Use Plesk as Control Panel for Server Management

Plesk is a software developed by the company of the same name for server management, used in the web hosting sector. The clear web interface allows users to configure and manage web hosting packages on a server without much effort and without deep technical knowledge. Plesk can be used on both Windows-based and UNIX/Linux-based systems. It is proprietary software that requires paid licenses for use. Plesk is the most widely used admin tool worldwide, well ahead of cPanel.

What does Plesk offer?

In the current version of Plesk, the software allows for the complete setup and management of web hosting, along with all essential applications, on a server. Plesk stands out for its intuitive web interface, extensive range of features, modular structure, and comprehensive user-level access control. The control panel simplifies the administration and operation of multiple independent websites on a single server. Plesk is compatible with Windows Server systems as well as Linux and UNIX distributions such as Debian, Ubuntu, CentOS, or Red Hat Linux. Plesk is one of the most popular cPanel alternatives.

Some of the key use cases include:

• Create Customer Accounts and Websites
  Plesk allows you to create individual customer accounts and websites on a server, each equipped with corresponding administration rights at the customer or website level.
• Create Reseller Accounts
  In addition to normal customer accounts, you can also create reseller accounts through Plesk. These have more extensive administration rights and can manage their own customers, for example.
• Email Accounts
  Setting up email accounts, mailboxes, and mail forwarding can be easily and conveniently organised through Plesk. Corresponding accounts only receive the necessary rights for email communication.
• Manage DNS Entries and Domains
  Creating and managing domains and their associated DNS entries such as MX, A, or CNAME records can be done quickly and easily via Plesk.
• Install and Manage Databases
  Plesk allows you to create and manage databases like MySQL and PostgreSQL.
• Install and Manage Server Applications
  Plesk enables you to install server applications like Apache Tomcat, Java, or ColdFusion Server.
• Create Resource Allocation Templates
  Templates with predefined resource allocation for customers and websites can be created.
• Incremental Backups
  By creating incremental backups, data backup can be particularly reliable, fast, and resource-efficient.
• Comprehensive User Management
  Administrator: can set up and manage all system functions.
  Customer/Reseller: second-highest level for managing hosting and webspace packages.
  Domain Owner: can only make settings at the domain level.
  Mail User: individual mail user restricted solely to this area.

What's New in Plesk Onyx?

With the release of Plesk Onyx, not only has the software's user interface been optimised, but numerous useful features have also been integrated and the modular extension system has been expanded. Users have access to a variety of software packages as add-ons, which are not directly included in the Plesk code but are fully compatible and integratable.

Some of the most popular applications include the following modules:

• Docker Support
  Web applications and services can be easily and securely integrated on the server using this add-on, as their execution is enabled through virtualisation of the operating system in isolated containers.
• Git Support
  This add-on allows for the creation and management of a Git repository simultaneously on Github and on the user's own server.
• Plesk Security Advisor
  The Plesk Security Advisor assists in the use of SSL certificates and the integration of HTTP/2 connection protocols.
• Multi Server Extension
  Thanks to the Multi Server Extension, multiple servers can be efficiently managed through a single interface.
• WordPress Toolkit 2.0
  The comprehensive WordPress Toolkit enables the installation and maintenance of WordPress, as well as the execution of security updates directly through the Plesk interface. Additionally, multiple WordPress instances can be centrally managed, and with a secure staging environment, easy cloning and synchronisation of WordPress installations can be achieved.
• DNSSEC
  A special DNS extension that can prevent security vulnerabilities such as cache poisoning, DNS redirections, and DNS spoofing.
• System Updates Tool
  With the System Updates Tool, users are always automatically up to date, as updates for all installed applications can be automatically searched for and installed.
• Enhanced Script Language Support
  In addition to the well-known script language PHP, Plesk Onyx now also offers support for the programming languages Ruby and Node.js.

What's New in Plesk Obsidian?

The Plesk Obsidian version brings further numerous improvements and extensions that enhance both the user interface and the functionality of the software. Users can benefit from a variety of additional software packages available as add-ons, seamlessly integratable into Plesk.

