Web-cp

An open-source solution, Web-cp is a derivative of Web://cp and picks up right where that project left off.  It utilizes a four layer module system that supports server, reseller, domain and email management, which is becoming standard functionality in many premium control panels.  And just like the original project, Web-cp is written in the PHP language so it should not put much, if any, additional stress on the server.  This control panel makes it a great option for the server that lacks power but still needs to run a great deal of add-on software components.

VHCS

VHCS is another free open-source control panel that makes a viable alternative to cPanel.  The feature list for this panel is impressive, consisting of support for server and domain management as well as extensive reseller capabilities.  VHCS is compatible with a nice selection of Linux distributions, including Debian, CentOS, SUSE and Fedora.  Perhaps the most unique aspect of this control panel is the fact that the software is written in a collection of compiled and interpreted languages, which gives it common capabilities and a little edge as well.  Its graphical user interface is written in PHP for web page support, its back-end daemon is written in C, and the engine is written in Perl to enable streamlined system management.  On the surface, VHCS seems to be a worthy free alternative to the mighty cPanel.

Webmin

Webmin is a free control panel distributed under an open-source license.  It is heavy on Perl programming and Spam Assassin in addition to several other applications one would expect from a good cPanel competitor.  Webmin also has additional counterparts that are also free, most notably, Usermin and Virtualmin.  Usermin is a more stripped down version that allows users to manage their webmail while Virtual Min, which comes in a free and paid version, is the control panel designed for resellers.  Boasting robust features such as cluster server management, Webmin is currently one of the most popular free alternatives to cPanel.

Considerations

When looking for a cPanel alternative, keep in mind that price is not necessarily the most important factor.  Whether you are out for something that is open or closed source, the product should be easy to use, well supported, and most importantly, efficient for your needs.  And while cPanel may not be able to suit every requirement, remember that it is number one for a reason.

Related posts:

• November 4, 2010 – Web-cp – Free and Open Source Control Panel for Developers
• May 1, 2009 – Free Control Panel Software for Your Server
• March 30, 2009 – Fantastico: cPanel’s Best Kept Secret
• January 6, 2012 – Control Panel: Advantages & Disadvantages
• September 29, 2011 – The Ins and Outs of DirectAdmin
• September 25, 2011 – What To Remember When Moving To A New Control Panel
• September 13, 2011 – Choosing Between cPanel and Plesk
• September 7, 2011 – The Control Panel B Team – A World Beyond cPanel
• January 12, 2011 – Simple cPanel Tutorial – Backing up your Website
• December 1, 2010 – Choosing Control Panels: cPanel or Plesk

Control panel software is designed to automate various aspects of server administration, taking the pain out of intensive manual labor.  Some of the most notable include creating email accounts, SQL databases, access control and facilitating software installations among other administrative functions.  Most of these programs work by providing each domain and website owner with a unique access ID, which gives them access to the user interface of the control panel.  When the user logs in to their hosting account via the software, they are then able to perform a number of different server administration tasks based on the available features, resources and access permissions.  A good control panel will not only allow you to accomplish server administration with relative ease, but also monitor your resource usage, view server logs and manage your files right on the software.

Commercial vs. Custom Control Panels

When it comes to control panel applications, web hosting firms generally have two options.  They can choose to purchase an out of the box commercial solution, or build their own custom software in-house.  A large number of companies have elected to build their own software programs due to their proprietary hardware infrastructure, assured compatibility and to elude the often expensive licenses that come along with commercial products.  On the other hand, developing custom automation software in-house can prove to be both time consuming and expensive.   Most importantly, it could result in a much steeper learning curve for the hosting provider’s customers.  Therefore, most companies utilizing generic software and hardware components are better suited for out of the box commercial solutions as they typically offer the utmost in convenience for the end customer.  These type of control panels eliminate the cost and complexities of designing the application and also cut down on technical support as customers will be less likely to rely on assistance from the host.

Summary

Control panel software enables web hosting companies to drastically reduce overhead expenses through the simplistic power of automation.   This in turn, allows them to be more competitive in terms of pricing and even extend that power and control onto their customers who can perform a number of server administration tasks regardless of their technical knowledge.  From cPanel and Plesk to DirectAdmin and Helm, control panel software plays a key role in making sure web hosting is simple and affordable.

