Your Thoughts? Helm Modules Ideas

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01-09-07, 12:11 #1
Mark Hall Registered User Join: Mar 2003 Posts: 3,015	Your Thoughts? Helm Modules Ideas As many of you will be aware, Helm 4 Control Panel had its launch with the help of Microsoft in November 2006. What you may not know is that Helm 4 employs a completely different architecture than any other control panel. While the core is still maintained by us, the ability to create new functionality for Helm is going completely open source. And right now we want to get your thoughts on that. Anyone is going to be able to create new modules to control and automate anything they want. Hosts can share these ideas or even sell them in a new module marketplace. While its still early days, we are very excited because its the first time that the open source approach has been taken on Windows and it's going to mean lots of great new functionality with all the inventive hosts and developers out there. Whatever you want to do you can develop a module to do it. Developers will also create modules and of course we here at WebHost Automation will create modules of our own. Some modules will be free and some will be available in the new module marketplace. So whatever you've always wanted a control panel to automate - now it can be done. Right now we want to hear from hosts about the modules you would most like to see. Weve got developers queuing up to create modules and weve got a budget of our own for more. Wed really like to hear what you guys in the industry have got to say on this. We were once web hosts ourselves (which was the whole reason we created Helm) and we have our own ideas about what modules will be developed but we also want feedback from you. You guys are the guys on the ground so what do you think? What modules do we need out there like yesterday? p.s. To make it more interesting we have a $500/ prize for the best module idea contributed this month - payable in vouchers to your favourite site or shop... Amazon, Firebox, Sony __________________ Mark Hall http://www.linkedin.com/img/webpromo...blue_80x15.gif

01-09-07, 12:11

Mark Hall
Registered User

Join: Mar 2003
Posts: 3,015

Your Thoughts? Helm Modules Ideas

As many of you will be aware, Helm 4 Control Panel had its launch with the help of Microsoft in November 2006. What you may not know is that Helm 4 employs a completely different architecture than any other control panel. While the core is still maintained by us, the ability to create new functionality for Helm is going completely open source. And right now we want to get your thoughts on that.

Anyone is going to be able to create new modules to control and automate anything they want. Hosts can share these ideas or even sell them in a new module marketplace. While its still early days, we are very excited because its the first time that the open source approach has been taken on Windows and it's going to mean lots of great new functionality with all the inventive hosts and developers out there.

Whatever you want to do you can develop a module to do it. Developers will also create modules and of course we here at WebHost Automation will create modules of our own. Some modules will be free and some will be available in the new module marketplace. So whatever you've always wanted a control panel to automate - now it can be done.

Right now we want to hear from hosts about the modules you would most like to see. Weve got developers queuing up to create modules and weve got a budget of our own for more. Wed really like to hear what you guys in the industry have got to say on this. We were once web hosts ourselves (which was the whole reason we created Helm) and we have our own ideas about what modules will be developed but we also want feedback from you.

You guys are the guys on the ground so what do you think? What modules do we need out there like yesterday?

p.s. To make it more interesting we have a $500/ prize for the best module idea contributed this month - payable in vouchers to your favourite site or shop... Amazon, Firebox, Sony

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Mark Hall

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01-09-07, 12:28 #2
FreshLook Helm 3 Expert Join: Mar 2004 Posts: 1,400	Well, I have to say I am impressed by this and looking forward to seeing what comes from it. Will be good to have the ability to officially build to expand the control panel. As for modules, in no particular order (and for anyone to consider, not saying WHA should build all of these): Linux Services Application Packs Helpdesk Server Monitoring Knowledgebase Will update this post as I think of more. __________________ The pessimist complains about the wind. The optimist expects it to change. The leader adjusts the sails.

01-09-07, 12:28

FreshLook
Helm 3 Expert

Join: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,400

Well, I have to say I am impressed by this and looking forward to seeing what comes from it. Will be good to have the ability to officially build to expand the control panel.

As for modules, in no particular order (and for anyone to consider, not saying WHA should build all of these):

Linux Services
Application Packs
Helpdesk
Server Monitoring
Knowledgebase

Will update this post as I think of more.

__________________
The pessimist complains about the wind. The optimist expects it to change. The leader adjusts the sails.

