We are building an application that will enable each client to need a page on our site that contains an order form.
For example.
http://domainname.com/customer1
http://domainname.com/customer2
etc…
There will be over a thousands such URL’s - 1 for each customer.
Each page will need SSL.
what are the advantages and disadvantages of
https://customer1.domainname.com
or
http://domainname.com/customer1
From both an SSL persepctive and perhaps useability?
Thank you
There is no usability pro or con to using subdomains or subfolders in your URLs. Neither requires more words to remember than the other if they have to be memorized for some reason. There’s no difference in how your site is used otherwise.
As far as SSL, the difference is cost. A standard SSL certificate only covers a single full domain. Each subdomain needs its own SSL certificate unless you purchase a wildcard certificate. Wildcard SSL certificates cost much more – for the standard level of protection, browser recognition and validation you’re looking at $1000+ per year, and the absolute lowest quality signed wildcard SSL certificate will cost you around $150, versus $20, per year.
1.000$ is way too much.
I’ve paid 120 Euro (should be ~150$, AFAIK) for an Equifax-signed wildcard-cert (RapidSSL) - no problems with any browser so far.
Even if you think that that’s too cheap - buy one for 200 - 500$ and you should be on the safe side - no need to pay 1.000$+.