If you're not running buzztouch Server 2.0 you may not be able to help with this.... We've been helping folks put out fires with BT server 2.0 installs for a few weeks now. Almost ALL the issues lately revolve around the idea that the /files/plugins folder needs to be both writable by PHP and executeable. It needs to be writable by PHP to enable the 'upload plugin' feature. It needs to be executeable so the /index.php script in the each plugins folder can be used to manage the plugin when working with an application. A different approach to managing plugins may be better. However, before releasing an update, with a different approach, we wanted to ask you guys. Here are the options (the way we see it). a) Continue down the path we're on and promote the idea that it's better to use the admin panel to upload new plugins and to manage existing plugins. This works well for tons of folks but is the major crux for those having trouble. b) Remove the 'upload new plugin' feature from the /admin panel and instead ask control panel operators to use FTP to upload plugins. The 'Refresh Plugins' function would still be used to rebuild the list after uploading new or updated plugins using FTP. The pros / cons may not be obvious. On one hand, FTP'ing plugins makes perfect sense becuase the site-owner would have finer control over the process. Many owners are already doing this and simply don't use the 'upload' link in the control panel. On the other hand, this approach would require a deeper understanding of the process and may confuse folks more? Not sure. If we change this, the download would come with some basic plugins already installed. The site operator would then need to upload new plugins using FTP. We need to get this worked out so we can continue down the path but don't want to make what we consider a significant change withour your opinions.

I would think option (a) is a better choice. Based on what I read and understand about the level of skills required to maintain the BT Server. Not sure the average Joe will find the FTP route any easier. Experienced developers may like the FTP option but you need to weigh the true skill level of the majority of the user base. Just my opinion....

does option A keep everything the same such that you could use either method? That would be my vote. I'm very comfortable with FTP-ing stuff to my server, but I still use the control panel, since I'd have to refresh anyhow. Besides, if a user is capable of using an FTP client, every FTP client I've used allows me to CHMOD a file/folder anyhow (unless the permission problem is stemming from something else, I haven't been following the troubles that closely yet).

Being a seasoned web developer, the FTP solution is no problem for me at all. But when Buzztouch releases the final product option (a) will help you reach that market that you are aiming for and then some. Most people who are here, never even heard of an SDK, so FTP will be a different hurdle as you suggested. Sorry guy's, I know it means more programming, but I think it will be worth your while in the long run. Less support tickets would be one reason. Keep up the good work and thanks for asking the community.

I vote option A. I'm comfortable FTPing but I think most users probably aren't.

I vote for Option B. It seems to me that if a person is going to run the BT Server, they should probably be somewhat experienced, and thus doing an FTP of the plugins would be trivial. The overall BT Server is not a trivial piece of software, so some intimate understanding of it should be desired if you're actually going to run one...at least competently! Plus, doing the FTP option seems just as easy to me as using the control panel. Option B! Mark

I have to agree with Mark, you shouldn't be running your own server if you don't have at LEAST a basic understanding of file transfer programs, web hosting, and such. If you are running BT server, most (90%) of the users will understand or will be able to understand how to use FileZilla to upload a plugin with fair ease. Go for option B in my opinion, make a video and a tutorial for it just in case :) David.

Based on the Wordpress analogy that's been mentioned a number of times, millions upon millions of website owners are familiar with the concept of uploading and activating plugins through their admin areas. I say, from your business point of view, make the process recognizable to the biggest number of people as possible. So for me, option A, but also with the option to ftp. Also, and it may or may not be a minor point in the future. Option A can be used anywhere in the world on any computer with internet access. FTP with a desktop client has limitations, ftp in an internet cafe may be restricted and unsecure. You may need to emergency update something on vacation. How many people carry their ftp access details or cpanel login details around with them? etc etc.

I am fine with either or. That said, as a business owner I would suggest that looking at a larger picture in terms of use and moving BT into a possible pay for the more people that can use the software/ server the better. Keeping it simple to use is key here, the more people that use BT the better.... Yes, as a designer it would be easier and more profitable for me in the short term to suggest ftp but as one business owner to another the larger the base the better it will be for BT and its users to evolve in the long term... Just some thoughts.... It all comes down to what market you want to reach... Love this stuff!

Huge applause for all the thoughtful responses here, they all make perfect sense. Overwhelmingly it sounds like we should not remove the updload from the control panel process. Probably just make it easier for those that DO want to use FTP to understand. Maybe an either / or setting in Admin area. Awesome. Update coming later...hoping to finish Custom HTML plugin before sun-up. Planning to upload that and the next server release at the same time. Moving through these plugins pretty quick...when we get our standard one done we'll jump back and make them all work in Android v1.5 so it's at the same level as the others. Super stoked about all this stuff and even more stoked about all the amazing feedback so far.

Considering your target audience I'd have to say option A. In the long run, there may be host's who make installation of the BTserver seamless. As raveyd put it, I could log into my admin panel and have Wordpress up and running with a couple of clicks, there's no reason why BT couldn't be the same in the future. Not sure if the BT goals have changed but I remember David saying something along the lines of creating a web-based control panel that would allow normal non-programmers to share/put their own software on mobile devices. The easier it is on the users, the more people you can help.

I think you should keep option A available. The main reason for that is in the future I can see for Buzztouch: once developers start to develop their own plugins and want to share them, I can easily imagine some database where you could find all of them, with a description, etc, and the possibility to install them right away, without having to ftp anything. This would be done by using the exact same upload thing, although here it would be done from an online database rather than with a file uploaded from your computer. Of course ftp-ing plugins would still be a possibility for the ones who want to use it, too. But for the sake of simplicity, I don't think the upload option should be removed.

its pretty common now to see the ability to upload or download plugins... wordpress, joomla, and several other CMS or blog systems have this feature. but at the same time it's important to be able to install a plugin manually as well by simply uploading the files and then activating the plugin.