Parallels Staff please reply.
As far as I can tell, all Parallels has done to put there logo in the top right of the cp is they have taken the logout icon replaced it with their logo, which can be found in the theme files (def_parallels_logo.gif) under the images directory, and have changed the logout link to be a link to their site.
The link code is not part of the theme files and resides in the encoded php. In other words you can’t remove it without some serious css modding (div overlays) or by using the same background colour as the txt. However According to the terms of service this constitutes a licensing breach.
Also the news section framework, clearly build to give hosts the ability to supply their clients with news updates about their services has been encrypted so only parallels news will show and the admin option to turn news off no longer works.
Parallels attempt to brand their control panel has resulted in a grave loss of functionality. This software is supposed to be a control panel for web hosts. No administrators i know who currently use Plesk will accept having a large, badly coded logo at the top right of their customer control panel.
A Warning: Parallels should seriously take time to consider which direction they are taking this software in. You are in danger of losing a large proportion of your client base if this over branding continues and is not reversed in the next version.
I’d like to further point out that users can now see which add-ons are enabled and which are not. More importantly users can see which add-ons have been paid for and which have not. This software is no longer suitable for Webhosts looking to manage their marketing and branding carefully. In this day and age the quality of the control panel is what sets webhosts apart from each other. Anyone thinking of using this software in its current state should stop and think:
1. You cannot remove large parralleles logo from the control panel
2. You cannot remove parallels news section or replace it with your own news.
3. You cannot stop your clients seeing add-ons which have not been payed for.
I have to say I am disappointed. This software has lost many of its most valuable features and I guarantee you I am not the only one who will be forced to change control panel if a compromise is not reached before the release of the next version.
By over branding and encrypting this software Parallels is putting itself in a risky position. Admins are more likely to try and hack you're software now you have removed the ability to brand the control panel. Can you not simply be satisfied with a copyright like everyone else?
I look forward to your reply,
Frank MacDonald
Redforrest.net Staff
0601415@abertay.ac.uk