How to set up OroCRM hosting at Nexcess
If you are looking for a free CRM solution for your website or web application, OroCRM is one of the best options available. OroCRM is an open-source Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software platform that centralizes customer data and streamlines sales and marketing processes. The web application also provides companies with insights into customer interactions and behaviors.
How to install OroCRM
Download OroCRM
Visit the official OroCRM website and locate the download section. Choose the latest stable version of OroCRM and click the Download link. Once the download is complete, make sure you remember the folder where you have saved it because you will need this file (around 128MB in size) in the next step. You must also extract the file using tools like WinRAR or 7Zip.
Configure FTP credentials
To configure FTP credentials for your Nexcess hosting account, you can follow these steps. Firstly, log into your Nexcess hosting account using your login credentials. Once you are logged in, navigate to SiteWorx, which is the control panel used for managing various aspects of your hosting account, such as email settings, databases, domains, statistics, and files.
In the SiteWorx main menu, locate the Hosting Features section and click FTP and then Accounts. This option in the user interface will navigate to the FTP Accounts page, where you can manage your FTP settings. On this page, you will see a field labelled FTP Username. Enter your desired username in this field. Next, create a strong password for the FTP account by entering it in the Password field.
It is essential to use a secure password to ensure the safety of your account. Once you have entered the username and password, save the changes to create the FTP account. Remember to note the FTP username and password that you have just created. These credentials will be required whenever you want to access your Nexcess hosting account via FTP.
Transfer OroCRM files to the Nexcess server
To transfer the OroCRM files from your computer to your Nexcess server, you have two options — using an FTP client software or accessing the File Manager in your SiteWorx control panel. If you choose to use an FTP client software, start by installing one on your computer if you don’t have it already. Some Popular FTP client tools you can try include FileZilla, Cyberduck, or WinSCP.
Once installed, launch the FTP client and enter the FTP credentials you configured earlier for your Nexcess hosting account, which typically include the FTP server address, username, and password. After successfully connecting to your Nexcess server via FTP, navigate to the directory on the server where you want to install OroCRM. In most cases, this would be the public_html directory or a subdirectory within it.
Now, locate the downloaded OroCRM files on your local machine and select the folder related to OroCRM. Initiate the file transfer from your local computer to the chosen directory on the Nexcess server using the FTP client’s file transfer functionality. Be aware that the time required for the file transfer will depend on the size of the OroCRM files and the speed of your internet connection. Allow the transfer process to complete successfully.
Alternatively, you can use the File Manager within your Nexcess control panel, SiteWorx, to upload the OroCRM files directly. To use this method, you must log into your Nexcess control panel using your login credentials. Once logged in, locate the File Manager section, which allows you to manage and upload files directly within the control panel. Using the File Manager, go to the directory where you wish to install OroCRM, typically the public_html directory, as mentioned earlier.
Look for the upload or file transfer functionality provided within the File Manager interface and initiate the upload process. Similar to using an FTP client, the file transfer duration time may be longer than expected, based on the size of the files and your internet speed. Be sure not to close your browser until the upload is completely successful.
Configure your database
Access the database management section in your Nexcess control panel (SiteWorx). Locate the MySQL or Database option and click it. Create a new database and provide its name, such as “orocrm” or something similar. Enable the option to create a user for the database and enter a username and password. The database name, username, and password you use should be noted in a safe place, as you will need them in the next step. Make sure to select all the necessary permissions for the MySQL user. Save the changes to create the database.
Configure OroCRM
Finally, you must make a few more configurations for your OroCRM site. Bring up a browser and type in the URL of your OroCRM installation. This URL will contain the domain or subdomain associated with your Nexcess hosting account. The OroCRM installation wizard will start and prompt you to choose the installation language.
Select your preferred language and continue. Next, you will be asked to provide the database details. Enter the database name, username, and password, and leave the hostname as the default value. Save the database configuration and proceed to the next step. The installer will install the core files and set up the necessary database tables.
After completing the installation, you will be directed to the Configure Site window. Provide the essential information about your site, such as the site name, default email address, and administrative account details. Fill in all the required fields and save the configuration. If the installation is successful, you will see a confirmation message indicating that OroCRM has been installed. Congratulations!
Customer support for OroCRM
Remember, the Nexcess-provided support will be PHP-based support — and is not focused on OroCRM, per se. For any aspect related to OroCRM, it is recommended to consult the OroCRM community or refer to OroCRM’s official documentation.