#blesta

Summary: This article discloses everything about Reseller Hosting and how to install Blesta in a few simple steps without having any technical expertise.

As the Internet continues to grow and so many businesses begin to see the benefits of connecting with each other, the web hosting industry is only getting larger and more profitable.

What’s more, in the industry offers several opportunities for anyone to get in on the action by launching their own web hosting site.

Well, that’s complicated?

Not with reseller marketing. In fact, it is one of the simplest ways to get started with a reseller hosting business on a limited budget.

What is Reseller Hosting?

The Reseller Hosting is a web hosting service designed for the marketers who, in turn, will resell the hosting service to third parties and offer the possibility of creating sub-plans or hosting plans within the reseller account.

Today the growth rate of selling products online through reseller marketing is way more than selling created products directly. That’s why it’s the perfect timing to get started with a reselling business. The reseller business is affordable, simple, and one of the best options if you are thinking of getting started with something of your own.

Later, you can expand your business to sell more hosting-related services as well even without paying any additional shipping costs.

Since we are talking about Reseller Hosting, so it’s important to identify its growth in recent years, especially in 2020:

“According to a recent study done by Market Research Future, the web hosting market has grown almost double in the last three years. By the year 2022, the hosting market will be $154 billion (USD) industry.”

Well, the future of the web hosting industry seems promising, so why not start your own reseller hosting business. However, before you go further, you have to get through the main challenge to start a hosting business; choosing a reseller hosting platform.

Though there are multiple reseller hosting platforms available, finalizing one that will cover all your business requirements is always a complex task.

If you are already filled with questions including, “What is Blesta?”, “Why is Blesta the right choice for your business?” etc.

We got you covered!

First things first, let’s introduce you to Blesta.

What is Blesta?

Blesta is a well-written, open-source, and developer-friendly platform used to manage clients, billing, and reseller hosting. In addition, it also works as a support software for multiple web hosting service providers, and recurring industries. Besides, it is the complete solution for:

Multi-Currency Billing

Client Management

Automated Billing and Provisioning

Integrated Support

The Open Source Code availability of Blesta to modify the code is something that makes it popular among all the web hosting providers all around the world. Besides, it has a wide range of supporting extensions and developer support due to which we recommend you choose Bletsa to automate your hosting business.

WHMCS Vs BLESTA — Which One Is Better?

Why Should I Choose Blesta as a Reseller Platform?

Blesta offers some unique and helpful features to manage the hosting business. Some of the most loved features by Blesta are as follows:

Easy Client Management

The Blesta allows you to customize your client profile pages to the best and displays an understandable overview of tasks with quick access.

Automate Billing Cycle

Often managing web hosting business invoices, payments, suspensions, and provisioning feels complex to manage. However, Blesta makes it all easy.

24*7 Technical Support

Blesta makes support management easy as your clients can open tickets within the client area or via email and you can assist them easily through the original contact mode as well as a knowledge base.

Secure Your Website

Blesta is all you can ask for the security of your hosting website. Till the time, it has the best track record for the website’s security and billing applications.

Best For Mobile Optimization

Blesta is designed in such a way that it works the best for mobile devices and makes websites easily accessible on almost all devices.

Is Blesta Really a Good Choice?

Blesta is undoubtedly the best reseller hosting and website management platform. It is well documented with less than 1% of files encoded. So, you can mold it just the way you want as the source code access is in your hands.

Now that Blesta is the overall best web hosting management platform, you must know how to download and install it.

So, let’s start the procedure.

Tip: In case you want to avoid lengthy manual steps to install Bletsa or having any sort of difficulty installing or customizing it, then let us assist you with our Custom Blesta Development Services.

WHMCS vs Blesta: What’s The Right Choice For Your Reseller Hosting Business?

How to Install Blesta?

Here are the simple steps to download and install Blesta for your web hosting business automation:

Step 1. Download Blesta

Go to https://account.blesta.com/client/plugin/download_manager/client_main/ and hit the Download button.

Step 2. Unzip Blesta Archive

Now, unzip the downloaded archive and Extract All the files. In case if the zip is downloaded on your Linux server, then unzip it:

unzip blesta-vx.x.x.zip

Now, apply the Hotfix Files (in case if necessary)

Step 3. Apply Hotfix Files (if required)

The Blesta files are now installed in your /blesta directory. These files must be used by default. In addition, overwrite some of the files using a set from the hotfix directory.