01-09-07, 12:33 #3
Mark Hall Registered User Join: Mar 2003 Posts: 3,015	Thanks, good start. To help try to be as specific as possible. For example is there a specific server monitor app you'd like integrated? What linux services are you looking for? Also, Helm 4 has really opened the door in terms of the type of software it can now support. You're not limited to the "usual" hosting services like mail, ftp, dns. You can literally develop a module to add support for ANYTHING that's controllable by code - even coffee machines - so think creatively. __________________ Mark Hall http://www.linkedin.com/img/webpromo...blue_80x15.gif

01-09-07, 12:33

Mark Hall
Registered User

Join: Mar 2003
Posts: 3,015

Thanks, good start. To help try to be as specific as possible. For example is there a specific server monitor app you'd like integrated? What linux services are you looking for?

Also, Helm 4 has really opened the door in terms of the type of software it can now support. You're not limited to the "usual" hosting services like mail, ftp, dns. You can literally develop a module to add support for ANYTHING that's controllable by code - even coffee machines - so think creatively.

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Mark Hall

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01-09-07, 12:48 #4
Paul_Hopkinson Registered User Join: Oct 2004 Posts: 1,104	Export into Sage 1) Ability to export all customer / set criteria of customers 2) Export all invoices / give a criteria for invoices (i.,e. all since x date) __________________ www.flintmedia.co.uk www.flinthosts.co.uk Certfied Coldfusion Developer

01-09-07, 13:12

openmind
Registered User

Join: May 2004
Posts: 3,005

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul_Hopkinson

Export into Sage

1) Ability to export all customer / set criteria of customers
2) Export all invoices / give a criteria for invoices (i.,e. all since x date)

Same thing but for quickbooks

__________________
Cheers,
Phil

01-09-07, 13:29 #6
Mark Hall Registered User Join: Mar 2003 Posts: 3,015	Guys, while I'm happy to answer questions about the program itself please let's keep this thread free of such questions so we can use it as intended - to collect module ideas. I've created a new thread for discussion on the program itself so go post your questions there instead. I'll be deleting any replies that are not module ideas from this thread __________________ Mark Hall http://www.linkedin.com/img/webpromo...blue_80x15.gif

01-09-07, 13:29

Mark Hall
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Join: Mar 2003
Posts: 3,015

Guys, while I'm happy to answer questions about the program itself please let's keep this thread free of such questions so we can use it as intended - to collect module ideas.

I've created a new thread for discussion on the program itself so go post your questions there instead.

I'll be deleting any replies that are not module ideas from this thread

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Mark Hall

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01-09-07, 13:42 #7
mjb-is Registered User Join: Oct 2003 Posts: 1,786	Sorry Mark, the title of the thread was 'Your Thoughts? Helm Modules Go Open Source', so I was penning my thoughts. A sfar as modules go, I'd like to see:- Linux Services - Primarily Web, as we can do everything else with existing Windows Services, but maybe Mail, DNS int he future. Microsoft Exhange 2003 - 2007 at some point but I think it's better to create a module for the version people are currently using first. Firebird SQL - From previous threads it appers we are not the only one that would like support for this Open Source Database Server PostGre SQL - Again, previous threads indicate this would be welcomed. Better Menu Snap-Ins - The esisting Tree Menu in Helm 4 is a PITA. Something like the XP style menus in RFA XP Skin would be much better experience. Games Server - Not a real priority, but there is a market for this and I'm sure it would gain Helm wider market share if it could be used to control Games Servers. I would also request that you look at everything that Helm Toolbox and Helm Extensions currently does and look at providing these features in Helm 4. The reason these add-ons have been so popular is because they have been developed purley based on YOUR customers requests to Warren and Paul. __________________ Mick Beeby

01-09-07, 13:42

mjb-is
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Join: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,786

Sorry Mark, the title of the thread was 'Your Thoughts? Helm Modules Go Open Source', so I was penning my thoughts.

A sfar as modules go, I'd like to see:-

Linux Services - Primarily Web, as we can do everything else with existing Windows Services, but maybe Mail, DNS int he future.

Microsoft Exhange 2003 - 2007 at some point but I think it's better to create a module for the version people are currently using first.

