View Full Version : WHMCS branding remains in admin section?
Does the WHMCS copyright and branding still remain in the admin section or do I need to do a reinstall/upgrade after purchasing non-branded solution? If the branding still remains in the admin section, can you explain why?
It does remain in the admin area. Matt can explain why. I pretty sure this has already been explained somewhere though.
Well. I for one would like to see that change. We plan to bring over employees from another venture to staff administrative functions in the next 6 weeks. If we use this, they will all know things they do not need to know about, including how we integrated it.
Besides, it was sold as non-branded. Anyone can go to /admin and read the copyright.
Will it break if we use .htaccess protection? This will at least hide the information from clients and resellers.
I think it should be removed like NOW. It makes no sense to me at all.
the non branded description says that its just for the client area. Mentions nothing about the admin area. You can also replace the header image with one of your own. Yes, you can block access to that folder using an htaccess file, but i think its a little over kill. No matter how well you template things, a trained eye will still now what billing software you use.
You paid for powered by line removal from the client area - not copyright line removal from the admin area. Why are you trying to hide from your staff the system you use? Won't the references to WHMCS in the Help menu give it away?
Matt
Staff does not need to know what they don't need to know. My point is why is it there? It's your software, it's your choice, but I for one don't agree with it.
addeacher
12-29-06, 07:24 PM
Staff does not need to know what they don't need to know. My point is why is it there? It's your software, it's your choice, but I for one don't agree with it.
I was thinking the same except not staff, but if its suppose to be non branding there should be no trace of branding at all, not about hiding which system use, but not everyone needs to know what you use especially simple going to yourdomain.com/admin all will know what your using even if they weren't familiar with the look if whmc
YodaCows
12-29-06, 07:35 PM
Staff does not need to know what they don't need to know. My point is why is it there? It's your software, it's your choice, but I for one don't agree with it.
I was thinking the same except not staff, but if its suppose to be non branding there should be no trace of branding at all, not about hiding which system use, but not everyone needs to know what you use especially simple going to yourdomain.com/admin all will know what your using even if they weren't familiar with the look if whmc
Just password protect /admin with htaccess.
~YC
then change the admin folder name so they dont know what it is (i think matt said this could be done). While i myself would like branding to be completely removed if purchased. Heck, there is a lot to be desired of the admin area as far as templating, etc, but i just dont see it happening unfortunately.
Staff does not need to know what they don't need to know. My point is why is it there? It's your software, it's your choice, but I for one don't agree with it.
I was thinking the same except not staff, but if its suppose to be non branding there should be no trace of branding at all, not about hiding which system use, but not everyone needs to know what you use especially simple going to yourdomain.com/admin all will know what your using even if they weren't familiar with the look if whmc
Just password protect /admin with htaccess.
~YC
That would be simple, but if your like me, you hate logging into things twice. I think it would be better to just use an htaccess file to redirect from login.php to adminlogin.php (custom fine), and make your own login page there. Would be pretty simple actually. If you like, i can write up something this weekend if i get the chance. Basically everything would still be branded internally, etc, but someone just visiting the admin page and not logged in, would view whatever custom (non branded) admin login page you have setup.
YodaCows
12-29-06, 07:43 PM
That would be simple, but if your like me, you hate logging into things twice. I think it would be better to just use an htaccess file to redirect from login.php to adminlogin.php (custom fine), and make your own login page there. Would be pretty simple actually. If you like, i can write up something this weekend if i get the chance. Basically everything would still be branded internally, etc, but someone just visiting the admin page and not logged in, would view whatever custom (non branded) admin login page you have setup.
I don't know, sounds like more work and a more complicated solution for a simple "problem."
Besides, a decent browser will remember your passwords anyway....so it's just a matter of clicking Ok.
~YC
it would only take me 15 mins to whip something like that up, so I wouldnt call it a complicated solution. Plus it could be combined with the ability to force ssl or not for admin as well.
Besides, a decent browser will remember your passwords anyway....so it's just a matter of clicking Ok.
