URLs and DNS entries

The ESB platform is accessed via a standard web browser. By default, each new installation is given a web address of https://esb-<customer_name>.servicebuilder.co.uk for the back-office, and if applicable https://selfservice-<customer_name>.servicebuilder.co.uk for the Self-Service portal. All the sites we provision will automatically be issued with SSL certificates that are trusted by all major browsers and mobile devices.

If you wish you can create a DNS entry under your own domain so that your users can use an address like https://selfservice.yourcouncil.gov.uk rather than our servicebuilder.co.uk address.

Creating a custom DNS entry

Please create a CNAME record (also known as an alias record) for your chosen DNS hostname and point it to lb.pentagull.co.uk.

We require the use of a CNAME record as there are circumstances where the IP addresses used to deliver the service may change, and use of a CNAME record means your DNS entry will automatically follow the updated IP addresses with no action required on your part.

You can verify the creation of your DNS entries using online tools such as dnschecker.org.

SSL certificates

We will automatically secure all provisioned web sites with SSL certificates issued by Lets Encrypt. These certificates are trusted by all major browsers and mobile devices. Once your DNS entry is in place we can obtain the certificate automatically. The renewal process is also fully automated so there is no danger of a certificate expiring.

If you wish to supply your own SSL certificate issued by a different certificate authority, please let us know as soon as possible so we can discuss the options with you for ensuring smooth operation and renewal.

If you choose to supply your own SSL certificate but do not elect to renew it when it expires, we will automatically revert to providing a Lets Encrypt certificate in order to minimise any disruption to your service.