Related posts:

• June 10, 2009 – Efficient VPS Management with HyperVM
• September 29, 2011 – Using cPanel to Setup Cron Jobs
• May 6, 2010 – Managed Web Hosting For Novice Users
• December 21, 2009 – Free Alternatives to cPanel
• August 11, 2009 – Bursting Five Managed Hosting Misconceptions
• May 1, 2009 – Free Control Panel Software for Your Server
• April 6, 2009 – Introduction to Webmin
• March 30, 2009 – Fantastico: cPanel’s Best Kept Secret
• March 18, 2009 – Hosting Considerations for E-commerce
• January 26, 2009 – Why You Need a Good Control Panel

1.) Managed Hosting is a Completely Outsourced Solution

The way some describe it, managed hosting is a type of service that completely alleviates you from server administration and daily management tasks, a fully outsourced service that does not require you to lift a finger.  In most cases, this isn’t true.  While you typically get far more automated assistance than offered by a dedicated hosting provider, the level of managed services all depends on the price, package and host you select.  Even when signing on for a fully managed contact, you will still be responsible for design, promotion and the basic administration of your site.

2.) Only Inexperienced Users Need Managed Services

Many have the misconception that managed hosting is strictly designed for businesses and individuals who lack the abilities needed to maintain a web server.  This comes from the fact that managing a dedicated server requires a certain level of technical skills, which is the reason that several choose to outsource these tasks to another company.  Be that as it may, managed hosting can benefit all types of customers, even those who are well versed in administration and know their way around a web server.

3.) Managed Hosting is More Reliable

Almost all companies will promise you a respectable uptime and reliable service.  The same holds true for managed hosting providers.  Although you have your own server, there are still many incidents that could possibly result in service interruptions and downtime.  The reliability you get from a managed hosting solution all depends on the company you choose.  If they have taken the time to build a stable infrastructure with redundant systems, downtime should be a very rare occurrence.

4.) Managed Hosting is More Secure

One of the biggest misconceptions you can fall into is automatically assuming that a managed hosting provider will keep your server secure.  Most companies take the necessary steps to detect and prevent common threats such as malware, intrusion, DDoS attacks and other exploits.  What you should know is that no server or web hosting system is ever 100% protected.  Different strains of malicious software are released on a frequent basis and hackers grow more sophisticated everyday.  This is why it is so important for both you and your managed hosting provider to make security a priority.

5.) Managed Hosting is Cost Prohibitive

In general, managed hosting is more expensive that your typical dedicated server plan.  However, it can also result in tremendous cost savings for your business.  These savings are obtained by the fact that you don’t have to make any costly upfront investment on hardware, software or infrastructure.  You can also spare yourself from having to hire a professional IT team.  At the very least, you can keep staffing expenses to a minimum.  Over the long run, managed hosting can be far more cost effective than leasing a dedicated server.

Related posts:

• August 25, 2009 – Layer Technologies Breaks Through on Inc. 5000
• March 18, 2009 – Hosting Considerations for E-commerce
• December 14, 2011 – Avira Antivirus Features
• November 17, 2011 – Clickjacking: What is it and How You Can Protect Yourself?
• October 6, 2011 – 5 Hosting providers that re-define “Managed”
• September 29, 2011 – Guarantees – Separating Fact from Fiction
• September 20, 2011 – Dedicated Hosting: Managed or Unmanaged?
• September 15, 2011 – From Dedicated Servers To Managed Hosting – Life In The Fast Lane
• September 13, 2011 – How to Keep Your Server Safe From Common Security Problems
• September 9, 2011 – Several Security Risks and How to Avoid Them

What is Fantastico?

Fantastico is an extremely useful application that usually comes free in web hosting accounts powered by the cPanel control panel.  Designed to run on Unix-like platforms, its purpose is to facilitate the simple installation of a wide range of popular scripts.  These add-on programs are totally free and can literally be installed in a matter of minutes.  The Fantastico advantage is all in the software and below are some of the categories you will find.

Blogs

The blog represents one of the very first social networking platforms and Fantastico gives you a wonderful variety to choose from.  Both Nucleus and b2Evolution are included but the most notable of all has to be WordPress.  Easily the most popular blogging application available, WordPress is widely supported by a large community and can be enhanced through a number of themes and templates.  If you’re looking to delve into the Blogosphere, Fantastico has you covered.

Content Management

Content management systems provide webmasters with a more effective way to build and administer their websites.  Even though most web hosting accounts come integrated site builders, these utilities fail in comparison to the power of a CMS.   This type of software is ideal for running medium to large sized websites and has the ability to assign varying levels of administrative access and permissions.  Some of today’s most popular community-based sites are running on content management systems.  The CMS lineup you will find in Fantastico includes Drupal, Mambo, Tiki Wiki, XOOPS and Joomla among several others.