The hotfix directory files need to be applied if you are running an older version of the ionCube loader, an old version of PHP. This will help you determine the hotfix directory to overwrite your Blesta files using the old installation.

After this, a message will be displayed suggesting hotfix necessity. If your hotfix is essential, then the ionCube loader must be older than v10.1.0:

Case 1. If ionCube version is >= 10.1.0 — hotfix not required

Case 2. If ionCube version is < 10.1.0 — hotfix must be applied

If a hotfix requires to be applied, the right hotfix version of PHP is here:

PHP version >= 7.1.0 — use /hotfix-php71/blesta/

PHP version >= 5.6.0 and < 7.1.0 — use /hotfix-php7/blesta/

PHP version >= 5.4.0 and < 5.6.0 — use /hotfix-php54/blesta/

You can apply the hotfix just by overwriting the data of the /blesta/ directory with the hotfix directory content (e.g. /hotfix-php71/blesta/)

Step 4. Upload Blesta Files

Now, upload the /blesta directory content to your server from where you will access Blesta and make sure you have created a database to install the Blesta. After this, you need to appoint a host (usually it’s localhost), database name, user, and user password to continue the installation.

The Blesta can be installed using two methods; first web browser, second command line.

Web Installation

Follow the steps given below to install Blesta using a web browser:

Navigate to the location where you have installed the Blesta or simple go to https://yourdomain.com/path_to_blesta/

Now, follow all the screen instructions to finish the installation

Once done with the installation, create an administrator user and enter a license key to get started with a free trial.

Implement the following script to install Blesta automatically through the URL:

Web Installer CURL Script

#

# This makes a POST request to the Blesta installer

#

$post = [

‘agree’ => ‘yes’,

‘host’ => ‘localhost’,

‘port’ => ‘3306’,

‘database’ => ‘blesta’,

‘user’ => ‘user’,

‘password’ => ‘password’,

];

$ch = curl_init();

curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_URL, ‘myblestadomain.com/install/process’);

curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_POST, true);

curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_POSTFIELDS, http_build_query($post));

curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_RETURNTRANSFER, true);

$response = curl_exec($ch);

$errors = curl_error($ch);

curl_close($ch);

echo “RESPONSE: “;

print_r($response);

echo “ERRORS: “;

var_dump($errors);

In case if you are not using Apache as a web server or missing mod_rewrite, the URL will be prepended along with index.php. For example; myblestadomain.com/index.php/install/process

Command-Line Installation

Here is how to install Blesta using the Command Line:

Within the shell, navigate to the directory where you have uploaded the Blesta

The CLI installer will now run in an interactive or non-interactive mode through the passing parameters.

Case 1. If going through interactive mode run:

php ./index.php install

Note: If the Blesta is not installed on your web server, then keep in mind that the “Root Web Directory” settings will be wrong until you will install Blesta in your current working directory to set Root Web Directory.

Use This Command to Install from the web server’s document root:

cd /to/your/web/server/document/root/php ./path/to/blesta/index.php install

Case 2. If using Automatic Run Mode

php ./index.php install -dbhost DATABASE_HOST -dbname DATABASE_NAME -dbuser DATABASE_USER -dbpass DATABASE_PASS -hostname WEBSITE_HOSTNAME -docroot DOCUMENT_ROOT_PATH

Parameter

Description

hostname

The website’s hostname

docroot

The exact location of web server’s document root. For example; /var/www/html/)

dbuser

The database user

dbpass

The database password

dbname

The database name

dbhost

The database hostname

dbpass

The database password

Once done with the installation, go to https://yourdomain.com/path_to_blesta/admin/ and create your admin user and enter your license key.

After this, you will be logged in automatically for the first time and you can enable Two-Factor Authentication.

Step 5. Set up a Cron Job

After installation, a cron job requires to be created to automate all the tasks within Blesta.

For this, go to Settings >> System >> Automation

Here copy the “Cron Command”, to use in creating a cron job within your server

Step 6. System Configuration

Once done with the installation, you need to do the following basic system settings:

index.php in URLs

Blesta does not include index.php in any of its URL requests by default but, you can go with .htaccess mod_rewrite rules.

