The new install incorporates Xoops 2.4.0. No API changes were made in this round. A Xoops update link was also added to the website for those who want to update their portal system.

Release 7 is out! You can read the release notes for all the technical. A business change is that the online demo is being decommissioned and a 21 day trial is available for download. This will allow users to better evaluate all the configuration options that were locked down in the demo.

Another change is that we've moved to ionCube encryption and a backend licensing server. This is to alleviate manual billing and allow self-service for users that move their installation. You can reissue your own license.

The bad. Documentation planned for this weekend was not completed with the two day schedule slip. The new installation steps are correct. By mid week, I'll have a config.php overview (customization), whmcs configuration, and a general site flow. By next weekend, I plan to have flash overviews going.

Release 7 will be early evening, Oct 23 2009. No more vouchers for website signup, the price will be $349. All customers with current maintenance will not need to pay the difference in pricing. ionCube encryption will be used with WHMCS licensing. So, montly billing and purchased maintenance will be automated. This requires adding a license key (more to come). PeakAPI.com: Dropping the PayPal API for free (code is obsolete); moving all pricing to a consolidated cart; considering removing the forum and replacing with a wiki.

The last bug is gone from Release 7. One last production invoicing run, then documentation begins. It's a late October candidate. I will probably take the online demo out and replace with a video overview. The demo will be a downloadable trial. That's my thought at the moment, but it's past midnight.

First round using whmcs went very smoothly. Each portal user had all backup accounts itemized by backup account name in a single invoice. whmcs supports credit card, so this could be a billing solution if chosen.

There is now officially enough money invested into this code that I'm stepping back and evaluating implementing a real licensing model where tracking and enforcement of hosted code is automated. Coupled with the need to go through one more billing cycle to ensure this release is quality, I'm moving the release date to mid October.