Bundled standalone applications using embedded servers?

Topper · - Joined: 15 Oct 2004 Posts: 2

Hi,

Has anyone developed an embedded server application that bundles the server, PHP, and a database (say, Firebird?) into a standalone executable for use on an intranet or on a single desktop?

Our end-users are not very tech-savvy and we want to make as seamless of an install as possible (little or no configuration, etc.) We're targeting OS X and Windows platforms. We want the application to be as much like a regular desktop install/config as possible.

Ideally, we'd also like to encrypt our PHP code in the application using ioncube or similar.

We're looking for a sample application that would give us an idea of how 'polished' an embedded server-based desktop app can look for end-users. Any help, samples, or pointers would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
David

P.S.
Experience with this could probably lead to a contract programming job.

k1ll3rdr4g0n · - Joined: 04 Jul 2004 Posts: 609

So sort of like a 4 in 1 Abyss Web Server? Hm...Well Abyss is already pretty simple to start with, you dont have to be a rocket scientist to install Abyss with all the addons (PHP and such).
_________________

ICY-ME · Posted: Sat Oct 16, 2004 6:10 am Post subject:

you could just simply create zip file(s), and add all the files needed for each platform (mac osx, windows, linux, etc...), giving each platform it's own zip of course. then just include a install.txt file. i could probably write one for you if you want. hope that helps!
_________________
How bout you check out my site? Please do, we need hits! Thanks much.
http://lemonaid.250free.com/?

k1ll3rdr4g0n · - Joined: 04 Jul 2004 Posts: 609

No, now i thought about that, because in order to install PHP and everything else it has to put your username/password for the console in the abyss.conf. And if you start giving that out to people well i dont think i have to explain :).
_________________

senshi · - Joined: 05 Nov 2003 Posts: 385 Location: UK

Might I suggest you find a piece of software called Thinstall, it creates a perfect image of your install ready for deployment over an intranet or internet or as a standalone.

Have only seen it action once and I was impressed... http://thinstall.com/

Topper · - Joined: 15 Oct 2004 Posts: 2

Thanks for the thinstall.com pointer, senshi, I had completely forgotten about that product (It was lost in my sea of bookmarks.) I'm going to read more about it.

The other suggestions so far don't really solve our problems...

Thinstall is a Windows only product, though, so even if it works for us we're still looking for another solution or an additional product on OS X...because around 25% of our customers are on Macs.

Thanks,
David