13 replies to this topic

[Spooky]

I will try to keep this one short, the ones I posted at Spoono and WebHostingTalk were a tad long.

Basically, for over a year now I have been planning on creating a Client Management System for webhosts, mainly webhosts on low budgets, low income, or general desire to use the script.

The script will be placed under the GNU license (for those of you who do not know what that means, basically open source and free). Yes, an open source, Client Management System, free of charge.

Sounds cheap, doesn't it?

Well lets put it this way... the features I plan to incorporate match those of leading ticket systems, such as ClientEXEC, Modern Bill, and WHMAP... meaning it will blow away the competitors, hopefully. And of course, to stress it some more, its freeeeeeeee.

Now here is my theory behind it... I want something that isn't immense with graphics and slow loading speeds... I want something that is XHTML and CSS valid, valid to web standards, uses strong PHP4 (5 possible, but I want to build on the most stable latest release, updates in future will lead to 5), uses a simple MySQL database, and uses Javascript and AJAX to create fun and useful pages.

I have come up with a simple Admin Panel design. You can kind of get a general idea of the features by looking to your left (yes, if you notice it does say CPanel / WHM Setup and Domain Registration, meaning the system does plan to allow customers to automatically have their accounts setup upon payment and their domain registered and beginning propagation off the bat).

So here it is, I know its only the design, but that is a major part in the system: usability. Also, if you click the titles of the boxes on the right, watch them collapse, hehe.

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http://www.hosterior...a/script/admin/

Username: guest
Password: X30rH

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Now don't go blabbing this off to your friends, this preview are for only those who take the time to find the three topics around the internet, or the people on my buddy lists.

Enjoy and be sure to comment... =)

[Donna]

ACP looks good but would prefer to see more of a working version, what was the response like on WHT?

When do you plan to have this completed?

[Spooky]

Donna, on Jun 8 2006, 12:28 PM, said:

ACP looks good but would prefer to see more of a working version, what was the response like on WHT?

When do you plan to have this completed?

On WHT I asked users to complete a survey for me and I got quite a few to actually fill it out. Basically the replies I got (I didn't ask for any), were fans of the idea and were very complimentary considering it is planned to be a free system.

Basically the mass majority of the features I hope to have done by beginning of July, and then through July there are three features that are going to take some work. I have to make it work with CPanel and WHM, I need it to use eNom's API to register domain names, and then there is another domain feature for those not wanting to use eNom (just as an alternative), which is hoped to run through SpoonoHost, and I need to enable it with the SpoonoHost server, their eNom, PayPal, and another separate script on their server that users can remotely connect to.

Hopefully to have it done by the end of July, but this is also working around daily clients that I do have. We will see.

If any one is interested on keeping up to date as I go along that will be the BETA version for the whole time, I will code outside of that folder but when a feature is ready new files will be uploaded. =)

[Matthew.]

Sounds much better than described to me previously Looks it too.

However you know my position right now.

[Matheus]

looks very good
Just one thing: add a header to it with a shortcut panel in it
but, the main thing is good and loads fast

[Spooky]

Myoto, on Jun 9 2006, 01:58 PM, said:

looks very good
Just one thing: add a header to it with a shortcut panel in it
but, the main thing is good and loads fast

What do you mean add a header? What do you do with.. a header? It is often the introduction to a website in my opinion, does this really need a header? If you think it will play a vital role in the usability aspect, please do share.

Although, what would a shortcut panel do in your opinion?

[Matheus]

Spooky, on Jun 9 2006, 09:13 PM, said:

Myoto, on Jun 9 2006, 01:58 PM, said:

looks very good
Just one thing: add a header to it with a shortcut panel in it
but, the main thing is good and loads fast

What do you mean add a header? What do you do with.. a header? It is often the introduction to a website in my opinion, does this really need a header? If you think it will play a vital role in the usability aspect, please do share.

Although, what would a shortcut panel do in your opinion?

a header gives a good aspect and it's good fot putting the shortcut panel

why the sortcut panel? it's good for adding a Search bar as we have here in P2L, also a category choser and account controls

but even if you don't use a header, the site will have a nice design
it's very good

[Spooky]

What do you mean good aspect? Aspect of the host? Well thats just the ACP... does the staff need to be reminded constantly of where they work? I wouldn't, because some people might hate their jobs... we don't want to cause any depression, would we? =P

Also, I don't really see the need of a search feature, unless they were searching through tickets or users, but a simple click of a button can take them straight to the search function, so I really don't see any need, you know? And the search feature I plan to offer is this.

There will be a link in the navigation, there at all times. They just click it, and a new box (such as the ones you see on the right) appears above all of the others. This box will be collapsable as all the others, but basically inside that box will be your beautiful search box, allowing you to search through Clients, Invoices, and Tickets.

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I don't mean to come off rude, just trying to get good ideas and thoughts, and yours is wonderful. And I am just explaining to you what I have thought already. If you can prove me wrong though, please do =). I am open to anything.

Edited by Spooky, 09 June 2006 - 04:55 PM.

[Dakota]

Well, Im all for it Spooky, if I come up with anything I'll post it for you.
I cant wait to see where this goes!

- Dakota

[Matheus]

spooky, it's ok
maybe you should keep it without the header
I just said that becouse a header is somthing natural to have in a website, to don't have one it's like a candy without a drawing at the package, the candy still there, but it's strange

BUT, I have to admit that I don't know nothing about an ACP or whatever it's that. Maybe you are doing the right way and i'm saying something really stupid

the decison is up to you, as you know more of the subject than me hehehe

[Donna]

Myoto a ACP is an administration panel that normally only the site owners get to see.

[Dakota]

Yeah, if it does have a header usually, its just for branding purposes. The main site isnt viewed here. Thats just the admin panel as Donna said.

[charlie]

just from my first impressions, this looks like it could be extemely promising!!! since there isnt any coding done yet i dont know if it will be succesfull or not, but it looks like you are really on the right track, and if you could implement the features that you have listed on there i think everyone is really gonna love you !

[Dakota]

charlie, on Jun 15 2006, 01:18 AM, said:

just from my first impressions, this looks like it could be extemely promising!!! since there isnt any coding done yet i dont know if it will be succesfull or not, but it looks like you are really on the right track, and if you could implement the features that you have listed on there i think everyone is really gonna love you !

Well, I've known Spooky for a while and he knows what he's doing coding wise! So trust me when I tell ya that he'll be able to start working on it, but remember there's always room for help if you know your programming.

The hardest part of this will be CPanel/ WHM integration.

This isnt my project to brag about though, so I dont want to give to much away, Im sure spooky will be around soon to fill in some more details.