Hi There,

We are looking to develop a standalone application that will be cross platform compatible that can talk to ANY (feasible) control panel, payment gateway, and a selection of domain registrars. The app would have the ability to work offline, then sync to your servers (ie. you could run your web hosting company on your laptop if need be).

It would contain strong billing component, and function in a similar way to easyPSA or ModernBill, but with more flexibility.

There is lots more to it, but we would like to know the community's thoughts.

Regards
Battman21

Awesome idea. How much will it cost? When will it be ready?

Originally posted by wormie
Awesome idea. How much will it cost? When will it be ready?

Er, since they're still *planning* it, it probably won't even be anywhere near production stage until 3Q-4Q 2003. Something of that magnitude could even spill into 1Q 2004.

Not at all .. we will / are using a very quick to deploy platform. Depending on user feedback (including this post!) on what people want to see in such an app will depend ono total delivery time, but our aim is mid next year for a working core app. Design has been underway for a while, but we want to see what user's are loooking for.

Thanks

Well, I would suggest taking the time to test. A program this complex involves a lot of coding and there are rooms for errors. Its better to take your time then release crap. :)

We know ;) We have learnt . We know the industry quite well & are not keen to release crap either!

Cheers

Since the app will work offline, I assume you're considering some sort of "rich" client interface. If I were you I'd examine the viability of this aspect very carefully before proceeding. This decision can make or break a project. I know of several enterprise applications that crashed and burned simply because the developers did not study the usability (or lack) of rich client interfaces.

In any case, I like how you're striving for compatibility. Abstraction is a noble pursuit. Good luck with it.

Good luck on the development of the product :)

[i]
Since the app will work offline, I assume you're considering some sort of "rich" client interface. If I were you I'd examine the viability of this aspect very carefully before proceeding. This decision can make or break a project. I know of several enterprise applications that crashed and burned simply because the developers did not study the usability (or lack) of rich client interfaces.

Very true.. that is why we are looking at getting as much input and as many ideas from the web hosting community as possible. we have put a lot of design thought into it already and have a good path to walk.. we are after features that the web hosting community would like to see in their billing & automation software.

Thank you for any input from anyone.. it is much appreciated.

I am definitely in the market for a billing system, running on UNIX, capable of supporting a web-hosting business & preferably domain name renewals, 50,000 accounts.

I welcome any information you, or any solution a member of this list may have on a solution.

http://www.netregistry.com.au

giles,

Contact me via a personal message.. i am sure we can help you out.

Regards,

Battman21