How To... Remotely Hosted

[dalex]

Ok, I am new to programming and want to learn php as I use php scripts on a weekly basis.

 

I am wanting to build a service in which is Remotely Hosted.

 

Example:

 

Shopping Cart software in which is automatically installed upon sign up not requiring someone to install it them self or with tech support.

 

How would I go about doing this, what do I need to learn so I can do this?

 

I have heard of SOAP and XML, is that what I need?

 

Thanks for the assistance.

[pkedpker]

confusing but most sites that install automatic gadgets just run the setup.php in all the packages most of them have them the SQL/FTP etc is setup by a custom sign script you write.

 

you don't really need SOAP for this SOAP is another server you run to communicate using XML. SOAP is like Ajax but its used mostly for flash related communiation.

 

But I haven't understood you completely so i may be completely wrong!  ???

[ToonMariner]

SOAP is a webservice - its not tied to a particular technology its just a communication medium.

 

RESTful services are my preferred method of communication in these matters but thats just me.

 

Having someone signup to your service and auto install stuff on their server is not feasible - you may need access that the server will not give. better solution would be to give them a setup.php script as pked suggests - that could contain details to download from your server and install or have everything the actual package needs to install it.

 

good luck

[dalex]

Thanks for the replies and I apologize for my inexperience in programming and the way the question was asked. Hopefully the following information is more clear.

 

What I am looking into doing is the following:

 

instant webstore setup creation upon signup for small businesses who know nothing about installing or designing a web store.

 

Sort of like:

Volusion.com

1shoppingcart.com

freewebs.com

 

I also may just look into hiring a developer, what would I be looking at for a custom design for this type of service?

 

I have a dedicated server and I am sure I have the resources to carry out this project. I currently am a front end designer with requests from clients for this service.

[Zane]

Self-installers are nothing more than a PHP script.  If you're wanting to host these "web stores" on your server, then hopefully

I have a dedicated server and I am sure I have the resources to carry out this project

This is true.

 

Depending on the size of these web stores, you're going to need plenty of space to host them.

 

The setup file your talking about should install the database tables, setup any domains the user may want, and a few other things.  Usually a PHP based software, such as SMF for instance, ss already set to run as soon as you upload the files.  It is only when you do an HTTP Request for the setup.php file that is there that the software REALLY works...otherwise you'll just have a page telling you either...it isn't installed yet....or it'll show database errors.

 

 

SOAP is not an issue at all.  Neither is XML...unless you just feel like using it.

 

It's all about creating that one package and replicating it as instances.  You may want to install each webstore to a different (new) folder.  Or you may just want to have only one webstore installed and have the users' store information loaded dynamically to that one instance.

 

If you didn't really get what I said..then yeah, I would hire a developer, post something in the freelance board about it.