Hi all,

This idea popped into my head and was just wondering what you guys think of it.

Basically, I could get a dedicated server and host phpManager accounts on it. This would eliminate any need to install the scripts and would also mean that your account will be updated with the latest scripts automatically i.e No more setup errors or compatibility issues.

All variables, plans and payment processors would be setup via a control panel thus making it even easier to use. If you require to integrate it with WHM for auto-setup, then this would be a simple matter of selecting an option on the control panel (WHM is url based, thus it doesn't matter where you use phpManager from). Same goes with themes/languages. There will be an option to change these and upload access to specified folders. As upload access will be restricted, the security risk will also be minimised, especially where script-kiddies are concerned. You will not have the same shared server concerns as you may have just now. SSL would also be a possibility.

Another advantage of this is that it would provide you with an off network support system. The advantages of this are obvious. ALL webhosts require an off network website to provide support etc. Not only will this allow you to do so, phpManager comes bundled along with it :D

Before I can start planning all this, I need the opinions and suggestions from you guys/gals.

What other things am I missing (I know there must be some)? Would you be interested in this type of arrangement? If so, how much would you be willing to pay?

In case you were wondering, the scripts will still be offered as a standalone product as they are just now, with updates etc available via the forum.

P.S Chicken, if this is in the wrong forum, I apologise. Please can you move it to the relevant section if it is :D

Personally I would never store my customer info in a place I don't control myself.

On the other hand, I agree with you on the benefits. Maybe you should consider offering all things separately. I mean, the support thing might be sellable by itself.

Shouldn't you post this in the ad forum, since its a survey on a commercial product?

Just a reminder.

Peter

I agree with ASPcode.net, I would not store customer data on another server that is not my own .

Just a suggestion, what you are offering seems to be similar to ubersmith. You may want to check out their site as reference.

Any idea how long it will takes you to get this service to the market?

Peter

Not for everyone, but always advisable to have multiple means of utilizing your product. I think too many software companies (Control Panel people read this), turn away a large portion of their potential clientele by only offering one option (i.e., buy only or lease only). Ubersmith has been somewhat successful with a plan similar to what you're discussing. However, you, in offering it both ways, could easily increase your market share.

It’s the fact of trying to trust a new company or if your not a company then it makes it even harder to trust you with clients addresses and credit card’s.

Originally posted by Locutus
Hi all,


Basically, I could get a dedicated server and host phpManager accounts on it. This would eliminate any need to install the scripts and would also mean that your account will be updated with the latest scripts automatically i.e No more setup errors or compatibility issues.



Bad bad bad idea, what if your server is down? What if I don't want the latest scripts untill they've been tested by others? Bugs appear in any piece of software...


All variables, plans and payment processors would be setup via a control panel thus making it even easier to use. If you require to integrate it with WHM for auto-setup, then this would be a simple matter of selecting an option on the control panel (WHM is url based, thus it doesn't matter where you use phpManager from). Same goes with themes/languages. There will be an option to change these and upload access to specified folders. As upload access will be restricted, the security risk will also be minimised, especially where script-kiddies are concerned. You will not have the same shared server concerns as you may have just now. SSL would also be a possibility.



This would kill the flexibility that makes your product nice....



Another advantage of this is that it would provide you with an off network support system. The advantages of this are obvious. ALL webhosts require an off network website to provide support etc. Not only will this allow you to do so, phpManager comes bundled along with it :D



mhheh...



Before I can start planning all this, I need the opinions and suggestions from you guys/gals.

What other things am I missing (I know there must be some)? Would you be interested in this type of arrangement? If so, how much would you be willing to pay?



I would probably not be interested... I like the way it is now, where I can customise it to what I want.... besides, buying it right away is much cheaper as well for me...



In case you were wondering, the scripts will still be offered as a standalone product as they are just now, with updates etc available via the forum.


P.S Chicken, if this is in the wrong forum, I apologise. Please can you move it to the relevant section if it is :D
D'oh! :) Now I read this part... well, I think it's still not a great idea... work on it, improve it, then get back to us :)

dhabets, don't be so harsh on the idea. If ubersmith can do it, he also has *a chance* to do it.

Of course he will have to work for it, and provide good service, in order to succeed.

I think if locutus can work out the details, for example, backup server, data backup, good and responsive service.... This could turn out to be a real competitor to ubersmith and a real good service to web hosting industries).

Peter

Originally posted by ckpeter
dhabets, don't be so harsh on the idea. If ubersmith can do it, he also has *a chance* to do it.



Of course he will have to work for it, and provide good service, in order to succeed.



I think if locutus can work out the details, for example, backup server, data backup, good and responsive service.... This could turn out to be a real competitor to ubersmith and a real good service to web hosting industries).



Peter

Peter, I didn't mean to sound harsh, of course he can do it, but he definetely needs to work out some details...

but even though Ubersmith does it, I still don't have to like it :)

Hi ya,

I have a license for phpManager, so I have seen the discussion on Locutus' forums.

There will basically be 2 options;
Downloadable client version
Hosted solution

So no matter what you all think, there is still an option to suit you. I think it seems like a good idea - and he has always said he would get a server at a respectable host like VO/Pwebtech etc as well as full daily backup (he even suggested backups every 3-4 hours).

In some ways, it would be more suited to those people with 1 or 2 servers... I mean, if your server went down - clients would have nowhere to go. Locutus' idea was that you can have your billing/support site with him, so if your server goes down people can still get hold of you and can still sign up etc.

Also, phpManager will soon get to a stage where nothing else needs doing to it, so Locutus has to look at other ways to sell the product, and this method is like the next step.

--James

I have some questions for those who are concerned about this service.
Specifically, there seems to be a lot of concern about trusting other companies with your customers' data, and about the reliability of other companies. Correct me please if these are not the main concerns of those who are criticizing this service.

Now, my question is, why are you concerned about this? Aren't you already keeping your customers' data on your servers, on the servers of whoever is doing your payment processing, your servers are at your data center (so everyone there has access to it too), etc. :confused: Why is one more company, especially one that doesn't really care about the details of your customers' data, such a big deal?

Hi all,

Server downtime will of course be kept to the minimal, thus the reason for opting for a reliable provider. Backups will be made to ensure no data is lost.

In regards to the updates, this is one of the reason why offering both phpManager options is beneficial. I would not install an update on the server if it was of serious detriment to the performance of the accounts. I will also be allowing specific users to access the test account to test the updates before they are released.

In regards to customer data, UnifiedCons is correct in saying that the phpManager team are in no way interested in your data other than to safeguard it to the fullest extent. You say that you would not store customer data on any other server other than your own, but let me ask you a question. Do you have your customer data on its own dedicated server WITHOUT any other users other than your company using the server? If you don't, your data is more at risk where it is just now than if it is on the phpManager server.

In regards to credit card storage, we do not and will not provide this specific function in phpManager. Credit card info is just TOO sensitive to store online, no matter what security is in place. It is just not worth the risk.

As mentioned in the first post, this is a new idea (not new as in already available), thus we still have a lot of planning ahead and don't have a schedule yet for this service.

Finally, please keep the comments coming. We really appreciate it. Without feedback, phpManager would not have been so successful in such a short period of time :D

Regards,

Locutus