In case if your server does not support not support mod_rewrite, your Blesta requires to include index.php to all the URLs.

Note: You can force Bletsa to include index.php in all the URLs just by renaming or deleting the .htaccess file within your root web directory.

Change Path to Admin Area routes.php

Configure::set(“Route.admin”, “staff”);

Change the path to the Client area

By default, the path of the client area starts with /client and you can change this by locating routes.php within /installpath/config/routes.php.

Here modify the value of “Route.client” configuration and change the path of client area to /customers/ and set it to the following:

routes.php

Configure::set(“Route.client”, “customers”);

Force HTTPS

If your server supports mod_rewrite, you can enable HTTPS redirects by uncommenting the following lines (remove the ‘#’ symbols) from the .htaccess file included with Blesta.

#RewriteCond %{HTTPS} !=on

#RewriteRule ^ https://%{HTTP_HOST}%{REQUEST_URI} [R=307,NE,L]

…And you are done with the Blesta installation. How to install Blesta issue fixed!

Winding Things Up!

Now, you know well that Blesta is an all-in-one automation platform for web hosting businesses and all the hosting business administrators must use it to ease up complex tasks. Here we have disclosed everything about Blesta along with steps to install it. It is recommended to follow each and every step carefully to avoid further security and configuration issues. In addition, take the advantage of all the features of this web hosting automation platform.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is Blesta?

A. Blesta is a well-written, open-source, and developer-friendly platform used to manage clients, billing, and reseller hosting.

Q. What is Reseller Hosting?

A. The Reseller Hosting is a web hosting service designed for the marketers who, in turn, will resell the hosting service to third parties and offering the possibility of creating sub-plans or hosting plans within the reseller account.

Q. Why Should I Choose Blesta?

Summary: This article discloses everything about Blesta and How can Blesta make your billing easier? without having any technical expertise.

Any established web host needs a sound billing system for smooth operations. Commercial billing software is particularly helpful for developers of open source. Billing software usually allows a web host to integrate control panels, registrations, and other licenses. It also helps a web host to create a repository of data for solving queries later.

Each software has its pros and cons and differs in terms of its features. Some might be more user-friendly, and some might be better suited for more established companies. Choosing the right billing software completely depends on the requirements and budget of the web hosting company. This article talks about one such software, Blesta, which is a renowned and reliable billing system for several web hosts.

What is Blesta?

Headquartered in Los Angeles and founded in 2007, Blesta is a popular billing platform for web hosting companies. It is a well-written, open, and developer-friendly website. It is often the first choice for web hosting companies. It has been around for quite a while and has got a lot of good features and advantages. It is a great software for reseller web hosts. The cheapest license at $5.15 a month and goes up to $10.35 a month. It handles a client’s billing, integrations and manages users for the web hosts. It is an easy way to automate and scale a web hosting business.

How can you install Blesta?

A big advantage of Blesta is that it is easily accessible and manageable. Here are the steps one needs to follow to install Blesta:

The first step to use Blesta is obviously to download it. It is best if the latest version of Blesta is downloaded. This has the most upgraded features available for the user. It can be downloaded from the Blest website easily.

Upload and extract Blesta file using the control panel:

Using the control panel file manager, the file can be uploaded from the computer. Once this is uploaded, the uploaded  file has to be extracted

Licenses at Blesta

There are different options available for Blesta users, in terms of owning licenses. One can either own a license or can renew licenses monthly.

1. Owned unbranded and branded:

To own a license, a user can either pay for an owned branded or an owned unbranded. The owned branded license does not allow a user to remove the “Powered by Blesta” branding, while an owned unbranded license allows a user to do so. The unbranded license costs $250 one time, and the branded license costs $300 one time. Both of these have to be renewed at $39 annually.

2. Owned lifetime:

An owned lifetime license costs $750 one time and needs no annual renewal. It offers a lifetime of support and updates. A user can also remove the “powers by Blesta” branding if needed.

3. Monthly branded and unbranded

A user can also opt for a monthly renewal package of unbranded and branded licenses. While the branded license costs $12.95 a month, the unbranded one costs $14.95 a month. These are the different license options available at Blesta. There is regular support, upgrades, and add-ons available for all clients with licenses

Payment at Blesta

Blesta offers its clients both merchant as well as non-merchant payment gateways. While non-merchant gateways take the user to an external website, merchant gateways allow the user to stay on the same website.

