As digital currencies continue to gain traction, businesses worldwide are increasingly seeking efficient and secure ways to accept cryptocurrency payments. Recently, I had the opportunity to speak with Sarah Mitchell, a senior developer at VSYS Host, about SHKeeper, their open-source, non-custodial cryptocurrency payment processor. Developed to give businesses full control over their payment processing, SHKeeper has introduced several significant updates this summer. Sarah shared her insights, making it evident that SHKeeper is more than just another payment processor; it is a comprehensive solution tailored to meet the evolving needs of modern businesses.
“SHKeeper was born out of a necessity to provide businesses with a way to accept cryptocurrency payments without relying on third-party intermediaries,” Sarah began. “We saw a gap in the market for a self-hosted solution that could offer both security and flexibility.” SHKeeper distinguishes itself with its non-custodial approach, allowing businesses to host the software on their own servers, thus ensuring absolute control and security. “When you use SHKeeper, you are not entrusting your funds to a third party. This is crucial for businesses concerned about security and wanting to avoid additional transaction fees,” Sarah added.
Sarah explained the operational mechanics of SHKeeper. “At its core, SHKeeper is a self-hosted software that integrates with your existing business systems. It generates and monitors unique cryptocurrency addresses for each invoice, ensuring payments are tracked accurately.” The integration is facilitated through SHKeeper’s API. Depending on the user’s infrastructure, they can either utilize the available API documentation or create custom modules. For those using widely-adopted CMSs and platforms, SHKeeper offers free pre-built modules available on their GitHub. “We’ve made sure that SHKeeper can adapt to a variety of systems, whether it’s a popular CMS platform or a custom-developed solution,” Sarah explained.
When an invoice is generated and a client selects a cryptocurrency for payment, SHKeeper assigns a unique cryptocurrency address and specifies the exact amount. The system then monitors this address, sending an API callback to confirm the transaction once the payment is received. This process eliminates the need for third-party involvement, maintaining the integrity and security of the transaction.
This summer, SHKeeper introduced several updates aimed at enhancing its functionality and user experience. “One of the most significant updates is the support for external nodes,” Sarah noted. “Previously, users had to run their own nodes, which could be resource-intensive. Now, SHKeeper supports external nodes for nearly all major cryptocurrencies, reducing server demands and making the platform more accessible for smaller businesses.” Alongside external node support, SHKeeper has expanded its range of supported cryptocurrencies to include Polygon (MATIC) and Avalanche (AVAX), in addition to existing options such as BTC, ETH, LTC, DOGE, XMR, XRP, TRX, BNB, and several stablecoins. “We’re constantly working to add more coins to our supported list. Support for SOL (Solana) and TON (Telegram Open Network) is already in the pipeline,” Sarah shared.
Integration has also been streamlined with the introduction of new free modules for PrestaShop and OpenCart, with a module for Magento expected by August 2024. “These modules simplify the integration process significantly, allowing businesses to get up and running with SHKeeper quickly and efficiently.” For businesses interested in leveraging SHKeeper, Sarah provided a straightforward roadmap. “First, decide which cryptocurrencies you want to accept. Next, configure your server according to our guidelines. We offer support to help with this setup if needed.” Security is a top priority, and proper configuration is critical. “Establishing the necessary passwords and security measures ensures SHKeeper operates smoothly within your system,” Sarah emphasized. Finally, integrating SHKeeper into the project can be done using the API or the free modules available on SHKeeper’s GitHub.
As our conversation drew to a close, Sarah reflected on the future of SHKeeper. “We are committed to continuous improvement and innovation. Our goal is to provide a payment processing solution that evolves with the needs of our users.” SHKeeper’s dedication to offering a robust, non-custodial cryptocurrency payment processor is evident in its ongoing updates and user-centric approach. For businesses seeking a secure, cost-effective way to accept cryptocurrency payments, SHKeeper offers a compelling solution that combines flexibility, control, and ease of use.
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