View Poll Results: Which billing management software do you prefer?
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- 107. You may not vote on this poll
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ModernBill
41 38.32% -
Whois.Cart
51 47.66% -
ClientExec
15 14.02%
Results 1 to 25 of 47
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03-16-2004, 01:28 PM #1Junior Guru Wannabe
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Which Billing System is better...?
I am wondering which billing system is better or what type of experiences have you all had with the following billing software:
1.) ModernBill
2.) Whois.Cart
3.) ClientExec
Be open and honest about your experiences. Does the billing software you use have things lacking, does it not meet a certain need? Did you change from one to another? Did you have good or bad experiences with the support staff, and what type of merchant support do they have, etc?
I want to take as much information in as possible before making a final purchase.Last edited by bawalker; 03-16-2004 at 01:32 PM.
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03-16-2004, 03:49 PM #2Aspiring Evangelist
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I wish these polls allowed you to do multiple choice
Here are my recommendations in order of preference:
#1 - ModernBill - this is the most complete and feature packed option we have found. It is one of the more expensive options but you get what you pay for and ModernBill will pretty much do anything you need it to. It is the option that best fit our company needs.
#2 - Whois.Cart - this product is VERY well done and has very good support. The team behind it is very talented and they are working hard to produce one of the best options on the market. And, the price can not be beat! It offers control panel integration for all widely used panels and modules for the most widely used payment gateways and domain registrars. If it had just a few more features that we need, we would be using this.
#3 - ClientExec - this product has a great deal of potential in the future but lacks alot of features at the current time. No control panel integration and limited features. ClientExec would be a great option for those who do not need any automation of client account controls. Falls short of OUR needs but can be very usefull for others.
There is also ServNetix (http://servnetix.com) which would fall in the same category as ModernBill as far as options and features but it is not as widely known. The team behind it is very professional and I have had several phone conversations with the president of the company who is very knowledgeable and very easy to talk to (they are in the same city we are).Worth looking into also if you are interested in a "complete" solution.
Another option to consider if you do not need client account control automation would be phpcoin (http://phpcoin.com). I haven't tested any of the newer versions but last time I looked it was a very nicely programmed script with alot of features in the billing and ordering systems plus it has the ability to be customized and used as your entire website or integrated into an existing site. And the price can't be beat - FREE.
I hope my input helps. Good luck in your choice!
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03-16-2004, 03:59 PM #3WHT Addict
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Why is WHM AutoPilot on the poll. I vote for them.
Freckle Face
http://frecklefacehosting.com
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03-16-2004, 04:08 PM #4Junior Guru Wannabe
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Originally posted by Freckled
Why is WHM AutoPilot on the poll. I vote for them.
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03-16-2004, 04:19 PM #5WHT Addict
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Well yes that does narrow down the field some. Can't help you out then as I don't use the others.
Freckle Face
http://frecklefacehosting.com
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03-16-2004, 10:36 PM #6Junior Guru Wannabe
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i say whoiscart. They have the best customer service and not only that the features they are adding all the time. Always doing updates. Should see what will be here with version 3
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03-16-2004, 10:52 PM #7Web Hosting Master
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ModernBill has the most features and best interface and coding in my opinion.
There have been quite a few debates on this topic, try a search to learn a bit more...CybexHost.com - Shared and Reseller Hosting Solutions on cPanel/WHM Linux Servers
ModernTweak.com - Discount ModernBill Licenses, Hosted Installations, and Professional Services
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03-17-2004, 01:23 AM #8Junior Guru Wannabe
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Originally posted by cybexhost
ModernBill has the most features and best interface and coding in my opinion.
There have been quite a few debates on this topic, try a search to learn a bit more...
Hope this helps you make up your mind!
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03-17-2004, 10:05 AM #9Aspiring Evangelist
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Whois.Cart is definitely going to be a contender in the marketplace once they release V3 if it has all of the features that are planned. With the core engine they have built in V2 and the modules they already have in place, V3 is going to be a very powerful product without a doubt.
But, to say it is better than ModernBill or ServNetix as it is NOW would be a stretch.
DreamWareXp, The thing to keep in mind is, in your own words:...the new version 3 of whoiscart will have all those features...
We have been involved with Whois.Cart for quite a while, having provided the test server for their DirectAdmin integration module before it was released and having tested the script ourselves. Plus, we have other business arrangements with Saeven. There is no doubt that it is the best product on the market when you consider value for investment. Their $35 unlimited license is, in my opinion, very under-priced for the quality of the product. Given the features and abilities of Whois.Cart, they could easily demand the same price that ClientExec is getting and be giving more than you would get with ClientExec.
