FAQs About ARKONA's Dealer Management Solutions

Is the ARKONA application stored on a dedicated or shared server?
The ARKONA application is stored on a dedicated server meaning there are no other resources shared on this machine. However, multiple dealerships use the same server. This is accomplished by configuring an independent library for each dealership running On-Demand Solutions. The IBM System i5 centers its security as well as application parameters on these libraries. Each dealership has its own application user and preference information.

How does ARKONA ensure data security and availability, service reliability and scalability?
ASP infrastructure exists in a highly resilient facility. This facility has redundant everything. In the event that additional IBM System i5 server resources are required, more IBM System i5 computing power can be easily installed at the above-mentioned facility.

How does ARKONA manage data backup and disaster recovery?
Every night a backup is performed where all customer data is dumped to an independent backup device. In the unlikely event there is a failure resulting in data loss, the previous nights backup is used to recover from the failure. Offsite archives of the customer data are also maintained for disaster recovery purposes. Data mirroring has also been implimented to provide an even higher level of security.

Does ARKONA offer a secure connection, such as on via a virtual private network?
ARKONA On-Demand Solutions offer the most secure connection available for both authentication as well as encryption. In order for a customer to communicate with the IBM System i5 server hosting their information, they must first establish a secure VPN tunnel from their network to ARKONA. The VPN tunnel requires a valid user name and encrypted password. Once the VPN tunnel is established communication between the two networks is encrypted. The protocol used in the tunneling process is the industry standard IPSEC Tunneling Protocol.

Other than a Web browser, what hardware/software, if any, is required at the dealer site?
ARKONA ASP requirements at the dealership site are as follows: LAN connectivity for each computer at the dealership that needs access to the ARKONA software, Internet connectivity with enough bandwidth to support the number of user at the dealership site, and a VPN appliance that supports IPSEC VPN Tunneling Protocol.

Who provides first-line support for the application: ARKONA or the host facility?
The first line of support is ARKONA customer support department.

How is the software update process managed by ARKONA?
All software updates are automatically made available to all ASP clients through ARKONA dedicated host server. Dealerships no longer have to worry about loading software. Software update release notes are sent to all customers prior to update release date.

Does ARKONA provide implementation and training services?
Yes. As part of the installation process, dealer employees are trained to use ARKONA's DMS solution. This training takes place initially at dealer's site. Additional training and consulting is available at anytime through ARKONA Sales.

How can a dealer ensure that the Internet conncection will not be lost?
Internet connectivity is crucial for On-Demand Solutions. If the Internet connection goes down there will be no way for the VPN tunnel to exist. Much care should be taken when the dealer chooses an ISP. The dealer should look for SLA's from their ISP and consider a redundant connection through a separate ISP.

Does ARKONA provide clear reports detailing application access and usage statistics?
Reports are currently not available. However, new appliance is planned and will be put into the delivery plateform infrastructure that is capable of generating such reports.