Complete Domain Management

HMS Panel provides a complete system for managing domains.  Users can add domains and sub-domains to the IP address of their choosing whether it is located on or off the server.  Wildcards can be added so that all sub-domains for a particular domain point to a specific IP address.  You can also modify domain zone files along with CNAME records, A records and MX records.

Email Management System

Web hosting customers on the client side benefit greatly from features such as HMS Panel’s robust email management system.  Users can easily create email accounts and customize their communications with forwarders, catch-all addresses and auto-responders.  While customers have access to their messages via the control panel interface with SquirrelMail, they can also integrate Microsoft Outlook Express or their preferred mail client.

.htaccess Management

HMS Panel offers a robust .htaccess management tools that can be used to apply various settings to directories within a particular domain.  This includes error handling with custom 401, 403, 404, and 505 redirects, IP and domain blocking, file and directory redirects, hotlink protection, directory browsing and much more.  The .htaccess management console utilizes AJAX technology, making it a dynamic and very flexible system.  While this system is very convenient, experienced administrators also have the ability to modify .htaccess via the standard control panel interface.

Web Application Management

Similar to most control panels on the market today, HMS Panel is integrated with a facility that enables customers to perform one-click installations of various pre-installed software applications.  The software management console makes it easy to incorporate programs such as WordPress, phpBB, phpAdsNew, Gallery, Drupal and osCommerce among several others.  These applications are mainly available due to user request, but the HMS Panel control panel offers the ability to install many more third-party scripts.

Advanced Security

HMS Panel was developed with advanced web technologies and security mechanisms.  The software utilizes sophisticated API authorization to ensure that server communications remain protected.  By leveraging an enterprise-grade authentication system, HMS Panel is able to better assure that web applications and network security features are properly configured.  The software also uses process isolation, a technology that allows administrators to isolate web applications from one another, making it so that potential issues with one application do not affect others running on the server.

A Complete Control Panel Solution

Now on version 3.5.1, HMS Panel is quickly evolving to be one of the most remarkable control panels on the market.  It has all the basic capabilities offered by other panels with a few qualities that make it stand out from rest.  If you are in search of a new control panel for your server, give HMS Panel a shot with the free 30-day trial license.

Microsoft’s Contribution

VPS hosting in enabled by a certain type of software that has the ability to control the multiple servers.  With the introduction of Windows Server 2008 and Hyper-V, hosting providers have access to a more secure and reliable platform to deliver VPS solutions.  Windows VPS hosting received its big start with Windows Virtual Server 2007,  a platform that while serviceable, could not complete with offerings on the market by vendors such as VMWare.  Thanks to Microsoft’s recent innovations, Windows VPS hosting customers are now ensured a dramatically improved performance that can be enhanced through integration with VMWare and other virtualization software packages.

The Advantages of Windows VPS

A Windows VPS platform offers an environment most administrators and developers really appreciate.  The familiar Windows desktop interface makes setting up an account a seamless and easy process.  Because of this, most users can easily adapt to and thrive in this environment.  A Windows VPS server is ideal for individuals and businesses that have a need to run high-traffic websites, complex web applications, or custom services that simply aren’t recommended for a shared server.   With the array of new security features implemented into the Windows Server 2008 operating system, the Windows platform has become one of the most secure VPS hosting solutions available.

The Disadvantages of Windows VPS

There is one major drawback to a Windows VPS and that is the significant amount of resources it demands from the server.  The good thing is that this problem can addressed by running the Windows 2008 Core installation.  This gives you a scaled down version of the platform with select features and services.  If you have a need to run a large number of applications, you might be better suited for a dedicated server as it will give you the best possible performance.

When comparing it to the open-source Linux operating system, another knock on Windows VPS hosting could be the cost factor.  Linux and its core components are released under a license that allows them to be freely distributed and this is often reflected in the cost of service.  Windows on the other hand, comes attached with costly licenses that can send the price soaring.

