access to those servers is strictly limited.
The strength of the system's security needs to be supported by your own internal practices.
- Never save a password to a browser so it is entered automatically when you type in your user name. This leaves the door wide open to anyone who uses your computer.
- Choose strong passwords using a mixture of letters and numbers.
- Never write your password down
- Change new passwords that are sent to you immediately
- Always log out after using the system. While it will log itself out you minimise the possibility of vulnerability by logging out yourself. It's like locking the door behind you
- Do not share Lamplight accounts. This makes it difficult to track security breaches.
- Treat your database as you would your physical files, don't leave sensitive data open for anyone to see.
These tips seem obvious but simple things can undermine even the most complex and sophisticated security measures.
We are happy to provide further technical security information on request.
What is a project?
A project in Lamplight is a set of data that needs to be kept separate from another set of data. Smaller organisations may need only one project for all the services they run. Larger organisations or those that work with extremely sensitive data may need several of these projects.
For example, a charity may run a youth service which runs numerous activities and a confidential advice service. The information for the confidential advice service needs to be accessible to only a few staff members while the youth services are accessible to any staff member. By splitting the youth service, with its own tabs, fields, outcomes and work areas, into a separate project, data confidentiality within the organisation can be assured. Alternatively, an organisation might have multiple offices with their own service users, running the same projects with the same outcomes. Each office can have it's own "project" to stop things getting cluttered.
Can we make changes to the system or do you have to do it?
Yes, you can make changes to the system. You can change tabs, fields, field options, field types, work areas, outcomes, evaluations, communication templates - pretty much everything you see on screen. If you want to add new modules or add additional projects, all these things can be done through the admin menu.
Is there a set up fee?
No. There is no up-front set up fee. You only pay for the system and the services you use. We do recommend using the additional services, especially training or access to training videos But this is not essential and the system can be set up and used with the help manual and introductory information sheets alone.
Is technical support included in the hosting fee?
Yes. If something goes technically wrong with the system then report it to us and we will fix it. However, we do not offer day-to-day support for use of the system as part of the hosting fee. Support packages can be arranged to meet your needs and start from £20/month.
Can we have our own fields?
Yes. Lamplight is designed so that as your needs change the system can be changed. You manage your own system, there is no need for a programmer or developer. You specify what you need and you manage the introduction of new tabs and fields yourself. You name it, you can add it.
We work with people at the frontline and support organisations, will we need two systems?
No. Lamplight can comfortably accommodate organisation who combine frontline services with an infrastructure role. Multiple systems simply multiply the work you have to do and that is precisely what Lamplight works to prevent.
What if Lamplight goes bust? Will we lose our data and database and end up back at square one?
No. We obviously have no plans to go bust and Lamplight is going from strength to strength thanks to the loyalty and feedback of our customers. However, in the event of unforeseen difficulties that result in the closure of Lamplight your data and database will remain with you.
In those circumstances, our intention would be to make the system open source so you would still be able to use the system and you could then make your own arrangements to host or alter the system as necessary. We are committed to ensuring the continuity of the system regardless of the fate of the company.
Who owns the data?
You do. It's as simple as that. You can download a complete copy of your database whenever you want.Where is the data physically stored?
In the UK. Data is stored in a secure UK-based server farm. The server farm is just outside Milton Keynes, this means that you do not have any issues with oversees data protection issues. All data is subject to UK law.
Follow us on Twitter 