Not a good idea to use the remember passwords feature of browsers any longer, Look here:
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=mozilla+password+exploit&btnG=Google+Search
YodaCows
12-29-06, 08:31 PM
Besides, a decent browser will remember your passwords anyway....so it's just a matter of clicking Ok.
Not a good idea to use the remember passwords feature of browsers any longer, Look here:
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=mozilla+password+exploit&btnG=Google+Search
I wouldn't go as far to say it's a bad idea, you just have to be careful.
~YC
How do you be "careful" about something like this other than not use it?
YodaCows
12-29-06, 08:47 PM
How do you be "careful" about something like this other than not use it?
When the weather is bad, do you drive carefully or do you just stay indoors?
You can use the Firefox Manager Carefully by only using it for selective login forms. For example, I highly doubt I'll ever end up on a phishing page resembling my WHMCS login. Nor do I foresee anyone running a phishing page to obtain WHMCS logins under the guise of something else.
That is what I mean.
~YC
addeacher
12-29-06, 09:01 PM
Just password protect /admin with htaccess.
~YC
exactly what i did for now.
[You can use the Firefox Manager Carefully by only using it for selective login forms. For example, I highly doubt I'll ever end up on a phishing page resembling my WHMCS login. Nor do I foresee anyone running a phishing page to obtain WHMCS logins under the guise of something else.So your assumption is that no one will be able to use this to perhaps create a hidden login (1 px iframe perhaps) that will be autofilled with info not intended for it? Any exploit like this doesn't stay static and predictable, but instead will be manipulated for best results.
Why not target a client manager that potentially has logins for hosting accounts, CC info and more?
It is of course your choice, but for the safety of my own servers clients and logins as soon as this was discovered I stopped using it altogether. No point risking it when it's easily avoidable. ;)
Harrison
12-30-06, 12:50 AM
Oh, if you guys love logging in twice then feel free to use htaccess.
Just do what someone else said and rename your admin folder. I believe Matt has said somewhere on the forums that this won't break anything - just keep your cron and email piping links up to date.
TheGamer
12-30-06, 02:40 AM
Looks like someone is taking credit for the WHMCS software creation other than Matt. :P
Looks like someone is taking credit for the WHMCS software creation other than Matt. :P
huh?
Harrison
12-30-06, 11:36 AM
Looks like someone is taking credit for the WHMCS software creation other than Matt. :P
:? :shock: I'm Lost :shock: :?
He's insinuating that the reasoning for wanting the branding removed in the admin area is so they can claim they wrote the billing manager and not Matt/WHMCS. I must admit I can't see a need to hide the script from admins/staff...I mean, if you can't trust the staff, what are they doing being hired as staff in the first place? ;)
generic
12-30-06, 01:21 PM
you could always just change the logo to your own for some branding to your company (if thats not in violation of the license)
admin/images/toplogo.gif
3 points..
1) The WHMCS Monthly Lease No Branding does clearly state that its only the powered by line which it removes.. which stops visitors and clients from seeing the branding :)
2) Templating for the admin area would be a nice idea, but the standard template works well enough for me... obviously for people which struggle with skinning this is quiet a large job.. and would require abit of documentation on WHMCS's part.
3) If you cant trust your staff to know that your running WHMCS, then tbh why let them in your office? Would you invite a theif round for coffee?
Happy new year guys.x
TheGamer
12-30-06, 05:25 PM
I confused you guys on my earlier comment. :P Sorry bout that.
I'll always be happy with just the deflt on my admin center.
I confused you guys on my earlier comment. :P Sorry bout that.
I'll always be happy with just the deflt on my admin center.
so explain yourself about the taking credit part.
the main reason I see for removing admin branding is if you use it for a customer solution - ie we have used other software for taking subscription and membership signups. I certaily wouldnt want them to see the branding when the client logs in ....
the main reason I see for removing admin branding is if you use it for a customer solution - ie we have used other software for taking subscription and membership signups. I certaily wouldnt want them to see the branding when the client logs in ....