Minor drawbacks aside, Windows is an excellent choice for running a virtual private server. With the backing of reliable hardware, the superb performance, flexibility and security it offers makes it a VPS solution you definitely want to consider.

What is HyperVM?

HyperVM is a software product that enables the easy provision and management of VPS platforms based on OpenVZ and Xen virtualization technology.  Because the package is tightly integrated with the Kloxo hosting control panel, it essentially gives web hosts the power to deploy a fully functional web hosting system right out of the box.  HyperVM performs with the utmost efficiency in the virtualization environment, allowing VPS end-users to maintain their operations transparently across multiple servers.  The software includes a mechanism that has the ability to manage networking configurations such as gateways and IP addresses independent of the control panel and also offers an IP address pool to support larger scale administration.

Advanced Virtualization Technology

HyperVM is a multi-tiered, multi-server, multi-virtualization program.  Here are additional details on the relevance of each key component.

Multi-Tiered - Multi-tiered describes the application’s ability to run partially on one server while other parts of it run on another or multiple servers.  This technology serves as added protection just in case on of the virtual servers happens to crash.  If something of this nature does occur, HyperVM’s multi-tiered structure ensures that your data can still be accessed from the other available servers.

Multi-Server – By acting as a multi-server platform, HyperVM allows hosting providers to move customer accounts from one server to another.  By doing so, they can prevent overcrowding and better assure that customers enjoy an optimal performance.

Multi-Virtualization – The implementation of multi-virtualization technology enables VPS hosting providers to offer different forms of virtualization technology to their customers all from a single control panel.  HyperVM currently supports OpenVZ and Zen but compatibility with other virtualization platforms are said to be in the works.

HyperVM Control Panel Features

The HyperVM VPS control panel delivers a wealth of features that customers can use to effectively maintain their accounts.  Listed below are just some of the features that have made it one of the premier control panels on the VPS hosting market:

Comprehensive Administrative Tools – HyperV comes included with Kloxo, a website configuration and comprehensive interface that allows you to manage and update your site with ease.  This tool offers many of the same capabilities as control panels like cPanel and Plesk.

Centralized Console – With HyperVM, you can manage all the vital aspects of your hosting account from a single location.

Complete Management Authority – HyperVM defines what a VPS solution is all about, providing you with extreme control from configurations and rebooting to reloading and monitoring.

The HyperVM control panel gets the job done in the virtualized hosting environment.  If you have been considering VPS lately, this is one tool you may want to look out for.

]]> http://webhostinggeeks.com/blog/2009/06/10/efficient-vps-management-with-hypervm/feed/ 1 http://webhostinggeeks.com/blog/2009/02/04/vps-control-panel-options/ http://webhostinggeeks.com/blog/2009/02/04/vps-control-panel-options/#comments Wed, 04 Feb 2009 21:00:39 +0000 CommunicateBetter http://webhostinggeeks.com/blog/?p=183 The control panel has become a common fixture in the web hosting arena.  Not only does this special software allow the end-user to control their account, but it also lets the web hosting administrator control all of the websites on the server.  The number of control panels is increasing rapidly and many are specific to different hosting environments.  This article will go over three control panels that are commonly used in VPS (Virtual Private Server) hosting: HSPcomplete, Plesk and cPanel.

HSPcomplete

With HSPcomplete, you can manage your entire VPS hosting account from a single login interface.  The software is based on a template, making it lightweight and incredibly easy to use. Despite the simplicity, it does come integrated with some pretty nice features.  HSPcomplete is very reliable but lacks the functionality required to be successful with reseller accounts.

