Deploy on 99Stack button

Orson_Deforest

So I was browsing some open source projects on Github, supposed to run on a VPS and quickly learned that most developers either just offer an affiliate link to a cloud hosting company, or they go all in and build their own shared hosting platform on an already existing cloud where users pay them to host a copy of their app as a managed solution.

That's when I figured out, why not having a deploy button combined with the generous affiliate program? I.e let's say I have a project on Github with a install script for a Linux VPS and an account here. Then I'd be happy to add an embedded button/link on my project read me page which basically let anyone who click on it sign up via my affiliate link, top up their balance and then a server automatically deploys under their account with my install script passed as script_url.

What do you think? pros, cons?

Tommi_Nyman

Well it's a brilliant idea in theory 👍️ but what about security? how would it be implemented in API without exposing personal information? Maybe I didn't understood the suggestion. If so, could you explain more specifically how it would work?

Orson_Deforest

Tommi_Nyman Hmm, never thought of it that way. But if I understand it correctly you can be redirected after login and as long as you have a balance you're allowed to deploy. Maybe this would be better suited for people that already has an account then. 😧

Maybe if the link/button lead to a confirmation modal with info about the server and the app, ability to customize a bit and of course pricing information, then if the user press deploy the server will deploy and install the application. ⭐️

JesseWells

Tommi_Nyman Why wouldn't it work? seems like a very good idea.

Sebastian_Mannerheim

Seems like a good way for developers to earn a lot of commission for minimal work while solving the hosting problem for their application. But I don't see why it has to be automatic, it's easy enough as it it. Plus that you may actually be able to build something like that on your own using the tools already available if you have some basic programming skills. 🧐

Samuel_Oldfield

The problem wouldn't be security, instead it would be a headache to manage an install script that's supposed to work on all 100+ operating system images available in this cloud. Maybe if this embedded button would come with configuration options that would limit the choice of operating systems. Most of the cloud apps have tutorials for Ubuntu anyway.

Allan_Virtanen

JesseWells I'm also curious as to why it wouldn't work. The API is open isn't it? anyone could probably build a third party control panel or app, earn profit via their own affiliate link and then implement a deploy button.

Perfect for SaaS providers.

Tommi_Nyman

Hmm, taking my previous statement back. Guess it would work after all, I just didn't see how at the moment.