WhosOn Installable - Benefits
Most live chat solutions are hosted services only. WhosOn offers functionally
identical hosted and self-hosted 'Installable' options.
The Installable edition can run completely self-contained on your own server.
This server can be located in your own office, or you could use a dedicated
server provided by your ISP. You can even use a virtual server or a server on
the Amazon cloud.
The server you use
for WhosOn does not have to be the same server that hosts your web
sites. It just needs to be always on and have a dedicated Internet connection
with a static IP address.
Regardless of the server that you use, the benefits of a self-hosted live chat
solution (particularly in a corporate environment) are the same.
Benefits
Your Own Chat URL
When visitors launch your chat window from your web site, they will see a URL in
the title bar of the browser. If you use a hosted service, the URL will show the
live chat provider. With a self-hosted solution you have full control of the
domain name. So you could use a URL like 'livechat.yourcompanyname.com'. This
gives the visitor added confidence.
Your Own SSL Certificate
The SSL Certificate registered to your chat URL will show your own company
details and not those of the live chat provider. This will give added visitor
confidence if they choose to view the certificate. This is particularly useful
when providing live chat as part of existing secure pages (such as your check
out area).
Behind Your Own Firewall
You can run your WhosOn Server behind your corporate firewall, so operators do
not need to connect via the Internet. Whilst the WhosOn operator console is
completely secure when used across the Internet, it may be easier to not have to
configure outbound access for chat operators in a corporate environment.
Full Customization
When hosting WhosOn yourself you have full control over the themes & style
sheets used by the WhosOn Chat window.
Database Access
With the Installable Edition you have full access to the SQL database. This
contains all visitor records, chat sessions, operator activity etc. You can use
this to create your own reports or link to your own systems. You can also create
your own security policies on the database and use existing corporate database
servers. None of this would be possible with a hosted service.
No On-going Costs
Once you
have purchased the WhosOn Installable Edition, it is yours to use for life on
any number of your own web sites. There are no mandatory on-going costs. Most
users opt to pay for annual product support to ensure they have access to the
latest product updates - however this is optional.
Conclusion
These benefits can help you to decide between the Installable & Hosted editions
of WhosOn. The Hosted service is of course easier to setup and you don't need a
server.
We can provide an
Installation Service if you want us to install WhosOn for you
on your own server. We can also supply a
Dedicated Server, which gives you the
benefits of the Installable edition, but with the piece of mind and ease of
setup of the Hosted service.