Terms of Service

1. Acceptance of Terms

Welcome to ScaleNodes! We're so happy you're here. By using our cloud platform services, you're agreeing to these friendly terms. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to us.

2. Description of Service

ScaleNodes provides cloud infrastructure services including:

• Web application hosting and deployment
• Managed PostgreSQL and MySQL databases
• Platform nodes for custom workloads
• Auto-scaling infrastructure
• SSL certificates and domain management
• Monitoring and backup services

3. User Accounts and Registration

To use our services, you should:

• Provide accurate registration information
• Keep your account credentials secure
• Be responsible for activities under your account
• Let us know if you notice any unauthorized use

4. Acceptable Use Policy

We trust you'll use our services responsibly. Please help us keep our platform safe and friendly by avoiding:

• Malware, viruses, or malicious code
• Spam or phishing activities
• Content that infringes others' rights
• Activities that harm our systems or other users
• Excessive resource usage that impacts others

5. Service Availability and Uptime

We aim to keep our services running smoothly with these uptime targets:

• Starter plans: 99.9% uptime target
• Basic plans: 99.95% uptime target
• Pro plans: 99.99% uptime target

We'll always let you know about scheduled maintenance in advance. Sometimes unexpected things happen (like internet issues or third-party problems), and while we'll do our best to keep everything running smoothly, we can't guarantee perfect uptime in those situations.

6. Billing and Payment

Here's how our billing works:

• Monthly billing with clear, upfront pricing
• Payment when you start using services, then monthly
• We accept credit cards and bank transfers
• Prices are in Kenyan Shillings (KES)
• We don't offer refunds for partial months
• If payment is late, we'll suspend service after 7 days
• We keep your data for 30 days after suspension

7. Privacy Policy and Data Handling

We care about protecting your data and are committed to transparency about how we collect, use, and protect your information.

7.1 Data Collection

We collect the following types of information:

• Account Information: Name, email address, billing information
• Usage Data: How you use our services, performance metrics, error logs
• Application Data: Your applications, databases, and content hosted on our platform
• Technical Data: IP addresses, browser information, device identifiers

7.2 Google API Data Access

If you choose to authenticate with Google, we access the following limited types of Google user data for authentication purposes only:

• Basic Profile Information: Name, email address, and profile picture (for account identification)
• Authentication Data: OAuth tokens for secure authentication and session management (tokens are not stored permanently)
• Account Verification: Google account status and verification information

Important: We do not access your Google Drive files, Gmail messages, Calendar events, or any other Google services data. We only use Google APIs for secure authentication to verify your identity and provide you with access to our platform.

7.3 Data Usage

We use your data for the following purposes:

• Providing and maintaining our cloud services
• Processing payments and billing
• Improving our services and developing new features
• Providing customer support and technical assistance
• Ensuring security and preventing fraud
• Complying with legal obligations
• Google API Data: Only used for authentication purposes to verify your identity and maintain secure access to your account

7.4 Data Sharing

We do not sell your personal data. We may share your information only in these limited circumstances:

• Service Providers: Trusted third-party services that help us operate our platform (e.g., payment processors, monitoring services)
• Legal Requirements: When required by law or to protect our rights and safety
• Business Transfers: In the event of a merger or acquisition (with notice to users)
• Google API Data: Never shared with third parties - only used internally for authentication and account management purposes

7.5 Data Storage and Protection

We implement comprehensive security measures to protect your data:

• End-to-end encryption for data in transit and at rest
• Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments
• Access controls and authentication systems
• Automated backups with geographic redundancy
• Compliance with industry security standards
• Employee training on data protection best practices
• Google API Data: Profile information stored using the same security standards as all other user data. OAuth tokens are not stored permanently and are only used for session management

7.6 Data Retention and Deletion

Our data retention policies:

• Account Data: Retained while your account is active and for 30 days after cancellation
• Usage Logs: Retained for 12 months for security and service improvement purposes
• Billing Records: Retained for 7 years as required by law
• Google API Data: Profile information deleted immediately upon account cancellation or when you revoke access permissions through your Google account. OAuth tokens are not stored and therefore do not require deletion
• Data Deletion Requests: You can request deletion of your data at any time by contacting us at [email protected] or using our account deletion form
• Account Deletion Process: Account deletion requests will be processed within 30-45 days of receipt. We may contact you to confirm your identity through email for security purposes. Upon account deletion, all personal data will be permanently removed from our systems, except for your email address which we retain solely to prevent duplicate account creation. All other data, including applications, databases, and usage logs, will be permanently deleted.

