Thread

Hi EE’ers,

Probably much like a lot of people here have done, I have just spent the last few weeks researching the many CMS systems out there looking for one that will work for me and my clients! Just when I think I’ve nailed it (no names!) I find EE from a link on the bottom of http://www.stuffandnonsense.co.uk/

From what I’ve read whilst trawling this very useful and extensive forum I think EE is going to be the one for me, I think I’ve finally made up my mind, so it’s time to commit and get stuck in and learn all I need to know.

My only dilemma now is which way to go, it will definitely be a commercial version as I plan to use EE for a clients new site (which they will pay for) and I have several others in the pipeline I could use EE for. But do I go for a hosted version with MSM on EngineHosting and add licenses as required or buy separate installs for each new client and host them somewhere suitable here in the UK?
Any info will be gratefully absorbed and I’m looking forward to the journey.

Hi, Chris,

First, welcome to our community!

There is no “hosted version” of ExpressionEngine, and it is actually against the license to host Sites for others.  The MSM is intended for related internet properties owned by the same person or company, like EllisLab.com.

When purchasing a license, however, you do so based on the intent of the Site the license is to be used for.  Two simple questions can help you determine what type of license you need.

1. Is the primary purpose of the site to make money?

2. Is the purpose of the site to support a legal business or professional service in any way?

If you answer yes to either of the above then you need a Commercial license.

So, for example, a non-profit taking donations, a personal site selling a t-shirt with the domain on it, etc… are all personal licenses. But a “brochure” style site about a business that doesn’t sell anything or display ads would still require a Commercial license since it supports a business.

So that you are developing the site does not matter in considering the license; but it is the site itself that decides the type of license.  We have developers that create many sites, some personal, some non-profit, some commercial, and therefore have purchased all different types of licenses.

Also, do not hesitate to have a look at our other support resources, as well as the video tutorials and getting started sections of the docs.  And of course, we always recommend trying before you buy.

Of course, you can always host them wherever you want, but you won’t find a host better than EngineHosting.  =)

I hope that helps to clarify the matter, post back if you have any other questions!

Hi Lisa,

Blimey, that was fast! OK so now I’m slightly confused, you say there is “no hosted version” so what’s EngineHosting all about then?
Here’s my scenario, I am a graphic designer, I’ve built a few smallish sites, I know some HTML and a little CSS (which I’m now getting into) and I want to up my game and offer my clients sites built using all the wonders of EE. So how do I go about this? Am I right in thinking that for each potential client I will need to buy an EE commercial license for them, design and set up the site and then if required pass over to the client for them to manage it? I’m also guessing that the cleanest and best way, would be to go the EngineHosting route and bill all the costs on to my client? or should I have read more in the forum perhaps!!! Thanks.

Hi, Chris!

By “hosted version” I should have been more specific: ExpressionEngine is always hosted somewhere; but there is no centrally managed, hosted version.  Every copy of ExpressionEngine is installed, on a web-host, and managed, updated, and handled by the owner (or developer for that site).  EngineHosting is an extremely high quality, amazing host; but you still have to handle script updates, maintenance, etc on your site.

Make sense?

Yes, for each site you will need to purchase a license - if a Client has multiple Sites, then they may be able to make use of the MSM - that is a case by case basis that you need to evaluate (and we can help with of course!).  However, they may not all be commercial - you purchase the license based on their site. So if you develop a site for a Church, you’d purchase a non-profit license. 

This forum thread on purchasing EE licenses recently discussed the merits of how to purchase those license (you buy and bill, or the client bills and sends you the files) - so it may be of interest to you.

Let me know if you have any other questions!

Hi Lisa,

Make sense?

Absolutely, thank you.

This forum thread on purchasing EE licenses recently discussed the merits of how to purchase those license (you buy and bill, or the client bills and sends you the files) - so it may be of interest to you.

Guess where I’m clicking to next then!

Thank you and I’m sure I’ll have some more questions at some point! I think I’ll probably do the 30 day demo.