Pro Hosting Questions

[Jacob]

You'd have to wait until these issues are fixed to have your forum transferred either way, so it's suggested that you don't pay for Pro Hosting just yet in order to be able to get the full function of the service.

[Trax]

You should stick with free hosting for now and upgrade once you know that all issues are resolved.

Just my opinion

[link]

Thanks Jaekob and Trax.
@Trax: That was my plan. I figure there is no point in upgrading while staff or busy with getting everything back up to snuff. Just means more time to get my ducks in a row and minimize downtime during the changes I am planing!

I don't have any more questions for now. I'll keep this 'unsolved' in case I have any more randomly pop-into my head. Thanks everyone!

[link]

Hope I'm not being a pest. I was just wondering if there is a vague return date for purchasing pro hosting? I understand the uncertainty of technology and that the problems being experienced are being ...persistent... I was just curious if you guys have any idea at all. It'd help me and my site staff in planning our upgrade. If it takes a while we may just need to upgrade in 2 parts. Do what we can without prohosting, followed by the larger pieces which depend on on pro.
I do understand, however, that your priority is getting everything back to normal and that these things are difficult to find an end date for.



Thanks again for your time.
-sl

[Jacob]

Unfortunately, no, we don't have any estimates at this time. Sorry. It's all kind of up-in-the-air at the moment, as we're undergoing some internal changes (new personnel, staff member roles being switched up a bit, etc), in addition to the technological issues.

And also, no, you're not being a pest. That's what we're here for!

[link]

Okay, thank you for your response. We will look into possibly doing our upgrade in 2 phases then. Good luck figuring our your internal changes, etc.

[link]

Sorry for double-post, but it's been a few weeks so I figure it's okay.
I was just wondering if any progress has been made to beginning pro-hosting transfers again. The other question (the main one I came here for today ) was do we have to continue running SMF on pro hosting. I know it's "unlimited" but since this is smfnew, I wanted to make sure.

Thanks,
-sl

[Jacob]

No updates on the internal issues at the moment, sorry. However, you can use any forum software you wish on Pro Hosting. SMF is recommended, but you can use any of the popular PHP/SQL-based forum software such as MyBB, PHPBB, or even paid ones such as vBulletin, as long as they're legally obtained.

[Mstcool]

Plus I believe you can even have a homepage on your website with pro-hosting and stuff.

[Trax]

@sL

You get a hosting environment like any other web host offers, you can host more or less what you like providing it is legal, whether it be php, html or any other kind of scripts that are designed to work in a shared Linux hosting environment.

They are a few exceptions though.
Scripts that use high CPU such as chat scripts, gaming scripts etc.. are not allowed.

The pro hosting accounts are full of features just like any other web host, here's a demo of the control panel to give you an idea of what you get.

[link]

Thanks for the replies everyone!
Jaekob: Thanks for the clarification. We're looking at a switch to MyBB as a possibility. Our test site was recently suspended because the webhost was a bit of a scam (think 3 numbers to start and you'll know what I'm talking about... ) - so we are going to try SMF, MyBB and possibly phpBB. Legally obtained shouldn't be a problem - I'm not big on the stealing thing.

Mstcool: This is something we're looking into as well, add some "spice"

Trax: Thanks for the info. It's nice to know it's a standard hosting environment. Chat scripts was something I was considering, but not being allowed is not a deal breaker. It's not really required.

Again, thanks everyone. The info is appreciated!
-sl

[Jacob]

Well, you still have the shoutbox in SimplePortal that you can use if you download it. And also, just a note that MyBB isn't really good at optimising code so it could cause your forum to run slowly. It doesn't affect everyone, but that's the primary reason why we removed MyBBNew from our service list.

[Trax]

@sL

If i'm honest you would have issues using a chat script with any web hosting company.
Your only allowed to use a X amount of cpu for a very small number of seconds (Example : 10% for 20 seconds) and chat scripts exceed that minimum allowed time.

[link]

My site staff have discussed and we decided that we would stay with SMF. Partly for performance, partly for the familiarity. With all the changes going on with our planned upgrade staying the course on SMF, at least for now, makes the most sense. Also with regards it chat I have officially decided that chat isn't going to go through, due to hosting and no desire to manage it.

Trax: Experienced that problem with another site I am staff of, hosting has proven to be an issue, but they have found something that works well enough.

Just another quick question. I can't remember if I have asked this (if I have, sorry ) Are payments automatically renewed or not? If not, do we get a renewal notice? I would hate to forget and end up being offline for a few days until payment goes through again.

Thanks again!
-sl

[Trax]

This will need confirming by Admins just be 100% sure.

Has far as i'm aware you would automatically be invoiced between 7 to 14 days before payment is due, also because we use paypal you should be able to set up a subscription with us.

[Jacob]

I recall that as well. Honestly, that's not a question that comes up often, but I think I might have to add it to the FAQ list on the Wiki.

I do believe you get an automatic invoice a week or two in advance as Trax has said.