ROFL, what does that the client area have to do with the admin area again? lol
the main reason I see for removing admin branding is if you use it for a customer solution - ie we have used other software for taking subscription and membership signups. I certaily wouldnt want them to see the branding when the client logs in ....
ROFL, what does that the client area have to do with the admin area again? lol
youre confusing clients with client area. I'm talking about clients coming to us looking for a solution - ie they will be logging into the admin area.
We have many and get this on a daily basis - so far whmcs is ruled out because of this. This is a very standard idea , no brainer really - or at least the ability to edit it out of a php file.
YodaCows
12-30-06, 10:24 PM
We have many and get this on a daily basis - so far whmcs is ruled out because of this. This is a very standard idea , no brainer really - or at least the ability to edit it out of a php file.
And that's where the confusion comes in....
Why are clients logging into your admin area?
~YC
We have many and get this on a daily basis - so far whmcs is ruled out because of this. This is a very standard idea , no brainer really - or at least the ability to edit it out of a php file.
And that's where the confusion comes in....
Why are clients logging into your admin area?
~YC
no offense meant to anyone - but you have abviously never had to deliver a web solution to clients. We have people come to us on many occasions asking us to create a website solution that allows them to take subscriptions and signups for xxx product. So far we have delivered a lot of sites that allow the to take signups, process orders and take payment / billing etc. This means THEY log in as admin (not us) to process the orders etc.
If you remove the branding from whmcs admin side, you can then use the software to take custom book orders, website subscriptions, website access, educational site access and much more that you clients can log in and process (and you resell whmcs license). It removes whmcs from being restricted from hosting resellers.
you mean coming to you for a billing solution? you cant resell whmcs as your own solution.
you mean coming to you for a billing solution? you cant resell whmcs as your own solution.
Exactly what I was thinking. This is the exact reason why the copyright line is there. Why does a copyright line in the admin area "restrict WHMCS to hosting only"?
Matt
you mean coming to you for a billing solution? you cant resell whmcs as your own solution.
ehm not if they log in as admin and see the branding we wont :-)
youre confusing clients with client area. I'm talking about clients coming to us looking for a solution - ie they will be logging into the admin area.
We have many and get this on a daily basis - so far whmcs is ruled out because of this. This is a very standard idea , no brainer really - or at least the ability to edit it out of a php file.What client managers do *not* have branding in the admin area? I've used quite a few, and they all have the authors company copyright on the pages. Can you say which one's you're using that don't (legally) have this in the admin area, and why it's a problem?
you mean coming to you for a billing solution? you cant resell whmcs as your own solution.
Exactly what I was thinking. This is the exact reason why the copyright line is there.
Matt
OK - so I will go with another solution that will allow this . Seriosuly consider it - copyright is not an issue - or increase the price to allow this and suddenly open up the potential for whmcs software to non hosting related markets.
you mean coming to you for a billing solution? you cant resell whmcs as your own solution.
ehm not if they log in as admin and see the branding we wont :-)
im crying, really i am. Whoops, no im not. =P
you mean coming to you for a billing solution? you cant resell whmcs as your own solution.
Exactly what I was thinking. This is the exact reason why the copyright line is there.
Matt
OK - so I will go with another solution that will allow this . Seriosuly consider it - copyright is not an issue - or increase the price to allow this and suddenly open up the potential for whmcs software to non hosting related markets.
Unless something has changed, MB doesnt allow this.
youre confusing clients with client area. I'm talking about clients coming to us looking for a solution - ie they will be logging into the admin area.
We have many and get this on a daily basis - so far whmcs is ruled out because of this. This is a very standard idea , no brainer really - or at least the ability to edit it out of a php file.What client managers do *not* have branding in the admin area? I've used quite a few, and they all have the authors company copyright on the pages. Can you say which one's you're using that don't (legally) have this in the admin area, and why it's a problem?
they all do - but many can be customised legally
you mean coming to you for a billing solution? you cant resell whmcs as your own solution.
ehm not if they log in as admin and see the branding we wont :-)
im crying, really i am. Whoops, no im not. =P
apologies - thought this was a sensible topic being discuseed by professional business people.
