I have decided to create an installer (windows only) for Magna CRM. This will install a web server (apache or lighthttpd) and a completely pre-configured environment (prefilled Access database and configuration files).

There are 2 reasons to do this:

1. Offer an extremely easy way to install the trial. Right now you must know of things like web server, document root, Access / MySQL / SQL Server, permissions etc. in order to run the web based installer. With a Windows installer you’ll only have to press Next 4-5 times and maybe fill in 1-2 fields.
2. Offer this as a permanent solution for very small businesses. There are thousands of small businesses out there with 1-10 employees and no IT department. These could take advantage of the easy installation procedure without having to ask a 3rd party to install it.

Although this doesn’t look especially hard, there are many things to research: If the Apache / lighthttpd licenses allow redistribution, if the web server will be installed as a service (better overall but Xp/2000 only), how updates will be handled and what installer to use (I’ve used NSIS in the past but I am not sure its scripting language will be up to it - maybe I’ll have to check InnoSetup). Moreover this will create an extra step when releasing a new version but I hope to integrate this procedure in my current build process.