Client Login System - Solution

It sounds theoratically ok, but… In practise customers not always are able to open zipped files. So just to make sure I would prefer an option for download as zip but rather download all the images not zipped but as original in on time. Yes the download will take a little longer but it will make sure that the customer will always see the image..

Yes that functionality is already built into the solution if I’m understanding you correctly. Currently the client system allows you to upload X number of images, which are all displayed on the clients project page, and are available for download by right click > save as. You can, in addition, provide a link to a zipped folder containing all of the images.

I was under the impression you wanted a way to build a zip on the fly based on what files they need. But now, I think what you need is what I have already developed.

No not right click save as. In case of 150 images I have to repeat that 150 times. That’s no customer service. I would like to be able to say “select all” and then press a download button and al the images will be downloaded. Not zipped, just 150 originals downloaded in one time..

Ahh well I’m afraid I have absolutely no idea how to accomplish that.

To my knowledge there is no way of downloading hundreds of images that aren’t in a zip in one download prompt. That’s why people use Zip files.

The only other way I know of deals with browser extensions.

Sorry, but I don’t think what your suggesting is either a) possible or b) feasible with current technologies.

If I use a ftp program I can select multiple images and press download..

I understand that it’s possible through FTP, but as far as general websites go, it doesn’t work like that, at least from my perspective.

To bad. That would be the most straight forward sollution..

If you really needed this functionality you have two options.

1) You could use FTP, which requires your clients to understand FTP, which given the fact that you said some are not able to unzip things, makes me hesitant to believe they would ever figure out FTP.

2) You upload the files in a zip like 99.9% of everyone else on the web and let them download, and give them instructions on how to unzip things.

I know its not the most ideal of choices, and I do sympathize with your unique situation. But unfortunately that’s the way it goes sometimes. Sorry I couldn’t be of more help.

EDIT:

Yes, the 99.9% comment is from empirical data and studies conducted by myself and the Internet Best Survey group.(IBS)

FTP is an option but to my opinion to complicated. That’s why we wanted a client login instead. ZIP is an option which is to my opinion a little complicated.

You have helped me a lot 😊 Thanks for sharing all the information, showing what’s possible and what is not, although it’s a bit of a dissapointment that something which sounds so simple (multiple file download) is apperently not possible, good luck with your sollution and please let me know when it’s finished as a installable addon for EE.

Just wondering: how come it is possible with Mark Huot’s file upload extension to upload multiple files in one time and on the other hand it is not possible to download multiple files in one time..Can you explain that?

Sure. Marks file upload solution uses javascript. What happens is when a user hits browse and selects a file, javascript inserts another upload field directly below it. You can then hit browse, select a file, and continue the process. You are still selecting one file at a time, however, you don’t have to upload and submit the entry until you have selected all the files you need.

Downloading files is a whole different beast. When downloading usually you are restricted to downloading one file at a time, in the sense that you can only click one link to download and open a save-as dialog before doing so again, opening another save dialog. Multiple downloads can run concurrently, however you have to click download or save as each time. FTP programs and browser extensions do allow functionality for multiple-image downloads concurrently, but I do not know how to trigger, for example, 10 image downloads at a single time without them being in some compressed single file format, ie. zip.

The best advice I could give you given my understanding of your project and client needs is to use a zip builder. Use my solution and output a checkbox next to each image on the page, then wrap it in a form. When the user hits submit, run some php to dynamically create a zip on the fly based on which images were selected, and have them download that file. This would allow only selected files to be downloaded.

The only downside to this is, as you mentioned, if your clients have trouble opening zip folders. Perhaps even putting a small explanation on the page on how to unzip the files would be helpful.

If you do decide to go with my route, I’ll be building a module to handle the client login system today. It’s my first module so it may take a day or two to complete, but I’m confident I’ll have a working and easy to use solution soon.

Back on topic, I’ve gone a bit further with this solution. Now integrated is the LG Member List addon. What I have done is change the {client_name} field to an LG Member List field. It outputs a list on the publish page with a dropdown multi select of members from the Clients group. On the page I verify the users logged in member ID matches an ID from the {client_name} field.

This update allows for a nicer overall interface on the backend of things, and also greater functionality. Now multiple users can access the same project, instead of assigning a client company one username/password. You can also restrict within a client’s organization who can access which project. I included this because sometimes clients have members of their teams who need access to certain projects, but not others.

Lastly, I’ve added PHPStringFun plugin to handle the checking of the actual {client_name} to see if it contains the logged in member id.

The new code looks something like this:

I’ll upload a new set of templates if anyone else is still interested in this.

I’m considering creating a streamlined approach through a module still, and have a fresh EE2.0 installation to play with as well, so expect updates. However until that time, this should help anyone needing a client area / access system.

Hi Alex,

I’m in need of a very similar, but slightly different, functionality, but I’m having trouble wrapping my mind around this. I need to have a “library” of assets, and specific users are allowed to see specific assets. I was thinking about setting this up with each asset being a weblog entry, using LG member list to be able to select members & groups that can see this asset.

I have some basic–possibly dumb and obvious–questions that you might be able to help me with. When a user logs in, which url are they directed to? Is the username in the url? Do you send each client their custom url, they’re prompted to login, and then the PHP verifies that the logged in information matches the username in the url?

THANKS so much for posting your solution.

Alex, I’m definitely interested in this, though at this point I’m using EE2, so I suppose I’d need to wait for your next iteration. From what you’ve done so far, I’m guessing it’s not yet EE2 compatible yet, right? Thanks!