Whois.Cart is still in it's early stages. Once they release V3 it will very likely take the market by storm if it does have the features it is lacking and they keep the pricing the same... or even if they raise it to a more deserved level.
As I said in my original post, I wish the poll allowed more than one choice. I went on to say that Whois.Cart is my #2 recommendation and if it had ALL of the features we needed, it would easily be #1 in my list. As much as I personally love Whois.Cart and the people behind it, we couldn't afford to wait for V3 or higher before we put a system in place. We had to make a move now so ModernBill is the way we went. That is NOT a reflection on the quality of Whois.Cart or it's developers. It is only a reflection of the features available AT THIS POINT. I have nothing but praise for the product and the team behind it!
I know Alex is watching this thread ( ) and he knows how I feel about Whois.Cart itself. I am a huge fan of the project and I am amazed at the progress they have made in the past 3 months alone. You will not see me say anything negative about Whois.Cart other than it does not YET have some features that may be a necessity for some companies. I look forward to future releases!
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03-17-2004, 10:27 AM #10Junior Guru Wannabe
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Two_A_T - Let me ask you this since you have much more experience with any of the billing management software or control panel software than I do. Being that I am just starting out hosting within the next few weeks and all I need at first is something to handle payments and do recurring billing on a set time schedule and integrate with DirectAdmin (I'm leaning towards them) I'm assuming Whois.Cart would do for me just fine? Just standard credit card billing users for set plans is the most important item on my list. Right now I don't need all of the massive options and features at least until I get my feet on the ground and can build with a customer base that I have.
Speaking of which, what ARE some of the features that seperate ModernBill and Whois.Cart which version 3 should have? I'm definately interested in knowing to plan for the future.
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03-17-2004, 12:07 PM #11Aspiring Evangelist
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bawalker,
First, let me say that you are heading the right direction by considering DirectAdmin! It is the only panel we offer
Second, based on your situation from what you said, I would highly recommend Whois.Cart to you. It is a very powerful tool and not too complicated to set up. In your position, you can afford to start with it and by the time you need the additional features it may lack, the new versions will be out to offer them and you can simply upgrade.
ModernBill is a very complicated piece of software with time consuming setup and configurations (we're still getting it configured). Whois.Cart is not nearly as complicated to set up and configure so you can be up and running fairly quickly.
Some of the things that Whois.Cart was missing that we needed:
1. Detailed Reporting (multiple types) with Excel export ability
2. The ability to designate acceptable payment forms based on product (allowing one form of payment on one item and a different form of payment on another) and even designate different payment gateways based on product or transaction type
3. Ability to generate individual invoices for other services
4. Ability to offer add-ons and account upgrades within the system
5. Bandwidth monitoring and charging
6. Built in affiliate system (new MB feature) that will give clients a credit if they refer a new sign up
7. Built Support Desk (Trouble Tickets and FAQ system)
8. Built in detailed accounting system and register
9. Multiple Admin levels with restrictions (good for employees)
10. Built in tools such as Tracert, Ping, NS Lookup, ARIN Whois, MX Record lookup, IP to Hostname, Hostname to IP, subdomain search.
There are a few other misc features but those are the main ones. I know many of these are planned for Whois.Cart V3 or very shortly after that.
Since you are just starting out and will most likely not need the features above until you are established and have a larger client base, you can easily use the existing features in Whois.Cart and grow as it does. Also, when you are just starting out, cost is most likely a major factor. With Whois.Cart's price and the features you get for it, you can't lose!
I hope my input helps
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03-17-2004, 12:36 PM #12Junior Guru Wannabe
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Your input *definately* helps. For the longest time I had browsed these forums and just saw alot of "this is better" "that is better" but nothing ever outlining major differences between products. For control panels I had been debating between Ikonware and DirectAdmin. I was really swayed to D.A. after reading a post regarding the programming behind Ikonware and concerns over it requiring to run apache as root. That is outright scary to think about if that is the case. Plus I emailed Mark at DA and he has been more than helpful and very informative on helping me get the info I need. Plus we even had a feature request discussion with him regarding a SpamAssassin module/plugin for DA.
Anyway below are some inline quotes to the billing software...
Originally posted by Two_A_T
Second, based on your situation from what you said, I would highly recommend Whois.Cart to you. It is a very powerful tool and not too complicated to set up. In your position, you can afford to start with it and by the time you need the additional features it may lack, the new versions will be out to offer them and you can simply upgrade.
