This is the home of Remository, a powerful file repository extension for Joomla!

New Remository interface, new features

Remository has been developed over a number of years. But it is now undergoing a big overhaul. It retains rich functionality, but it will soon have a new, modern user interface. Recently added features in the version coming soon are:

  • Terrific new interfaces, both client side and admin side
  • A fully integrated comment facility
  • All screens support template overrides for customisation
  • New language files also support overrides
  • Control of the configuration through "Options"

Remository as Joomla Update Server

The new Remository can be used as a Joomla Update Server. Its powerful role based access controls limit who can get updates, and can be combined with products such as Membership Pro. A pairing like this provides the tools for anyone selling downloads by subscription.

New File Storage for Remository

Remository has long provided database storage for the files in the repository. This gives excellent security, since the files do not exist in the file system, and so cannot be directly used for any exploit. It also allows Remository to be migrated to another server entirely by moving the database tables. Now, in a further innovation, Remository offers file storage using Amazon S3. This can overcome hosting limitations. It also means that files from the repository are delivered by Amazon at lightning speed, with no overhead on the web server running Remository. Other storage options will be developed if there is a demand for them.

Traditional Remository Features

  • Files can be arranged in folders (or containers) that can be nested to any depth you need.
  • Each folder has independent access controls, separately for uploads, downloads, editing and auto-approve. The controls allow for any combination of user groups to have each permission.
  • Fast and efficient searching of the file repository, on either the file titles or the descriptions, or both.
  • Text descriptions for both folders and files
  • Optional user ratings for files, as well as the comment system
  • A selection of modules to give information about the repository such as newest files
  • Plugins including Quickdown - a plugin that allows information from the repository to be inserted into articles
  • Optional thumbnail images for files, with larger popups of the image
  • Numerous configuration options

Support Services

Subscribers have access to professional support services, backed by a ticket system and the ability to raise questions online.

Remository FAQ

You can store your software in the Remository file store. Access can be controlled by setting the groups that can access a container. Remository provides a module to show users their ID string needed to enable updates. The Remository multi-module can help you to construct the download link for the XML. More details can be found at https://docs.black-sheep-research.com/remository:joomlaupdate.

Currently, there are three options:

1. The default is the site database. Uploaded files are always stored in the database prior to approval. Storing files in the database is very secure, as no matter what they contain, they cannot be executed. (Obviously you still need to take care not to host files that could be harmful to your users). The repository can be migrated simply by transferring the database.

2. The file system. Although database is recommended for most uses, you may want to store the file repository in the file system. You can set a default location and also set individual locations for each container. Ideally, you should locate the files outside the web server document root for security. Remository will insert an ID number into the file name if you wish, so as to allow multiple files with the same name. This is not visible to users.

3. Another alternative is Amazon's S3 storage service. That allows for unlimited storage (subject to cost) and high speed delivery of files. The files cannot present any risk to your web site.

You can find more information on file storage in the Remository documentation

 

If a Joomla update of Remository fails, and you visit the link shown by Joomla for downloading the software, you are likely to get this failure message. It is followed by more text. If the upgrade fails, attempting to download the link is also likely to fail. What the message is trying to tell you is that you must have a current subscription, and have entered your user token into Remository. The user token can be found on the profile page when you are logged in. It is stored by going to the Remository Options (in the admin interface). The user token is the first item in the options.