7.7 Your Rights

You have the following rights regarding your data:

• Access your personal data
• Correct inaccurate information
• Delete your data (subject to legal requirements)
• Export your data in a portable format
• Opt out of marketing communications
• Revoke Google OAuth authentication at any time through your Google account settings or our platform

7.8 Account Deletion and Data Removal

You have the right to request deletion of your account and associated data at any time. Our account deletion process is designed to ensure security while respecting your privacy rights.

Deletion Request Process

To request account deletion, you may:

• Submit a request through our account deletion form: Account Deletion Form
• Contact us directly at [email protected]
• Use the account deletion option in your dashboard settings

Processing Timeline and Verification

Account deletion requests will be processed within 30-45 days of receipt. During this period:

• We may contact you via email to confirm your identity and verify the deletion request
• This verification process is required for security purposes and to prevent unauthorized account deletions
• Your account will remain active until the deletion process is completed

Data Removal Scope

Upon successful account deletion, the following data will be permanently removed from our systems:

• Personal Information: Name, profile information, and contact details
• Application Data: All hosted applications, databases, and associated files
• Usage Data: Performance metrics, error logs, and service usage history
• Authentication Data: Session data and login credentials (OAuth tokens are not stored)
• Technical Data: IP addresses, device identifiers, and browser information
• Support Data: Support tickets, communications, and feedback

Data Retention Exceptions

The following data may be retained for legitimate business purposes:

• Email Address: Retained solely to prevent duplicate account creation and maintain system integrity
• Billing Records: Retained for 7 years as required by applicable tax and accounting regulations
• Legal Compliance: Data required to be retained by law or for legal proceedings
• Security Logs: Anonymized security logs may be retained for fraud prevention and system security

Irreversibility of Deletion

Please note that account deletion is irreversible. Once your account and data are deleted:

• All hosted applications and databases will be permanently destroyed
• Data cannot be recovered or restored
• You will need to create a new account if you wish to use our services again
• Any custom domains or SSL certificates associated with your account will be released

Data Export Before Deletion

Before initiating the deletion process, we recommend exporting any data you wish to retain. We can provide data exports in standard formats upon request. Contact us at [email protected] to request a data export.

8. Support and Service Levels

We provide support based on your plan:

• Community Support: Documentation, forums, and community help
• Email Support: We'll get back to you within 24-48 hours on business days
• Priority Support: Faster response times with direct support channels

9. Service Changes and Cancellation

As we grow and improve, we might need to:

• Update or change services with 30 days notice
• Adjust pricing with 30 days notice to existing customers
• Suspend accounts if terms are violated
• Stop services for non-payment or misuse

You can cancel your account anytime through the dashboard - no hard feelings! We'll keep your data available for download for 30 days after cancellation, just in case you change your mind.

10. What We're Responsible For

We're a small startup doing our best to provide great service! While we can't be responsible for everything (like indirect damages or data loss), if something goes wrong on our end, we'll make it right up to what you've paid us in the last 12 months.

11. Who Owns What

Your apps, data, and content belong to you. Our platform and software belong to us. You give us permission to host and process your content so we can provide our services to you.

12. If We Have Issues

If we have any problems, let's talk it out first! We're a small team and we believe in resolving things through friendly communication. If we can't work it out together, we'll handle disputes through arbitration in Nairobi, Kenya.

13. Updates to These Terms

We might update these terms as we grow and improve our services. We'll always email you and post changes on our website with 30 days notice. If you keep using our services after changes, that means you're comfortable with the new terms.

14. Get in Touch

Questions about these terms or our services? We'd absolutely love to hear from you: