Im new to DNN.  Ive been looking at and planning my DNN project for a while, but Ive sort of run into a wall before I even begin.

After reading books and bbs postings for weeks, I see wonderful discussion about everything except one: real world deployment.

Im used to the idea of developing in one environment and then uploading versions to production when they are ready.  I planned to put up a simple beginning to my site, and then keep adding and changing over time. I expect to spend a lot of time, doing a lot of changes.

Ive already been treated like a wierdo by a couple of hosts for trying to setup a traditional "development" environment on my PC and just upload the files and db.  It never worked (I always got an under construction screen), and they all let me know it isnt something they support or even recommend.

I wont name those hosts, because frankly that would be unfair. I think its my ignorance not theirs that is the problem.  Clearly, in the DNN world, keeping a traditional "development environment" is for people with very serious levels of DNN, and database administration knowledge beyond what would be needed for such a setup in straight HTML, or even ASP.Net (which I already use a lot).

For the life of me, I cant figure out how anyone produces a production site in DNN.  It seems like you iether work live in your production environment, or you are privy to some secret formula that nobody discusses.

Any advice to me that combines how to upgrade in the real world, and what type of host to look for in order to do that... would be really helpful to me.


PS:
I posted a version of this asking for an article about it on DNNCreative. But then I realized that it might do better on this forum... please forgive me if thats considered cross-posting.

Hello,

I answered the deployment question here - regarding hosting providers, I know that reseller choice and Power DNN can handle the methods I outlined in issue 22. - if you have another hosting provider in mind, it is worth contacting their support to see if they can restore a DotNetNuke installation from a localhost site to a live site. - ie. will they restore backups of SQL / SQL Express databases that you have uploaded and re-apply the correct permissions for you. - You can see the methods outlines in Issue 22.

Thanks,

Hi miamiray,

There is no secret method. Just find a hosting provider who states their platform is DotNetNuke compatible. And check if they have a control panel with SQL backup-restore tool.

I recommend Dotnetpark.com,  you can backup and restore databases yourself with their panel. And the support is excellent and they do know what is DotNetNuke.

Most providers do not have this feature in control panels and you have to contact their support team and even pay for the restore, e.g. CrystalTech charges for this. It is unacceptable for DotNetNuke hosting.

When you have $$$, go dedicated. Now decent Windows servers starts at $150/mo and you can use free SQL Express for your own needs. Dedicated is always better than shared. Share it with your friends to cut the cost.

Many here have referred to chapter 22 and how to deploy to a live site from a local development machine. Or they have pointed out that some hosts like PowerDNN will help with that type of deployment (send them a file). That is really helpful information indeed, and Im looking into those hosts... That addresses initial deployment.

But Im also wondering if there is a host or a solution to the issue of WHAT HAPPENS WHEN DEPLOYING TO A LIVE SITE THAT ALREADY HAS DATA IN IT? Even one byte of user data on the site that is different from what is in your development environment, and the results are gonna be unpredictable at best... iether lost user data/settings, or a corrupted site.

The rest of the discussion is going on elsewhere on this site under the area for "feedback suggestions and more". Its my fault, I cross posted.

So here, let me just keep it to the issue of hosts:

Right now, Ive been trying out EPHost. But it seems they dont have a backup procedure, and may never have one. Instead they want you to use SSIS. I still havent gotten that to work, because there are no tools, so Im guessing Ill have to leave them.

Does anyone use SSIS?