What are the requirements for the self-hosted software?

Self-hosting our software requires a server with these minimum capabilities:

• PHP 5.2.0+
  • GD2 Extension
  • SPL Extension
  • DOM XML Extension
  • Recommended: JSON Extension
• MySQL 4.1+ (MySQL 5+ is recommended)

Our software works with any web server (Apache, IIS, lighttpd, etc.) that can support the listed requirements. Please note that if you choose to use Windows/IIS hosting our technical support services may be limited.

The self-hosted version of IP.Nexus requires that either Zend Optimizer or IonCube Encoder be installed on the server.

How can I check my server meets the requirements?

Our Compatibility Checker script is a small file you can run on your server, which will let you know whether the minimum requirements are met. Simply unzip the download and upload the file to your server, then access it via a web browser. Full instructions are provided in the download.

Compatability Checker

Is my information secure?

Absolutely - all sensitive data is encrypted and secured. We use industry-standard 128-bit SSL encryption during the order process and when accessing the client area. Please read our privacy policy for more information.

Can I get a refund?

If you pre-paid for a year on a hosting account, we will refund your unused months. If your payment was made more than 90 days ago, you will be issued an account credit towards other purchases and renewals.

For purchases for downloadable products, such as software, we do not provide any refunds after the software has been downloaded. To ensure a product is right for you before purchasing, please try our demo, or contact us with any questions you may have.

How long will my order take to process?

We manually approve all orders from new customers for fraud using multi-point checks. We ask that you allow up to 48 hours for your order to be approved, although it is usually much quicker. This measure protects us and our customers.

What payment methods do you accept?

We are able to accept major credit & debit cards and PayPal.

Will my existing links be broken?

When you convert from one of many platforms, we include free scripts which automatically translate your current URLs into the IPS Community Suite's Friendly URLs. Appropriate headers are sent, so search engines don't penalize you for the change, either. If your existing platform will redirect in this way, it will be indicated with the icon on our Migrate to IPS page.

Will I lose my skins & modifications?

Unfortunately yes - skins and modifications designed for other software will not work with IPS software. But similar modifications and skins are probably available via our resource site, contributed by other users.

How long does a migration take?

This depends on the size of your current database and the number of entries, so it is difficult to give a definitive answer. Small communities may convert in a few minutes, while large communities may require several hours. Once the conversion is running, however, it can be left to complete without intervention.

Will user passwords work after the conversion?

Yes, users will be able to log in normally once the conversion is complete.

Can I use my own domain name for my hosted community?

Yes, this is available on all packages. After your purchase, you will need to update your domain nameservers to: NS1.IPSLINK.COM and NS2.IPSLINK.COM - this procedure will vary between domain registrars, thus you will need to contact whomever you registered the domain through for further assistance. If you do not already have a domain name, you may purchase one via Invision Domains for an extra annual fee. You may then contact support to update your account with the new domain name.

What happens if I go over my limits?

When you get close to your package limits, we'll contact you to let you know. If the average users in a 48 hour window exceeds your package limits, we'll automatically upgrade you to our next package level. IPS is here to help you grow your community and we will work with you, communicate, and help you transition along the way. You should never worry about being deactivated for just being a few users or posts over your package limits.

Can I run IP.Nexus on the Basic 10 or Standard 20 packages?

Yes - although these packages do not come with IP.Nexus, they do support running it if you choose to purchase a separate license. If you'd like to do so, please contact our sales department who would be happy to assist.

Do you offer packages with higher limits?

If the limits of our standard packages don't meet your needs, we also have additional Advanced packages. If you're a business customer, we urge you to contact us to discuss your needs - we can put together a custom package tailored specifically to your needs.

Can I upgrade my package?

Of course! There's no additional fee to upgrade (or downgrade) your package at any time. You can change your package via the client area, or simply log a ticket with our accounts department, and we'll make the switch for you.

Am I tied into a long-term contract?

No – all of our packages run on a month-to-month basis. If you pay for a year upfront, you can still cancel at any time and we’ll refund your remaining months.

If I cancel, can I keep my IPS software?

You are always entitled to a backup of your data, however, the IP.Board software is not transferrable from our Hosted Community packages. To continue to make use of it outside of your Hosted Community package, you'll need to get yourself a Self-Hosted IP.Board license.

What are 'online users'?

Online users are those that are currently actively browsing your community and those active in the last 15 minutes (when their session expires). Our Hosted Community packages don't limit the total membership of your community; only the online user count. We calculate on a 48-hour average online count so short-term bursts of traffic should not impact your package level.

Can I install new skins, modifications etc.?

The software code cannot be modified on our Hosted Community packages. You can however download and install new skins, applications, hooks, languages and more, and install them via your administration control panel.

Are there any other restrictions for Hosted Communities?

In addition to any individual package-specific restrictions mentioned elsewhere, please note that LDAP and Sphinx search are not available on our Hosted Community or Enterprise plans. If this functionality is essential, please consider our Self-Hosted purchasing options.

Please note that server resource use is monitored separately to online users, and to protect the stability of our hosting environments, accounts may be temporarily limited if they exceed those resource limits.