Thread

Is there a limit on the number of websites I can apply EE to?

No, the license is per installation, although we typically recommend the MSM for multiple sites.

ok thanks, so I can use a single license for multiple sites.  I’m new to EE, what is MSM, is that the multiple site manager feature?

Bill

That would be to Multiple Site Manager, yes.

Welcome to the forums, BillMac!

so I can use a single license for multiple sites

No, as per our license, a license is good for a single installation.

The MSM is appropriate if you own all of the sites and they are related.  You can read about it here.  However, you may not use EE to host sites for third parties, and that restriction includes the MSM.

In terms of EE licensing, what is the difference between hosting sites for third parties and using a site (which you own) to provide services to third parties?

JohnD - there’s a world of difference; I would strongly recommend that you email sales with your projects specifics so we can discuss it privately.

Thanks!

ok so I have to buy a license for each third party I build and host a site for, right?

Bill

Correct. =)

thanks Lisa..and I would match the license to my client’s business?  for example I’m working on a site supporting a higher education professional network…so that would be non profit since they are a 501(c)3.

Bill

Absolutely right, Bill.  There is also a Volume Discount Program.  Each software purchase you make on the same expressionengine.com account is logged so that as you meet milestones as indicated below you will automatically receive the discount. The discount plan is cumulative, allowing you to purchase what you need today and still receive a discount when you meet any of the milestones at a later date. Please note that the volume discount plan only applies to ExpressionEngine and ExpressionEngine module purchases. It does not apply to 30-day demo sign-ups.

Volume Discount Milestones:

3+ purchases, 10% off
6+ purchases, 15% off
10+ purchases, 20% off
15+ purchases, 25% off
20+ purchases, 30% off
30+ purchases, 40% off
40+ purchases, 50% off

Depending on how your host sets up the server and your account, you can easily run multiple web sites from a single EE installation using a path.php file, index.php file in each site’s root directory, and all site’s root directories at at the same level so the domain can be pointed appropriately. Each site can have its own content, its own template groups and templates, and separate weblogs. Organization gets messy as it can be quite complex. MSM does a far better job of segregating the sites for very little extra cost.

Thanks for the info Ronnie.  I don’t think I would be aligned with the terms of the license though if I could do what you suggest.  My sites are very definitely targeted to distinct clients. Based on Lisa’ guidance I need to buy individual licenses for each site I support.

Bill

Bill, actually it’s a single installation of EE for sites you run, which is the way I’ve set it up; all perfectly legit, though a bit complex since the server has to be able to move content between domains/directories. But it works very well—just messy.

Bill, actually it’s a single installation of EE for sites you run, which is the way I’ve set it up; all perfectly legit, though a bit complex since the server has to be able to move content between domains/directories. But it works very well—just messy.

Hmm, I’m not sure if that is legal.  Could someone from EL please chime in on the legality of what RonnieMC describes?  Running a subdomain of your site under that method would be legal. But, if you’re running completely different sites from one license, I can see how that would be.

Correct me if I’m getting this wrong, but are you saying that if I have a personal website, a business website and hobby website (all created and owned by me but with different design and content), I only need one license (granted it would be the Commercial once with the business example)?  I have a hard time believing that.  That setup sounds like a perfect MSM situation.