OK - so I will go with another solution that will allow this . Seriosuly consider it - copyright is not an issue - or increase the price to allow this and suddenly open up the potential for whmcs software to non hosting related markets.
I still fail to see why the copyright line limits it to the hosting market? It doesn't change what the system can do.
OK - so I will go with another solution that will allow this . Seriosuly consider it - copyright is not an issue - or increase the price to allow this and suddenly open up the potential for whmcs software to non hosting related markets.
I still fail to see why the copyright line limits it to the hosting market? It doesn't change what the system can do.
no it doesnt but it does restrict the reseller and distributer market. If two systems can do similiar things, but one has their name stamped on it - which one do you think will get purchased? Its not always a case of what a sytem can do - but also delivering a white label solution, of which we have a lot of exerience.
Im not saying - just do it, but offer the option, perhaps paid, to remove admin branding too :-)
Well, I told you i would come up with a simple non branded admin login screen, so here it is.
Add this to your whmcs install root directory htaccess file or create a new one if you dont already have one:
Options FollowSymLinks
RewriteEngine On
RewriteRule ^admin/adminlogin.php$ templates/admin/login.tpl [L,NC,NS]
RedirectPermanent admin/login.php https://yourdomain.com/admin/adminlogin.php
Make sure you customize that RedirectPermanent url to whatever you want. If you have ssl available, i recommend you use it.
Then create a folder in your whmcs templates folder called admin, then create a blank file called login.tpl add this html.
<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN"
"http://www.w3.org/TR/html4/loose.dtd">
<html>
<head>
<title>YOUR TITLE HERE</title>
<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=iso-8859-1" />
<script type="text/javascript">
function sf(){document.frmlogin.username.focus();}
</script>
</head>
<body onload="sf();">
<table width="100%" border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="layout table">
<tr>
<td colspan="2" valign="top" style="padding-top:13px;padding-bottom:13px;">
<table width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="layout table">
<tr>
<td valign="top">
<center>
<form method="post" action="../../admin/dologin.php" name="frmlogin">
Username: <input type="text" name="username" size="30" />
Password: <input type="password" name="password" size="30" />
<input type="submit" value="Login" class="button" />
Forgotten your password? Click Here (../../admin/login.php?action=remind)
</form>
</center>
</td>
</tr>
</table>
</td>
</tr>
</table>
</body>
</html>
Like i said, its nothing fancy, but its functional and will let you hide the the fact that its whmcs to anyone that stumbles upon your whmcs admin folder. As soon as you login, your back to the normal look of whmcs and will of course see the powered by and whm logo, etc.
Hope others fine this useful as I really had no need for it. =P
NOTE: the password reminder part is going to work with this method. I cant think of a quick fix off the top of my head and since i really have no need for this, im not going to spend any more time on it. 15 mins is enough. =P Feel free to share the solution here if you figure it out and i will update this thread.
Well, I understand what you want to DO with the software, but I still think that Matt should leave the Copyright at the bottom. PLUS the title of all the admin pages say whmcompletesolution. Im guessing under your situation you would want this removed as well?
Harrison
12-30-06, 11:34 PM
I've used WHMCS for none hosting purposes. A line at the bottom of an admin page did not stop me from doing that.
What client managers do *not* have branding in the admin area? I've used quite a few, and they all have the authors company copyright on the pages. Can you say which one's you're using that don't (legally) have this in the admin area, and why it's a problem?
they all do - but many can be customised legally
Can you name the ones that allow you to remove thier copyright from the admin areas? I'm fairly certain this is not typically an acceptable action. Name at least one, with a link to proof that it's allowed, please?
TheGamer
12-31-06, 12:12 AM
I confused you guys on my earlier comment. :P Sorry bout that.