Plesk

Another template-based control panel, Plesk has won numerous awards for its performance in the shared and VPS hosting environment.  Unlike HSPcomplete, it is also makes a viable option for reseller hosting.  This control panel is fast, feature-rich and reliable, offering benefits to users on the administrator and domain level.  If want to give your customers a powerful control panel, Plesk is the answer.

cPanel/WHM

The award-winning cPanel is the leading control panel software.  Many web hosts and end-users prefer this application because of its straightforward, feature-rich interface.  The GUI is designed in a manner that allows even inexperienced users to thrive with a VPS account.  Because cPanel is primarily based on icons and not templates as the control panels mentioned above, it generally takes up more disk space and resources.

Recommendations

If you are still having a difficult time deciding which control panel to choose for your VPS account, the following details may help.  Both Plesk and HSPcomplete are created by software company Swsoft, the same people who developed Virtuozzo, the virtualization technology installed on most VPS hosting accounts.  These control panels are sure to give you excellent performance as they only leave a small footprint in the Virtuozzo software.  This is because the programs are based on a single template running on the physical node instead on the virtual private server.

The cPanel/WHM (Web Host Manager) package never makes a bad choice for the simple fact that it is so easy to use.  However, the size of the software and design that fits a great number of icons on the interface makes it a bit slower than other control panels.  You can certainly get by with cPanel on a VPS, but you may not get the performance a control panel like Plesk will provide.

Some customers go to a VPS hosting provider having done their research and know what control they want and others have no clue.  Whether its in a virtualized environment or typical hosting arrangement, the right control panel all boils down to personal preference.  If you have no familiarity with control panel software, your best bet would to check out a live demo and try to determine which program you feel comfortable with.

Free Hosting

Yes, free web hosting really does exist.  You can have your very own website without paying anything at all – that is, if you don’t mind being restricted.  What do we mean by restricted?  Well, with a free web hosting service, you generally have little disk space and bandwidth to work with.  Features?  You don’t get too many of those either.  If you’re lucky, you may get a simple control panel along with the ability to upload a few images and integrate a free shopping cart into your site.  How could we forget the advertisements?  When hosting your site with a free service, the provider typically places third-party ads on your site and best of all, you have no say in the matter.  If you can deal with the drawbacks, know that free web hosting is widely available.

Shared Hosting

Shared hosting is the most common type of web hosting today.  After free services, it is also the most cost effective.  With shared hosting, you are literally sharing server space and resources with other web hosting customers.  This arrangement calls for you to share disk storage, bandwidth, CPU, RAM and generally an IP address as well.  Shared hosting allows providers to offer a cheaper service because the customers essentially pay for the cost of the hardware and critical resources.  Although you have no control over the web server, you do have control over your site by way of a control panel application.

VPS Hosting

Short for Virtual Private Server, VPS is similar to shared hosting in the way that it involves hosting multiple websites on a single server.  The major difference is an evolving technology known as virtualization.  This type of software has the ability to simulate multiple servers within a single physical server.  A VPS is partitioned in a manner that isolates you from other customers hosting on the server, providing you with guaranteed resources and enhanced stability.  If you require more flexibility than shared hosting can offer but can’t afford an entire server, VPS could be the right solution.

Dedicated Hosting

Often referred to as dedicated server, dedicated hosting is an arrangement where you have the entire server dedicated exclusively to your personal or business needs.  This means that you don’t have to worry about sharing disk space, bandwidth, RAM and other vital resources.  Dedicated hosting provides the utmost in flexibility, stability and security but is also far more expensive than conventional shared hosting.

Managed Hosting

Managed hosting can be described as dedicated hosting in full turnkey service terms.  Because a dedicated server requires extensive maintenance and administration, managed hosting is often needed for individuals who lack technical knowledge or the time required to keep the machine thriving.  With this type of solution, you usually have the luxury to choose a predefined managed package or select the options and services that best suit your hosting needs.

Here are some of the benefits that come along with VPS hosting:

Stability: Unlike shared hosting, the traffic and activities of other VPS customers will not adversely affect your operation.

Performance - Having your own allotment of resources allows you and your visitors to enjoy faster load times.

Dedicated Resources - VPS hosting provides you with more disk space, CPU and RAM.