Firebird SQL - From previous threads it appers we are not the only one that would like support for this Open Source Database Server

PostGre SQL - Again, previous threads indicate this would be welcomed.

Better Menu Snap-Ins - The esisting Tree Menu in Helm 4 is a PITA. Something like the XP style menus in RFA XP Skin would be much better experience.

Games Server - Not a real priority, but there is a market for this and I'm sure it would gain Helm wider market share if it could be used to control Games Servers.

I would also request that you look at everything that Helm Toolbox and Helm Extensions currently does and look at providing these features in Helm 4. The reason these add-ons have been so popular is because they have been developed purley based on YOUR customers requests to Warren and Paul.

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Mick Beeby

01-09-07, 13:46 #8
Mark Hall Registered User Join: Mar 2003 Posts: 3,015	Thanks Mike, good suggestions.. __________________ Mark Hall http://www.linkedin.com/img/webpromo...blue_80x15.gif

01-09-07, 13:59 #9
Chris Rose Registered User Join: Jan 2004 Posts: 2,334	A module that provisioned a VMWare virtual machine and created a customers domains inside it would be excellent.

01-09-07, 14:04

#10

mjb-is
Registered User

Join: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,786

Quote:

Originally Posted by OSW - Chris

A module that provisioned a VMWare virtual machine and created a customers domains inside it would be excellent.

I like that idea.

Thinking about control over Virtual Servers makes me think of what could be done with real ones too.

Maybe a extension to existing Server Module that gives a client full admin control of a particular server. I.e. you can assign a client Admin role over one or more of his own servers, provisioned via Helm.

Roles could be restrictive too, so you may only give them the ability to Reboot, Restart Services, View Server Stats etc, but not assign or change any new Helm services.

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Mick Beeby

01-09-07, 14:09

#11

mjb-is
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Join: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,786

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark Hall

Thanks Mike, good suggestions..

Mick, even.

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Mick Beeby

01-09-07, 14:10

#12

openmind
Registered User

Join: May 2004
Posts: 3,005

Quote:

Originally Posted by mjb-is

Quote:

Originally Posted by OSW - Chris

A module that provisioned a VMWare virtual machine and created a customers domains inside it would be excellent.

I like that idea.

Maybe a extension to existing Server Module that gives a client full admin control of a particular server. I.e. you can assign a client Admin role over one or more of his own servers, provisioned via Helm.

Excellent idea. We have several clients with their own dedi box but no admin login as we don't want them to "break" it. Basic control though would be superb...

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Cheers,
Phil

01-09-07, 14:11

#13

Mark Hall
Registered User

Join: Mar 2003
Posts: 3,015

Quote:

Originally Posted by mjb-is

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark Hall

Thanks Mike, good suggestions..

Mick, even.

Sorry, replying to too many posts! :?

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01-09-07, 15:08

#14

Chris Danks
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Join: Nov 2006
Posts: 484

Quote:

Originally Posted by mjb-is

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark Hall

Thanks Mike, good suggestions..

Mick, even.

haha i did the same about 2 months back

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01-09-07, 15:16 #15
rslyon Registered User Join: Dec 2003 Posts: 517	Web server monitoring/ status module. Sage support Exchange support Dedicated SSL support Spam filtering Module Master FTP account for resellers. If you published the API docs and how to's to get us started, I am sure some of us here could write modules. __________________ Fast2host Http://www.fast2host.com

01-09-07, 15:19

#16

Mark Hall
Registered User

Join: Mar 2003
Posts: 3,015

Quote:

Originally Posted by rslyon

If you published the API docs and how to's to get us started, I am sure some of us here could write modules.

Thats' exactly where this is going: http://forums.webhostautomation.com/...ic.php?t=20980

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Mark Hall

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01-09-07, 17:05

#17

Mark Hall
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Join: Mar 2003
Posts: 3,015

Quote:

How about a simple module that shows us an example on how to make our own modules

Oh an can my voucher be to my favorite store "www.servertastic.com"

What about a module that integrates with SmarterTicket, so you don't have to recreate a ticket system just put the ability into the control panel to see the tickets from the control panel.
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Regards,
Chris Ward
President & CEO
Dynamic By Design, Inc.

