in reply to Convincing ISP to install a module

Is it a module that you can simply install the .pm file in the local directory then refer to it appropriately, or does it require some compilation? As others said a little earlier (and better than I could have), there are ways even if they must be confined to your directory.

Having worked at an ISP as one that dealt with both security and server issues, I can understand what they are saying. A security breach could lead to liabilities for them, and often times the server administrators (or as likely, the single administrator) are/is busy enough not to have much (if any) time to look at the module to determine what issues, securit and otherwise, might be involved (and that assumes s/he has the ability to understand the code involved in the module).

Based on my own experience, I would suggest the following. Take the time to provide them with information about the modules and what is involved (both install and security), and possibly even offer to let them contact you if they have questions regarding it. By doing so, you help yourself by showing them you are a professional, you help alay their concerns, which may result in them being more willing to work with you, and you open a dialogue that could possibly be helpful down the road even.

One thing I absolutely would NOT advise would be to try to manipulate their install on the remote box covertly using some techniques I have found while wandering around the Monestary recently. At least contact them and ask if you can attempt to install it in your local directory, letting them know what you are considering. There always exists a chance that something could go wrong, and if so, and if it were to be traced back to you, they would be well within their rights to terminate your access, your account, or possibly even file charges or attempt to recoupe damages. Should something like that happen, it would damage both your reputation and theirs, and would likely cast a shadow on their future dealings with programmers and developers.

I hope monks of more experience than I will comment on this as well with their views and experiences, as I can only comment from my limited quantities of these. In any event, good luck with the project, whatever it be.

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Re: Re: Convincing ISP to install a module
by Gerard (Pilgrim) on Dec 12, 2001 at 02:44 UTC
    Thanks atcroft for the advice. Unfortunately, what I require (or want) atleast is mime::tools which seems to be quite a complicated set of modules. Also my perl skills are somewhat limited, and so I find it easy to use a module, but quite often get myself confused when getting to complicated. One suggestion that I read was to include the code in my script. This seems extremely complicated, and besdies I wouldn't really know where to start.
    Thanks for the advice, and I will try talking to them again.Regards, Gerard.