Flexibility - You have the freedom to choose the operating system and software you want to install on the server.

VPS Features

The features and services of VPS hosting vary depending on the provider.  Although the ones you will need all depends on personal requirements, here are a few you may want to look out for:

Root Access: Root access will grant you with complete control over your VPS account from configurations to software installations.  All of the actions can be handled from the interface of your control panel application.

Management and Support: Similar to a dedicated hosting account, VPS hosting calls for you to manage your own server .  However, there are many companies that provide support and management services to assist with administrative tasks.  This feature is invaluable if you lack technical savvy.

Server Monitoring: A good VPS provider will actively monitor its network and hardware your account relies on.  This ensures the physical security of the server and also helps defend against virtual threats such as hackers, malicious software and DDoS attacks.

Multiple Domain Hosting: Although shared hosts offer multiple domain hosting, most of them do not provide enough resources for you to do so and still enjoy a smooth performance.   Many VPS providers offer plans that allow you to host multiple websites without suffering performance issues.  In most cases, you can set up separate email accounts and allocate specific resources for each individual site.

Managed Data Backups: As with any hosting solution, a VPS plan should offer a way to backup your data.  Because anything could occur within the provider’s network, it is recommended that you choose a service that allows you to manually backup your own data to assure that it can be restored at any time.

VPS hosting offers an inexpensive way to get many of the features, resources, control and flexibility of a more costly and complex dedicated server.  With the technology increasing in popular, prices are dropping rapidly, assuring that you can find a reliable VPS solution that meets your hosting needs.

Crucial Paradigm, a fast growing shared, reseller, dedicated server and managing hosting provider, recently made an announcement that it is expanding its VPS solution offerings.  The company’s new VPS hosting plans have already gone into effect, introducing a variety of entry-level and high-end services designed to provide more options for its existing and prospective clients.  With the recent upgrades, VPS hosting customers can now leverage two of the new entry-level plans which include generous offerings on disk space and allotted resources.

Crucial Paradigm director Aaron Weller, remarked that after more than five years in the web hosting industry, the provider has learned the importance of offering an array of hosting solutions that provide customers with the utmost in usability, flexibility and scalability.  Weller followed up by stating that the new VPS plans will broaden the range of hosting solutions Crucial Paradigm is able to offer, essentially broadening the spectrum of customers they are able to serve.

Crucial Paradigm’s new entry-level Linux VPS hosting plan begins at only $10 per month, offering access to 128 MB of memory, 15 GB of disk space and 75 GB of data transfer.  The Windows plan is attractive as well, starting at $25 per month with access to 256 of memory, 25 GB of disk space and a robust 150 GB of data transfer.  All Windows VPS plans are powered with the Windows Server Edition 2008 software with the Dotnetpanel control panel available upon request at no additional cost.

Not to be left out of the discussion is the two new high-end VPS hosting solutions offered by Crucial Paradigm.  According to Aaron Weller, the upgrade has resulted in one of the most extensive and powerful VPS platforms in the industry.  Customers hosting on a Linux server can now upgrade to the VPS-16384 plan.  This plan beings at $1200 per month, offering access to 16 GB of memory, 1600 GB of disk space and 6000 GB of data transfer.  Comparable to this solution is the Windows VPS plan which begins at $320 per month and offers access to 4 GB of memory, 400 GB of disk space and 2400 GB of data transfer.

Aside from the new VPS hosting plans for its clients in the United States, Crucial Paradigm has also introduced a number of enhanced VPS solutions for its customers in Australia.  The Australian division offers Linux VPS plans at AU $15 per month and Windows plans as low as AU $35 per month.  Existing customers are not automatically impacted by the upgrades as they have the option to upscale or downscale their web hosting plans according to personal requirements.

Crucial Paradigm was originally founded in 2003 and now operates in multiple locations across the globe.  The firm is most known for providing a wide range of custom hosting solutions based on the needs of each individual client.