Sorry missed those withing the original email.. Back now ;-)

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Mark Hall

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01-09-07, 17:13 #18
awardle Registered User Join: Jan 2004 Posts: 185	I thought of this on the way home A Helm Web Service and desktop application which uses the web service it would allow the same functions as if you was on the website but saves having to log into the website and wait for pages to load. Also A Web service would be good for example we could then create Desktop applications / plugins to automate our Accounting Software for example I run a local application to process all my paypal payments into Quickbooks.

01-09-07, 17:13

#18

awardle
Registered User

Join: Jan 2004
Posts: 185

I thought of this on the way home

A Helm Web Service and desktop application which uses the web service it would allow the same functions as if you was on the website but saves having to log into the website and wait for pages to load.

Also

A Web service would be good for example we could then create Desktop applications / plugins to automate our Accounting Software for example I run a local application to process all my paypal payments into Quickbooks.

01-09-07, 17:26 #19
GMoore7 Registered User Join: Jun 2005 Posts: 173	Support for Helpdesks. Specifically Auracle Support Engine and Kayako Support Suite. Make it so that when a customer signs up, then a user is automatically created in the Helpdesk system and is given the appropriate permissions. And then also tie the support user to the Helm user, so that if a Helm user is added/removed to automatically delete that user in the Helpdesk. And then if the password for the user is changed, it automatically changes in the Helpdesk as well. And then, make it so I can allow or deny the creation of support users beyond the original one created. And then make it so I can flag an account not to have any users created automatically. Okay I'm not being specific. :oops:

01-09-07, 17:26

#19

GMoore7
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Join: Jun 2005
Posts: 173

Support for Helpdesks.

Specifically Auracle Support Engine and Kayako Support Suite.

Make it so that when a customer signs up, then a user is automatically created in the Helpdesk system and is given the appropriate permissions.

And then also tie the support user to the Helm user, so that if a Helm user is added/removed to automatically delete that user in the Helpdesk. And then if the password for the user is changed, it automatically changes in the Helpdesk as well. And then, make it so I can allow or deny the creation of support users beyond the original one created. And then make it so I can flag an account not to have any users created automatically.

Okay I'm not being specific. :oops:

01-09-07, 19:45 #20
rslyon Registered User Join: Dec 2003 Posts: 517	Module for Cerberus helpdesk. __________________ Fast2host Http://www.fast2host.com

01-09-07, 22:49 #21
chrisbyrd Registered User Join: Mar 2004 Posts: 304	The big thing for us would be Linux\FreeBSD modules, mainly for Apache, MySql, DNS and Mail - just about everything really appart from MS SQL and IIS We're paying 2 guys to sit here twiddling their thumbs until the documentation is ready... so chop chop __________________ Windows Shared Hosting vps247 Cloud Hosting Manchester Colocation

01-10-07, 20:16

#22

jump221281
Registered User

Join: Dec 2006
Posts: 307

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul_Hopkinson

Export into Sage

1) Ability to export all customer / set criteria of customers
2) Export all invoices / give a criteria for invoices (i.,e. all since x date)

im usinge sage too... good idea!

01-10-07, 20:17 #23
mjb-is Registered User Join: Oct 2003 Posts: 1,786	There is already a WIndows Firewall Module but a lot of people will be using other products. I'm not sure if it will be possible to write modules to control 3rd party firewalls, but would it be possible to do:- 1) RRAS Firewall 2) RRAS VPN Features 3) IPSEC Policies __________________ Mick Beeby

01-11-07, 06:59

#24

Mark Hall
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Join: Mar 2003
Posts: 3,015

Quote:

Originally Posted by mjb-is

I'm not sure if it will be possible to write modules to control 3rd party firewalls..

Yup, I know that some Cisco Firewalls can be controlled with code. Same goes for similar hardware devices like reboot switches.

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01-11-07, 08:51 #25
Paul_Hopkinson Registered User Join: Oct 2004 Posts: 1,104	yeah do that one - we use cisco firewalls so to have control via HELM would be awesome __________________ www.flintmedia.co.uk www.flinthosts.co.uk Certfied Coldfusion Developer

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