Thread

I would like to set up a “demo” of EE for potential clients. Many clients to whom I mention EE haven’t heard of EE. They usually ask for WordPress, but I tell them that I have found a CMS that’s even better. I was thinking about installing a demo EE install in a sub-domain. My questions are:

1. Does EE already have a demo site ready for this purpose?

2. Do I need a separate EE license for this demo?

3. Is a sub-domain the best place to put a demo? Would there be an easier way to do this without setting up a separate EE install? Possibly still using a sub-domain?

4. Is there a way to have the install reset to a “default” install (customized by me with specific add-on’s, etc.) every 24-hours?

I’m open to other ideas on this. Thanks!

1) No, not that I’m aware of.
2) This is something you’d have to ask the sales team, but I expect you would yes. What I’ve done is buy a licence for EE that I consider my ‘development licence’, I use it on multiple installs locally/on my dev server, but when it comes to a client site that is going live, I buy another licence for each project.
3) A subdomain is a fine place to install it, and easier than a sub folder. I would also recommend a separate install, purely for security reasons.
4) This is tricky, and I don’t think there’s any way right now. However I guess you could get the site to a start you’re happy with, export the DB as a file on the server, then write a script which every 24 hours, takes that database file and overwrites the live DB. Not sure how to go about that though.

Hope that helps.

On #4, I think I may have to talk with my hosting company to see if they have any ideas. Thanks, Ben. This does help.

There is a demo @ http://expressionengine.com/cp_demo/index.php but it has the version 1.6.4 (a bit outdated you might say!)

Or you can try our demo @ http://webunder.com.au/weblog/expressionengine-2.1-demo/ instead

Thanks, Cem! This is useful. Does the demo reset to a “default” installation every so often?

Yes it does Adam

I use different add-ons to build EE sites. I would prefer if my clients see how their site will more accurately be created. How does the site reset itself? Does it reset the database as well? Thanks so much!

It does have a database reset Adam. What ad-dons do you normally use?

I like to use NavEE, similar to Structure, except I don’t know if Structure can make dynamic lists of the pages (as in sub-navigation). I also like to use Matrix. Could you tell me how the demo is reset?

Crontab runs every hour Adam

e.g.

0 * * * * mysql -u $user -p$pass yourdb < /path/to/dbbackup.sql

Structure can make dynamic lists, if you download the templates on that blog entry you can see how it’s constructed.

Sorry, Cem, I don’t understand more technical database code. I can set up MySQL databases, move them to a new server, and even open them to locate information. Other than that, DB’s get a bit confusing. If it’s easier, you could Skype or email me, and we could chat. My contact information is located in my profile. Just click on my name to the left.

I downloaded the templates. Structure looks pretty cool. Whether I would use it or NavEE, I guess would depend on the arrangement/needs of the website.

Thanks again for your work on the EE demo! This is great! 😊

To set that cron job you’ll need to speak to your hosting provider unless you have e.g. shell access to the server.

I’ve added you on Skype.

Thanks, Cem! I’ll talk with my hosting provider. I’ve just added you to Skype as well. Thanks for all your help! 😊

Cem,
I just took a look at your demo, and I appreciate getting a view of how EE works.

You are to be commended for providing a demo!  But I wish there was a way to see more, not just a few pieces of the back end.  A week ago, using the demo, I thought EE was too limited.  Then I did some reading and learned that the demo only shows off some of EE’s functions.

Obviously, you’re doing a nice thing to provide a demo at all!  So it’s not a criticism of you.  Just a general wish for more.

Thanks,
Matthew

Cem,
I just took a look at your demo, and I appreciate getting a view of how EE works.

You are to be commended for providing a demo!  But I wish there was a way to see more, not just a few pieces of the back end.  A week ago, using the demo, I thought EE was too limited.  Then I did some reading and learned that the demo only shows off some of EE’s functions.

Obviously, you’re doing a nice thing to provide a demo at all!  So it’s not a criticism of you.  Just a general wish for more.

Thanks,
Matthew

No worries Matthew

What would you like to see? Maybe we can accommodate it.