Linux client

[andywan]

Hi,

I'm aware that your Insta Alert client only runs on Windows, however a small majority of our office use Linux distros, and it would be beneficial if we could also offer the Insta Alert platform to them along with the rest of our Windows based users.

My broad question is really, is there any way to get the client running on a Linux OS, either via a pre-compiled package or via source? I've tried using the wine emulator to install the Windows based variant, which works, but unfortunately fails on establishing a network connection to the support suite server. This is unfortunately a problem with the wine emulator I believe, as I don't think this was meant to be used for network based applications.

Obviously I'd understand the reluctance to hand over source code for paid software, but any ideas you have would be appreciated.


Thanks in advance!

[Ryan Lederman]

Hello,

We currently do not have plans to support Linux in any of our applications.

Regards,

[msmartinwsx]

Ryan,

I assume this is the same for the mac?

Matt

[Ryan Lederman]

msmartinwsx,

That's correct. We currently don't have any plans to support the Apple OS.

Regards,

[msmartinwsx]

Originally Posted by Ryan [K]

msmartinwsx,

That's correct. We currently don't have any plans to support the Apple OS.

Regards,

OK.. I know this is going about OT so I will keep it to a minimum - will there be a way to have livechats etc via webbased pages (much like the current /monitor/ dir)?

Matt

[craigbrass]

That is one thing I have always wondered about (ie there not being a web based tool for staff to chat with staff). Most of the other LiveHelp software made by other companies have it. It certainly does come in handy if you end up being on a machine where you don't want to / can't install the winapp.

[twhiting9275]

We currently do not have plans to support Linux in any of our applications.

And why is this?
The world doesn't revolve around Windows, nor does it revolve around Linux or Macs, but still the point is there.

Is it that hard to design a competent system that is actually os independent? I think not. If it was, then why would every single one of your competitors be using java to do so? Because Java runs on virtually every OS imaginable.

This is just another case of poor programming, and extremely poor decision making here, nothing more.

[Ryan Lederman]

@twhiting,

Hi. Flame posts will be deleted from these forums in the future. Please refrain from posting if your only intent is to flame Kayako.

Regards,

[phpcoder]

Originally Posted by twhiting9275

And why is this?
The world doesn't revolve around Windows, nor does it revolve around Linux or Macs, but still the point is there.

Is it that hard to design a competent system that is actually os independent? I think not. If it was, then why would every single one of your competitors be using java to do so? Because Java runs on virtually every OS imaginable.

This is just another case of poor programming, and extremely poor decision making here, nothing more.

I don’t want to start any controversy and I do respect your opinion, however, you need to look at this from a few other angles.

1) Is the demand worth the extra work?
2) Is there even a justifiable demand?
3) Does Kayako have the staff expertise to support this on Linux?
4) Do you actually know how much work is involved in making a program that is compatible with multiple operating systems?
5) Etc…

[msmartinwsx]

Originally Posted by phpcoder

I don’t want to start any controversy and I do respect your opinion, however, you need to look at this from a few other angles.

1) Is the demand worth the extra work?
2) Is there even a justifiable demand?
3) Does Kayako have the staff expertise to support this on Linux?
4) Do you actually know how much work is involved in making a program that is compatible with multiple operating systems?
5) Etc…

1/2) I would say yes. People dont want to be limited to windows and obviously there are people using linux/macs etc that will want to use SOMETHING.

3) If not, would they not get someone in to do it - after all, isnt that what they have done with Ryan? He is the WinApp guru

4) The program as it stands i.e SupportSuite is compatible with any OS as it is web-based. However, the add-on (and what I would call, free add-on) is only for windows.

[twhiting9275]

My 0.02 here
Is it possible? obviously, yes it is, since the competition is doing it easily enough. not just ONE competitor but numerous competitors are doing this.

As a developer myself, this only shows a lack of planning and foresight, providing an incredibly poor product.

Is there a reason Kayako is trying to force everyone to use the worst OS out there? Or is it just poor planning and programming here.

Look, it wouldn't be that complicated to use a java interface, rather than one extremely limited.

Take it as a flame, all you want, but unless you actually open up your eyes and realize that windows is not the way of the future, you're going to lose a tremendous amount of business here. That's not a flame, that's the truth!

The reality of things is that by limiting your clients to one OS, you're losing the clients that you could/would have if you would wake up and do things in a proper environment.

[Ryan Lederman]

@twhiting,

Not supporting OSes that hold only a tiny fraction of the desktop market is not "lack of planning and foresight" or "an incredibly poor product," it's just being realistic.

Software written to be cross-platform is of a lower caliber than its counterpart written specifically for one system. Java, for example, is extremely slow, and the resulting programs are barely usable.

If the demand arises, we will surely look into diverting some resources to develop an application for OSes other than Windows.

[twhiting9275]

why would we support other obscure, barely used OSes

Because it's what your customers want?
Why would you ignore what your customers (multiple individuals) have asked for repeatedly?

As far as obscurity, that may have been the case 10 years ago, but Linux (and macs) are starting to show more and more popularity. Why? Because people are tired of the **** and insecurities involved with using Windows.

It is always poor design and business practice to tell your clients "no, we won't do that", especially when multiple clients have asked for the same thing. Personally, I've had to turn down staff because they aren't running "windows" and thusly don't have access to your "support" application.

You can argue all you want, but at least get the facts before you do. As a developer myself, of 20+ years, I know very well the rules to the game, and doing something like this is just incredibly poor.

[dstjohn]

Originally Posted by Ryan [K]

Hello,

We currently do not have plans to support Linux in any of our applications.

Regards,

Not to call the kettle black here, but doesnt all the web based stuff
run on linux/unix as well as winblows?

Im sure learning kdevelope would me a slight learning curve
if you guys already use vs .NET, kdevelope is FREE! and has much
of the same features you find in visual studio for windows based apps.

A simple app like instalart could easlily be ported over to linux desktop
using the qt libraries and libcurl.
Maybe you guys should release an open api so we know what calls to make with curl to swift so we can develope or own in house linux desktop utils to work with support suite.

just my $0.02

[_zb]

Originally Posted by Ryan [K]

@twhiting,

Not supporting OSes that hold only a tiny fraction of the desktop market is not "lack of planning and foresight" or "an incredibly poor product," it's just being realistic.

Software written to be cross-platform is of a lower caliber than its counterpart written specifically for one system. Java, for example, is extremely slow, and the resulting programs are barely usable.

If the demand arises, we will surely look into diverting some resources to develop an application for OSes other than Windows.

You guys develop your program not for mousemovers and should understand that if your product will ignore your customer's requests they will go away.
In fact I can promise you, that you will meet much of linux customers in near future and they all will ask you about livesupport application for their desctops and even for console.