Some of the notable new features in Plesk Obsidian include:

• Grafana Integration
  The integration of Grafana enables a visual representation and monitoring of server statistics and resource usage directly from the Plesk interface.
• Repair Kit
  The Repair Kit add-on simplifies troubleshooting and system diagnostics by automatically identifying issues and providing solutions.
• SNI for Mail Services
  With support for Server Name Indication (SNI) for mail services, users can now use multiple SSL certificates for different domains on the same IP address.
• SELinux Management
  The SELinux Management add-on enhances security and control over the server by enabling the integration of SELinux policies.
• Composer v2 Support
  Plesk Obsidian now offers support for Composer v2, providing improved performance and stability for PHP projects.
• Plesk Firewall
  The integrated Plesk Firewall offers a user-friendly interface for managing firewall rules and provides additional security for the server.
• Backup and Restore on Various Cloud Platforms
  With Plesk Obsidian, users can perform backups and restores on various cloud platforms such as Google Drive, Amazon S3, and Microsoft OneDrive.

The Development of Plesk

Plesk has always been one of the most well-known and popular web hosting control panels. The software dates back to the year 2000. The US-based company Plesk Inc. commissioned a team of programmers in Novosibirsk, Russia to develop one of the first software solutions for web hosting management. The initial version, Plesk 1.0, was eventually released in the spring of 2001 and continuously improved. Another milestone in Plesk's history was its acquisition by SWSoft in 2003. The company, specialised in server automation and virtualisation, also acquired the German company Yippi-Yeah! E-Business GmbH, which had developed Confixx, a major competitor to Plesk in the web hosting control panel market. In the same year, a completely revamped version of the software, Plesk 6, was released with numerous new features and innovations. In 2008, SWSoft was rebranded as Parallels Inc., and a significantly enhanced version, Plesk 9.0, was launched, featuring extensive support for various mail server systems. Further significant improvements, especially in IT security, were introduced with Plesk 12.0 in 2014. In December 2015, Plesk was spun off from Parallels Inc. and has since operated as Plesk International GmbH, an independent company based in Schaffhausen, Switzerland. The completely redesigned version named Plesk Onyx was released on 22nd October 2016. The current version, Plesk Obsidian, has been available since 4th June 2019 and is continuously being developed.

Plesk's Pricing Model

Unlike free open-source software, Plesk requires license fees for usage. To make the pricing structure as cost-effective as possible for users, Plesk is offered in various editions. This way, webmasters only pay for the services they actually use. Since web hosting providers can typically acquire extensive licenses at more favourable rates, the costs of using Plesk are usually already included in the monthly web hosting fees for end customers. For those who need to purchase the Plesk management interface in addition to their web hosting, the following three licensing options for Plesk licenses are available:

Web Admin Edition

Priced at around 12 USD per month, this is the most affordable tier suitable for managing servers and websites with up to 10 domains. Customers get access to all the basic features of Plesk needed for administration.

Web Pro Edition

The mid-tier package is available from around £18 per month and can be used to manage up to 30 domains. Customers not only get access to basic functions but also benefit from a more extensive account management and multiple extensions.

Web Hosting Edition

The highest-tier package can be used from approximately £32 per month. Unlimited domains can be managed here, and there is also a comprehensive reseller management available.

For large companies, Plesk also offers special business packages that can be customised according to specific requirements.

Who is Plesk suitable for?

Due to its extensive features and user-friendly interface, Plesk is suitable for various types of users. Developers benefit from the ability to enter program code directly via the integrated editor and integrate different development environments through extensions. Content managers use the integration of various CMS systems to organise content and web presences. For agencies, customer management is simplified, and system administrators can comfortably make all server settings. Plesk is well-equipped not only for individual users but also meets all requirements to be used by web hosts and infrastructure providers. Those who are not deterred by the monthly license costs will receive a powerful and versatile control panel with Plesk, which greatly simplifies server management.

Also, find out how the control panel compares cPanel vs Plesk against its direct competitor.

Use our Web Hosting Control Panel Comparison to find out which admin tool is best suited for your individual needs.

Our article is based on our own experiences and research, as well as information from external sources.

Sources & further links on the topic:
https://www.plesk.com/ (Official website of Plesk)

Image credit:
bsdrouin on Pixabay