1. Prorata Billing

Users get a chance to configure services and renew their licenses every month on a specific day.

2. Multi-currency

There are multiple currency options that users can pay at Blesta. This increases client base and makes it easy for its clients too.

3. A wide array of payment gateways

There are over 35 non-merchant and merchant payment gateways available for the convenience of customers. This means there is no necessity for a merchant bank account.

4. Taxes

There are two levels of tax inclusion and exclusion, and tax exemption available for customers of Blesta.

Blesta is very professional and efficient with the payments it receives from clients. Since the software is automated, there is an immediate suspension in case of non-payment too.

Benefits of Blesta

Billing software is a bridge between a web hosting company and its users. Hence, it is very critical that the software runs and works well for maximum satisfaction and efficiency. It has sensitive information and data that has to be kept confidential. Here are some advantages of using Blesta

1. Multiple payment options for users

It is crucial that an online business has multiple methods of payments available for the convenience of its clients. Blesta offers a wide array of more than 35  payment gateways, both merchant as well as non-merchant. Merchant gateways like StripeWay, Sage, and eWay require a merchant bank account. On the other hand, non-merchant gateways like PayUmoney, CCAvenue, and BitPay do not require a merchant bank account. Payments are also possible in different currencies at Blesta.

2. Strong support system

There is a good deal of support for users of Blesta. A client support system that allows easy access to customer service is of utmost importance. An in-built chat system that is available round-the-clock is a plus. It increases the overall satisfaction of customers. The support system helps clients with everything starting from onboarding to termination.

3. Highly customizable

For any web host, it is very important to have customizable software. This not only enhances the user experience, but also helps build efficient systems since the user is only using the features they need. There are several features like reports and project support which a web host can customize on their dashboard on Blesta.

4. High Security

Blesta takes clients’ security seriously and makes it a point to not leak usernames. With a two-factor authentication for staff and clients, and blocking brute force logins, its security is highly maintained and updated from time to time.

5. Strong community

Blesta allows clients to access a blog, which has articles written by industry experts and experienced users. This is a great way to connect the community of web hosts as well as update everyone on the latest news and happenings. They also allow web hosts to post and answer queries on a community forum and regularly post on social media platforms as well. With these advantages, Blesta has been able to successfully attract a large number of web hosting companies as its clients. Apart from these pros, Blest also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on its licenses. To make it easier, you can hire companies that offer custom development Blesta solutions after understanding your project needs.

Conclusion

Summary: This article discloses everything about Blesta and How can Blesta make your billing easier? without having any technical expertise.

Any established web host needs a sound billing system for smooth operations. Commercial billing software is particularly helpful for developers of open source. Billing software usually allows a web host to integrate control panels, registrations, and other licenses. It also helps a web host to create a repository of data for solving queries later. 

Each software has its pros and cons and differs in terms of its features. Some might be more user-friendly, and some might be better suited for more established companies. Choosing the right billing software completely depends on the requirements and budget of the web hosting company. This article talks about one such software, Blesta, which is a renowned and reliable billing system for several web hosts.

What is Blesta?

Headquartered in Los Angeles and founded in 2007, Blesta is a popular billing platform for web hosting theme companies. It is a well-written, open, and developer-friendly website. It is often the first choice for web hosting companies. It has been around for quite a while and has got a lot of good features and advantages. It is a great software for reseller web hosts. The cheapest license at $5.15 a month and goes up to $10.35 a month. It handles a client’s billing, integrations and manages users for the web hosts. It is an easy way to automate and scale a web hosting business. 

How can you install Blesta?

A big advantage of Blesta is that it is easily accessible and manageable. Here are the steps one needs to follow to install Blesta:

Download Blesta:

The first step to use Blesta is obviously to download it. It is best if the latest version of Blesta is downloaded. This has the most upgraded features available for the user. It can be downloaded from the Blest website easily.

There are so many WHMCS Alternatives like Blesta Development, BoxBilling, HostLaunch, etc. 

If you’re lazy person like myself at times you can check out this video and get the grand tour of it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxPauXr4WTQ