I'll always be happy with just the deflt on my admin center.
so explain yourself about the taking credit part.
It was explained above.
generic
12-31-06, 03:36 AM
not a web bost one i can think of off the top of my head, but candy press shopping cart allow you to remove the visible copyright (not in the code thout) so you can sell it to your developent clients.
not a web bost one i can think of off the top of my head, but candy press shopping cart allow you to remove the visible copyright (not in the code thout) so you can sell it to your developent clients.
lol, the base product is free and it looks like the source is open. Thats like comparing apples to oranges.
What client managers do *not* have branding in the admin area? I've used quite a few, and they all have the authors company copyright on the pages. Can you say which one's you're using that don't (legally) have this in the admin area, and why it's a problem?
they all do - but many can be customised legally
Can you name the ones that allow you to remove thier copyright from the admin areas? I'm fairly certain this is not typically an acceptable action. Name at least one, with a link to proof that it's allowed, please?
Approach them as a distributer / reseller and many will for a paid fee :-)
Harrison
12-31-06, 10:54 AM
No they won't, and I should know :P
I honestly don't see the bad point of having the copyright line in the admin area. I suppose it's a bit like I'd only buy cPanel hosting because I prefer that control panel. If a company used a debranded control panel where I couldn't tell what they were using I wouldn't buy from them.
By the way generic, are you asking to sell WHMCS as if you developed it?
No they won't, and I should know :P
dont want to argue over this - I only posted a suggested use and it seems to have esculated, but trust me when I say many do :-)
What client managers do *not* have branding in the admin area? I've used quite a few, and they all have the authors company copyright on the pages. Can you say which one's you're using that don't (legally) have this in the admin area, and why it's a problem?
they all do - but many can be customised legally
Can you name the ones that allow you to remove thier copyright from the admin areas? I'm fairly certain this is not typically an acceptable action. Name at least one, with a link to proof that it's allowed, please?
Approach them as a distributer / reseller and many will for a paid fee :-)
Proof?
Reselling a product does not convey the right to debrand it (and pretend it's your own), and this is the first time I've *ever* heard anyone claim it. If you have some verifiable proof from a legitimate company, please provide it. At the very least, provide the name of the script, and I will personally contact them to ask.
generic
12-31-06, 03:32 PM
By the way generic, are you asking to sell WHMCS as if you developed it?
NO SIR..... that is not me wanting to do this.. it was someone else.
I was just providing an example of a product that does alllow it.
Harrison
12-31-06, 03:40 PM
Oh yeah, sorry. It's wise who wants to do that.
Oh yeah, sorry. It's wise who wants to do that.
nope - again I was only making a sugesstion ...
Dominic Quick
12-31-06, 05:28 PM
Why would you want it removed. WHMCS is the best software. Its not as if its advertising them. Ok you may lose some staff to the software who want to run there own companies.
Dom
generic
12-31-06, 05:35 PM
i believe everyone has missed the point of this thread (WHICH I DID NOT START)
at first a purchaser misunderstood that the unbranded version was a clean version, no credits visible anywhere.
second it believe it became a question about private label for consultants and other development companies.
Example: Company A gets hired by company B to procude a billing system for their hosting comapny. Company A would like to offer company B WHMCS as the solution, but since its branded, company A can not offer it to company B as their own solution. If they do, once company B tries to login they will see the whmcs branding and soon discover they paid company A a lot of $$ for a readily available solution.
Basically i believe the point of this thread was if there could be an unbranded solution for a company to resell as their own, and what i understand is that there is not.
I however have had experience of supplying web solutions to many enterprise customers, WHMCS being encoded means you havent got a clue about the inside working of the system and would be providing a solution based on the manual, support from MATT (who seems to like you) and this forum.. - when asked for a specific root system change you would never be able todo it.. failing your SLA to your customer.
Therefore you could never honestly sell this as your own product to a customer. Offering it as a consultant as a professional piece of software which accomplishes the job at alot less cost than developing an adhoc product for them, this is the professional way of doing it...
