FAQ

  • How can data sharing services benefit me?
    Data Sharing Services can quickly and cost effectively connect systems together to share, use and publish data. It serves as a bridge for system databases that are too complex to share information. By allowing DSS to manage the information in one central location, you can cut costs for software and programs, staff resources, and exposing data insecurely.
  • Are there any prerequisites for the services?
    No, there are no prerequisites. We’ll just need some time to talk with you before the project begins to determine your requirements.
  • Do I need to know anything about the systems I am exchanging data with?
    Not necessarily. DSS will work with both stakeholders to create the connection between systems. Our tool will join both ends to publish and share the data. For security purposes, we make sure that all partners that are sharing data understand how the data will be used and which security guidelines we will use to protect it.
  • Will I need to assign additional resources to support this service?
    DSS is a fully managed service. You don’t have to add or supplement existing staff or resources.
  • What happens if the data changes on one end?
    When a change occurs, DSS will recognize the change and automatically notify the publisher. We work with the system that has the conflicting data and bring it back into compliance. The data will not be delivered until compliance is restored. Because DSS offers 24/7 support and monitoring, we can keep track of when data is out of compliance and immediately begin to address the interruption. Assuming fast action is taken by the non-compliant exchange partner, we can restore the connection immediately.
  • What if I need to make changes on my end of the data exchange? Can it be done immediately?
    You can submit a change request form. We’ll quickly evaluate the request to determine the scope, effect and urgency, and the change will be scheduled. If you need to make a change immediately, DSS has tools that allow for adjustments or modifications to occur easily.
  • Are there any limitations to how much data I can share or consume?
    There are no limitations. Constraints are usually associated with business rules and security policies, along with the level of cooperation between exchange partners. There are no constraints with DSS’ actual connections, tools and underlying infrastructure.
  • What if my computing infrastructure is out-of-date? Will that prevent me from sharing or consuming data?
    In most cases, your infrastructure will not prevent you from data sharing. DSS takes care of the majority of the work within the middle layer between the systems. We prefer that you have in-house web servers to access the Internet. These servers are usually lower- to middle-range servers that run simple web service software and are compatible with web service “calls” from DSS. If you don’t have any in-house servers, there are other ways to establish connection points all based on industry standards.
  • How will I know that my data will be kept confidential?
    DSS will ensure that sensitive information is provided only to authorized systems. We monitor access controls at all levels and maintain all restrictions requested. Each Touchpoint is uniquely built and is not exposed to any other agency unless required.
  • What practices are used to ensure the data is not altered by any unauthorized party?
    All data is kept in the same condition (maintaining data integrity) as it was delivered, and is only modified by DSS if required by either exchange partner. DSS is designed to receive and deliver data to “known” sources only and ensures the data maintains its original state and purpose for authorized partners. Accountability is very important to us, and we provide many security checkpoints such as transaction audit logs, detailed receipts, and operation audits by certified security engineers. DSS also implements federal and state security requirements to ensure proper practices are being followed.
  • What are the costs associated with Data Sharing Services?
    Please see our pricing section for more information.
  • How stable is DSS?
    We stand by the industry standard Service Level Agreement (SLA) for web services of 98.5% availability and a 99.9% uptime for core services. Service interruptions are very rare, and we respond to support tickets immediately. Once an issue is reported, DSS works to correct the interruption as soon as possible.
  • How much control will I have over the actual data sharing operational process?
    As much or as little as you want. DSS provides a tool that allows you to view the system process live and make decisions on any data that did not follow the correct procedure. DSS can also automatically notify you with status updates if you choose not to monitor the system process.
  • What happens when we must comply with new standards, policies or guidelines?
    DSS can easily incorporate any mandated changes into your connection to meet new requirements thereby keeping the connection in compliance.
  • What if I need to make changes on my end of the data exchange? Can it be done immediately?
    You can submit a change request form. We’ll quickly evaluate the request to determine the scope, effect and urgency, and the change will be scheduled. If you need to make a change immediately, DSS has tools that allow for adjustments or modifications to occur easily.
  • Who should I contact if the data suddenly changes?

    When a change occurs, DSS will recognize the change and automatically notify the publisher. DSS offers 24/7 support and monitoring, and can be contacted with any problems through submitting our Support Form.