Customer Relations

Establishing trusting relationships with customers is vital to the success of any business.  Fantastico betters the chance of keeping your customer base happy with applications like Help Center Live, osTicket, PHP Support Tickets, Support Services Manager and more.  These programs give you the ability to create the ultimate support center where your customers can get assistance through support tickets, FAQs, video tutorials and downloadable documentation.  Even if you can’t be around to answer the phone 24/7, such resources can assure that your customers are still able to get the help they need, when they need it.

E-commerce Tools

Fantastico has a little something for everyone, including those who desire to sell products and services online.  You can set up a web-based storefront in no time with popular open-source programs such as Cube Cart, osCommerce and Zen Cart.  Shopping cart software can get pretty expensive but these highly functional applications won’t cost you a thing with Fantastico.

These are just a few of numerous scripts that come bundled with Fantastico.  Other programs include discussion boards, photo galleries, project management tools and website builders.  Fantastico contorts to the novice, allowing those with little to no technical skills to instantly enhance their web presence. One could say that cPanel is a trendsetter as more control panels are being developed with application installers that mimic the abilities of Fantastico.

Related posts:

• February 13, 2009 – cPanel Then and Now
• January 26, 2009 – Why You Need a Good Control Panel
• April 8, 2011 – Site Building Applications – A Central Component of eCommerce Hosting
• December 31, 2010 – Why a CMS is Essential for Doing Online Business in the 21st Century
• December 21, 2009 – Free Alternatives to cPanel
• December 7, 2009 – Top Three Control Panels to Consider When Choosing a Web Host
• June 15, 2009 – Move Over cPanel: Make Room for Kloxo
• April 22, 2009 – Is WordPress Really a CMS?
• November 25, 2008 – The CMS Drives the Hosting Industry
• October 20, 2008 – Meet the CMS Lineup

In-house vs. Colocation

Hosting your e-commerce business in-house is a do-it-yourself solution that calls for you to purchase the hardware, software applications and lease an internet application.  It also means you need an expert staff to maintain these vital components.  You need to think about server administration, network monitoring, data backups, security and much more.  This is independent method is the most costly way to run your business online.

Colocation is the perfect alternative to hosting your business in-house.  This is the kind of arrangement where you store your server hardware in the provider’s data facility.  They supply you with you an internet connection and the power necessary to run the equipment.  The major benefit to colocation in comparison to an in-house solution is cost savings.  The key is finding a provider you can rely on to keep you online.

Shared vs. Dedicated Hosting

Shared hosting is the most affordable way to get your e-commerce business going, a situation where you share a web server with other users.  With this type of hosting, you are sharing the actual hardware along with the operating system and other critical resources.  Shared hosting is often the first choice of small businesses who don’t have demanding needs.  It also quite limited in terms of control and is prone to more stability and security issues when compared to having your own server.

With dedicated hosting, you sign up for a hosting plan and have the server all to yourself.  You have your own internet connection, operating system and all the other resources that are tied up in shared hosting.  The server can be enhanced with your own software applications, programming technologies and security mechanisms.  Because performing these tasks are more complex than a shared hosting solution, managed hosting exists to aid those with limited server administration skills.

Dedicated and managed hosting services are geared towards businesses that receive a high level of traffic and require maximum stability.  The major difference between these solutions and colocation is cost as you are paying a monthly or annual fee just to lease the server opposed to owning it.

Conclusion

As you can see, there is lot more that goes into e-commerce besides opening up a store and marketing your products.  Finding the right type of service is so critical because it forms the very backbone of your online business.  Ultimately, the solution for you depends on your expertise, manpower, budget and requirements.

Related posts:

• September 15, 2009 – How Will You Host Your E-commerce Site?
• September 22, 2009 – Server Options for E-commerce Hosting
• February 10, 2009 – Managed vs Shared Hosting – Which Type to Consider
• February 3, 2009 – Benefitting From VPS Hosting
• January 16, 2009 – The Many Faces of Web Hosting
• December 12, 2008 – Do You Need Dedicated Hosting?
• October 15, 2008 – What Type of Hosting Do You Need?
• January 18, 2012 – InMotion Hosting In-Depth Analysis
• September 25, 2011 – What To Remember When Moving To A New Control Panel
• September 20, 2011 – Dedicated Hosting: Managed or Unmanaged?