Hi Mike. :)
On Wed, Jan 02, 2002 at 03:45:51PM -0500, Biz-Ops - OpenSRS wrote: > > Does anyone know of any good, but hopefully inexpensive hosting systems for >Unix/Apache? I have a HUGE server, and would like to have some kind of automated >system to offer some inexpensive hosting to our local customers. It is doubtful that >we will host world wide, just locally but I would like for them to be able to manage >their own accounts if possible. Or at least a program that will create their site >without having to go through the server manually and constructing it... Thanks for >any advice in advance... I have found a few however they basically "Take Control" of >the server and I have a site that I wish it not run through the hosting system, but >stay as it is and not have any V-Servers or DNS records touched by a hosting >system.... Keep in mind that Unix and Apache ARE the hosting system. What you're really looking for is a *management* system, something that will let you add and remove accounts, see which users are pushing their quota, keep track of bandwidth used by virtual hosts, and provide a small admin user management system to let you control who has access to the tools. The *hosting* is easy. The *management* is not, because every company has individual requirements for behaviour of such software. When you say tou want users to "manage their own accounts", what do you mean? Add new mailboxes, change email aliases, set up autoresponders, add password protection or other features to directories in their virtual web hosts, that kind of thing? If so, it may be difficult to find a single tool that serves your needs. There are packages like Webmin that will let *you* administer various services on the box, but for all the functionality, you'll probably need multiple tools, and the more you add the greater the likelihood of confusion. And most existing software has design limitations which may cause challenges in your environment. Most Internet providers either have people on staff who can do this kind of stuff manually at the request of their sales/support crew, or hire someone to build an interface that is specifically designed for them. And most companies that build a piece of software to allow end-users to manage their stuff will guard that software zealously, knowing that they stand to make far more profit by providing an easily scalable hosting product rather than selling and maintaning a piece of software. That said, a number of us (myself included) would I'm sure be happy to develop some custom web tools for you to add and remove users and sites in your system, or integrate and customize some of the existing tools (search for "user management" at sourceforge.net). Further reading: http://sourceforge.net/projects/apachevhost/ http://sourceforge.net/projects/pvirthostas/ http://webcp.can-host.com/ Let me know if I can help. -- Paul Chvostek <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Operations / Development / Abuse / Whatever vox: +1 416 598-0000 IT Canada http://www.it.ca/
