Thread

Hi there - I’m looking to better understand the capabilities of Multiple Site Manager.  Basically I’m trying to determine if it can handle a project I’ve been presented.  I have an independent mortgage broker that owns 40 different domains.  He wanted to set up 40 “different” sites that are really largely the same - basically the same content, but if you come in from Domain A, Domain A’s logo, header graphic and intro page content are presented.  If you come in through Domain B, same customization t that site, and so forth.  All 40 sites, however, may include the same blog content, video content, etc.  It’s just that he wanted to have 40 sites have the same structure, and share several channels of content.  Is this something MSM is or can be used for?  I’m quite comfortable with EE now, but I’ve not yet tackled an MSM project, so I’d be going in a little blind on this one.  I’d appreciate your thoughts.

Thanks,
John

Hi, John,

Yes, this is something the MSM can handle.  You will essentially create the first Site exactly how you want it; then duplicate that for each of the other Sites - and customize appropriately.  Each domain will need its own folder that will hold index.php, with that MSM Site’s information.

You could use the same templates for the most part, by using cross-site Embeds, and customizing the needed elements per Site.

The MSM is included in our refund policy so you can try it out and see what you think; and if you feel it won’t work out, simply request a refund.

However - from what you describe, the MSM does sound like a good fit.

Thanks, Lisa.  So is MSM easy to configure to have site A land here, site B land here, etc?  Newbie question I know, but my first forray into MSM.  One other question - is MSM based on 2.1 or 1.6?

So is MSM easy to configure to have site A land here, site B land here

Well you would do this by domain.  You have the domain point to a folder on the server (under the same account as your primary installation), copy index.php to that folder (EE 2), and modify it to call that Site.

Then the user just goes to the right domain, and the right Site is served up.

MSM is only supposed to cover 3 sites, i understand.  Does this site fall into a grey area in some way, being that it’s one site (more or less) with a find and replace mentality on key identifying pieces of content, with the rest being the same site to site?

EE + MSM includes 3 Sites; Additional Sites can be purchased at any time.

As long as all of the Sites have the same owner and are not for third-parties (e.g. clients) - you should be fine. If you want to make sure, then send a detailed project break-down to sales and we can work with you on that.

Gotcha.  So is MSM an extended functionality of the current EE 2.1?  Or is it an entirely different version of EE? I notice it’s labeled as an add-on for EE 1.X - but 1.X licenses are no longer available, is that right?

Technically it’s an “expansion”. It is available for both 1.x and 2.1.

MSM is an add-on to EE; the only Expansion we currently have.

When you purchase the MSM you receive download and usage rights for either the EE 1 or EE 2 compatible version.

Ok, great. Thanks again Lisa.  Now the difficulty is hosting - not too many places setup out of the gate to handle 40 domains cost effectively - I’ve spoken to Engine Hosting so hopefully i can get something worked out - if it weren’t for the 40 domains, this would be a really tiny site - the mortgage broker is in a small market - Halifax, NS, Canada - so i don’t suspect his site is going to be very high traffic and a couple hundred per month for hosting due to the number of domains may not get the project off the ground.  But I’ll see if this project shakes loose and then I may have some questions to pose in Codeshare. 😊

Thanks,
John

My pleasure, John!