Its abit like selling a client a PC with windows, you think microsoft will mind if you remove the logo?..
Example: Company A gets hired by company B to procude a billing system for their hosting comapny. Company A would like to offer company B WHMCS as the solution, but since its branded, company A can not offer it to company B as their own solution. If they do, once company B tries to login they will see the whmcs branding and soon discover they paid company A a lot of $$ for a readily available solution.That's just it. They are being paid to procure one, not write it, or buy and pretend they wrote it. Essentially, that's fraud and as such is indefensible.
If company B hires me to make something for them, I make it. If they ask me to find them a solution, I do, and don't mark it up (unless I"m reselling it) or pretend I wrote it. I may charge them for setting it up but they own it, and won't be paying more than retail for the license.
I know you didn't start the question, but since you brought this point up, I quoted and answered you instead of the other member, since he's absent, it seems.
Example: Company A gets hired by company B to procude a billing system for their hosting comapny. Company A would like to offer company B WHMCS as the solution, but since its branded, company A can not offer it to company B as their own solution. If they do, once company B tries to login they will see the whmcs branding and soon discover they paid company A a lot of $$ for a readily available solution.That's just it. They are being paid to procure one, not write it, or buy and pretend they wrote it. Essentially, that's fraud and as such is indefensible.
If company B hires me to make something for them, I make it. If they ask me to find them a solution, I do, and don't mark it up (unless I"m reselling it) or pretend I wrote it. I may charge them for setting it up but they own it, and won't be paying more than retail for the license.
I know you didn't start the question, but since you brought this point up, I quoted and answered you instead of the other member, since he's absent, it seems.
Exactly. You can still even do a single charge that covers the consultation and the product. Though its best to charge them separately for administration purposes, etc.
Well ive provided software solutions to multi-national UK firms, I could have had 3rd party developers build me something similar to WHMCS for £2/3k...or i could spend £8 a month on WHMCS and deliver a tested, supported solution to my client quickly.
Dont lie to your clients, they wont thank you for it :)
There is nothing relevant in this thread about WHMCS Admin Branding.
It would be useful to change the layout of the Admin side. It's nothing to do with selling the software to other customers, and "Pretending" it's your own. It's neccessary to blend into the total solution offered by the company. (And to make a more simplistic view for staff)
As far as i see, WHMCS is restricted in what it can do on the backend, but obviously is unrestricted on the front end.
It would be nice to be able to remove the branded line, as 90% of developers put their copyright in the source code. Since all the files are encoded, and each files has a section of info telling the viewer of the file, this file is encoded by WHMCS. I'd say it's pretty obvious....
Is there not a way to customise other pages? i.e. the Admin panel, and add links to other packages that we use?
Or perhaps use an iframe or some sort or include another php file, to display other statistics or information required?
I guess we'll just have to continue using our 4 different systems!
Thanks for the code on page 3!
Very helpful thread for that page!
(:
Thanks.
There is nothing relevant in this thread about WHMCS Admin Branding.
It would be useful to change the layout of the Admin side. It's nothing to do with selling the software to other customers, and "Pretending" it's your own. It's neccessary to blend into the total solution offered by the company. (And to make a more simplistic view for staff)
As far as i see, WHMCS is restricted in what it can do on the backend, but obviously is unrestricted on the front end.
It would be nice to be able to remove the branded line, as 90% of developers put their copyright in the source code. Since all the files are encoded, and each files has a section of info telling the viewer of the file, this file is encoded by WHMCS. I'd say it's pretty obvious....
Is there not a way to customise other pages? i.e. the Admin panel, and add links to other packages that we use?
Or perhaps use an iframe or some sort or include another php file, to display other statistics or information required?
I guess we'll just have to continue using our 4 different systems!
Thanks for the code on page 3!
Very helpful thread for that page!
(:
Thanks.
You just resurrected a thread that is two years old
You just resurrected a thread that is two years old
Only to have it killed shortly afterwards...;)
</thread>
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