1. Detailed Reporting (multiple types) with Excel export ability
2. The ability to designate acceptable payment forms based on product (allowing one form of payment on one item and a different form of payment on another) and even designate different payment gateways based on product or transaction type
3. Ability to generate individual invoices for other services
4. Ability to offer add-ons and account upgrades within the system
5. Bandwidth monitoring and charging
7. Built Support Desk (Trouble Tickets and FAQ system)
6. Built in affiliate system (new MB feature) that will give clients a credit if they refer a new sign up
8. Built in detailed accounting system and register
9. Multiple Admin levels with restrictions (good for employees)
10. Built in tools such as Tracert, Ping, NS Lookup, ARIN Whois, MX Record lookup, IP to Hostname, Hostname to IP, subdomain search.
Speaking of V3, when is it due? If it's due by midyear or a bit later that'd be great because I would be hopefully expanding to more servers by that time.
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03-17-2004, 01:13 PM #13New Member
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Whois Cart all the way
Their support is great & their are always members to help put
looking forward to v3 & my free update
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03-17-2004, 02:56 PM #14Aspiring Evangelist
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Originally posted by bawalker
Speaking of V3, when is it due? If it's due by midyear or a bit later that'd be great because I would be hopefully expanding to more servers by that time.
Originally posted by bradhost
Their support is great & their are always members to help put
looking forward to v3 & my free update
I am also looking forward to V3 and the proposed feature upgrades it should have.
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03-17-2004, 05:20 PM #15Build It Better!
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I have two big problems with ModernBill. The first is that their support is about non-existent. The best support they have is from the users in the forums and ModernBill CHARGES you to access those forums.
The second problem is their very public entry into the Hosting business. I don't know about any of you, but I don't want to be branding my competitor in the Client Management system I use..
We chose Whoiscart for many reasons, the main reason is simplicity. We don't want or need all the crap that comes with overbloated systems like ModernBill, we have other systems in place for that already. We want to take payments with our Merchant account, buy domains through our registrar and anything else is really not essential for us.
I think Whoiscart has a great future, but as they exist right now they are perfect for us...
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03-17-2004, 10:06 PM #16Junior Guru Wannabe
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I will say this TOW_A_ T your right. You hit it on the nail!
bawalker it already supports multiple servers. Second just to let you know a help desk is in the workings for it also. I would agree in your situation i would use whoiscart. Maybe by the time you get ready version 3 will be out and you will be ready for the new features!
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03-17-2004, 10:20 PM #17Junior Guru Wannabe
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Thanks guys for all of the input. It looks like it'll be DirectAdmin and Whois.Cart for me at least costwise for the deciding factor. I may go HSphere years down the road, or if something else better comes out, but that is too far ahead to worry about.
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03-17-2004, 10:28 PM #18Junior Guru Wannabe
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Originally posted by bawalker
Thanks guys for all of the input. It looks like it'll be DirectAdmin and Whois.Cart for me at least costwise for the deciding factor. I may go HSphere years down the road, or if something else better comes out, but that is too far ahead to worry about.
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03-17-2004, 10:51 PM #19Junior Guru
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Whois.cart all the way. You can't beat the features you get for the price and support.
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03-18-2004, 12:32 AM #20New Member
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Originally posted by Two_A_T
The Saeven/Whois.Cart team is very quick to respond when there is a question or bug report. Probably the best support in the billing & management market.
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03-18-2004, 09:34 AM #21New Member
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Whois.Cart is absolutely fantastic.
I am still busy implementing it. But at this moment in time, I have a small customer base who mostly signed up on a simple bespoke order system I created a while back and they all seem happy at the moment. They will be even happier when I move them to the client section of Whois.Cart.
It is a must for any hosting company wanting to start out.
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03-18-2004, 12:34 PM #22Build It Better!
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Originally posted by Blue Dragon
One fact out of the box is that Alex is the one giving all-day support on the forums and that himself is the president/owner of Saeven Consulting...
Alex is the developer and main man at Whoiscart but there is certainly other qualified staff assisting him...
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03-18-2004, 01:32 PM #23Web Hosting Master
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Whoiscart > *
Support and features (price too) excellent.
I can't wait for ver. 3
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03-19-2004, 08:57 PM #24Junior Guru Wannabe
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Originally posted by Watcher_TVI
I have two big problems with ModernBill. The first is that their support is about non-existent. The best support they have is from the users in the forums and ModernBill CHARGES you to access those forums......
Now I was going to start using it expect that the support expired last year and I can't log to download security updates or the support forums unless I renew the license.
I send e-mail to MB asking 3 questions that I had, but the guy ignored all of them and include URL link that was not even working.
Instead of wasting my $30.00 on ModernBill renew I should go on and buy Whois.Cart.
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03-19-2004, 09:09 PM #25Build It Better!
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Originally Posted by iNCLiP