9.0 Feature and Release Discussion

[BENELUX]

While I understand that bugs are part of any Release Candidate cycle, it's concerning that we are still discussing basic optimization issues like proper OPcache support.

And let's not even get started on the fact that we still don't have 100% native Nginx support. This becomes particularly ironic with the introduction of the new WHMCS Cloud Solution. With cloud hosting, the resource costs are on their side, so you'd think they'd be rushing to support Nginx to reduce their own infrastructure expenses. It's like being sold a high-performance engine but being told you have to power it with hamster wheels. Maybe once their bills start rolling in, Nginx support will suddenly become a priority.

This all points to the bigger issue: the development velocity. Core development feels like it's just about "keeping the lights on" (PHP/ionCube updates) rather than actual innovation. This stagnation has allowed third-party developers like ModulesGarden to build entire businesses by selling us functionality that should have been in the core a decade ago.

When you look at the "Total Cost of Ownership" license fees + necessary third-party modules, the value proposition is slipping.

Newer platforms like Upmind are entering the market with an API-first architecture and modern features built-in from day one. If WHMCS continues to outsource innovation to the community while raising prices for maintenance updates, that competitive threat is going to become an exodus very quickly. We need core features that match the modern hosting landscape, not just compatibility patches.
 

Edited December 17 by BENELUX

[Hal9000]

It's quite bold to release an RC without any beta for a major new version. Sure not lacking confidence.

[Humanbeing]

Ah, whmcs. The gift that keeps on giving. Happy holidays. 

[JNDEVELOPER]

59 minutes ago, BENELUX said:

While I understand that bugs are part of any Release Candidate cycle, it's concerning that we are still discussing basic optimization issues like proper OPcache support.

And let's not even get started on the fact that we still don't have 100% native Nginx support. This becomes particularly ironic with the introduction of the new WHMCS Cloud Solution. With cloud hosting, the resource costs are on their side, so you'd think they'd be rushing to support Nginx to reduce their own infrastructure expenses. It's like being sold a high-performance engine but being told you have to power it with hamster wheels. Maybe once their bills start rolling in, Nginx support will suddenly become a priority.

This all points to the bigger issue: the development velocity. Core development feels like it's just about "keeping the lights on" (PHP/ionCube updates) rather than actual innovation. This stagnation has allowed third-party developers like ModulesGarden to build entire businesses by selling us functionality that should have been in the core a decade ago.

When you look at the "Total Cost of Ownership" license fees + necessary third-party modules, the value proposition is slipping.

Newer platforms like Upmind are entering the market with an API-first architecture and modern features built-in from day one. If WHMCS continues to outsource innovation to the community while raising prices for maintenance updates, that competitive threat is going to become an exodus very quickly. We need core features that match the modern hosting landscape, not just compatibility patches.
 

So your point is, whmcs should prioritize modern, clear and consistent development instead of just raising prices all the time?

[SwiftModders]

Looking forward to unpacking all of this...

Happy Holidays, everyone! (pours glass)

[Evolve Web Hosting]

No Beta for a major version = no upgrade to 9.0 RC for me. I will wait for 9.1

[-M-]

9.98 beta?

Probably will get deleted again by John haha.

[zomex]

How WHMCS have set this as a RC instead of a Beta is insane. It's a huge upgrade in terms of it's impact on themes/modules. No beta, no reply from WHMCS, no forums specific to v9.