Self-Hosted Live Chat
Install PHP Live! on your PHP and MySQL enabled web server.
| Starter | Enterprise | |
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| Chat operators | 4 | Unlimited |
| Unlimited departments | ||
| Unlimited chat sessions | ||
| All the features enabled | ||
| Life time of use (software does not expire) | ||
| Non-encrypted PHP source code | ||
| All chat data is stored in your MySQL database | ||
| Install on multiple websites you own and operate | ||
| Tech support available (live chat, email and phone support) | ||
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Whisper Addon
Allow operators to join other chat sessions and whisper to the operator or directly participate in the chat.
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Marquee Addon
Announce news, promotions or other important message that scrolls along the footer of the visitor chat window.
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Export Transcripts Addon
Export your chat transcripts to a downloadable text file.
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"Leave a message" Automatic Reply Addon
When visitors leave a message, automatically send a customized reply to the visitor's email address.
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Voice Chat Addon
During a chat session, request voice chat with the visitor.
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LDAP Addon
Allow your chat operators to signin using their LDAP credentials
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Gravatar Addon
When a visitor requests chat and they provide their email address, the system can fetch their Gravatar, if available, to be visible by the chat operator.
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HTML Code Mapper Addon
Map a URL pattern to a department, overriding the existing chat icon HTML Code on the webpage.
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Email Marketing Addon
Display an opt-in feature on the chat request window to gather email address of opt-in visitors.
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Debrand Key ("Powered by" removal)
Remove the "powered by PHP Live!" branding link back from the visitor chat window and the operator area.
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| New version upgrades |
1 year of upgrades
Additional year of
upgrades is /yr |
life time of upgrades |
| Starter | Enterprise | |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the recommended server resources?
As a general rule, if possible, absolutely no shared hosting environments. For best live chat experience, if you must deploy on a shared enviornment, get a hosting package with the most resources available. The resources needed is directly related to few factors:
- Website Traffic - Website traffic plays an important factor in server resource usage. The chat icon does fetch data from the server, which will matter when you receive a lot of traffic. The more RAM the server has available, the less likely there may be issues.
- Anticipated Live Chat Usage - Each live chat session requires server communication during the chat session. The more chat sessions you receive will require more server resources (RAM, CPU).
- Operators Online - A typical modest server environment with at least 2Gigs of RAM should be able to handle 4 operators online at the same time, or more. However, if you receive thousands of traffic a day, more than 2Gigs of RAM may be needed to limit potential resource issues.
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Server Requirements
- Server OS
- UNIX, Mac or Windows
- Web Server
- Any web server with PHP and MySQL enabled
- PHP
- PHP >= 5.4, 7.x, 8.0 (tested up to 8.0)
- Database
- MySQL >= 4.1 or MariaDB
How much disc space is needed?
The software files are around 22Megs of disc space. However, the database disc space needed for the system will depend on your website traffic and chat volume. As a safe measure, at least 25Gigs of free disc space should be ok for few years of live chat usage for websites that receive 100-5000 visitors a day.
How many chat sessions can the system handle, per day?
It all depends on the server resource available. The more server resources (RAM, CPU, disc space), the more chats the system can handle. Also, the web server must be configured properly, including the MySQL configuration. There has been verified systems with over 500 chats a day and few systems have reported over 1,000 chats a day. If your server has the resources, then the system can handle more chats without issues.
Can I remove the "powered by PHP Live!" link back from the visitor chat window?
A purchase of the Enterprise Self-Hosted is required to remove the "powered by PHP Live!" link back. The Enterprise Self-Hosted includes the "Debrand" key needed to remove the link. The "powered by PHP Live!" link back cannot be removed on the Starter (also known as Standard) Self-Hosted.
Does it expire?
It does not expire. There is no locking mechanism or other types of automatic deactivation of features.
Is PHP framework required?
PHP framework is not required. PHP Live! does not use a PHP framework.
Does the sytem run 100% on my server without third-party communication?
Yes. PHP Live! is a complete on premise live chat solution that functions 100% on your server, your network, your domain. There is zero third-party communication. However, if are planning to use the Mobile App, the push notification does require third-party communication (PHP Live! servers AND OneSignal servers) to send the push notification to the mobile device. If you do not use the Mobile App, there is absolutely zero third-party communication.)
If I purchase the Starter, can I switch to the Enterprise at anytime?
Yes. The option to switch your account to the Enterprise Download can be done at anytime from the client area. Starter to Enterprise account switch is , the difference in price.
Is tech support included?
General tech support will always be available, free of charge. However, some incidents that require extensive troubleshooting will require a purchase of Escalated Tech Support Service. Escalated Tech Support are situations of possible server configuration and other issues that could not be fixed with common solutions. Escalated Tech Support Service is $150 (up to 3 hours) for most situations, per incident. Tech support will determine if Escalated Tech Support will be required based on the situation. Before any type of troubleshooting begins, your PHP Live! system must be the latest version. Upgrading your PHP Live! system is the first step in the troubleshooting process. Please reference the Knowledge Base for most common solutions.
Can I provide a live chat service to my clients with my purchased copy of PHP Live!?
No. The PHP Live! License is per company use. Providing a service with PHP Live! to your clients is not allowed. Each of your clients will need to purchase a License.
I'm a developer and want to know if I can use PHP Live! on all of my client's websites?
No. The PHP Live! License is per company use. Each of your clients will need to purchase a License.
How many new versions are released in a year?
There has been sometimes over 10 new versions in a year. But typically 3-6 new versions are released each year.
Don't have a server? Signup for the On Demand live chat service. View On Demand pricing.