Server Management via LiveConfig Control Panel

The server management software LiveConfig originates from German development and is used for configuring web servers as well as managing web hosting packages. Thanks to the clearly structured web interface, all settings can be made with just a few clicks, which would otherwise require extensive administration knowledge and tedious work directly on the operating system level of a server. LiveConfig is a particularly lean and secure software that requires very few system resources to operate. However, as proprietary software, monthly license fees apply.

What does LiveConfig offer?

LiveConfig can be used as a comprehensive Control Panel for managing web hosting packages and configuring server settings. Users have access to a modern and clearly structured web interface for this purpose. The software can be used for Shared Web Hosting packages, Virtual Private Servers, or Dedicated Servers. As the software is multi-server capable, multiple systems can be managed through a single installation. Unlike other Control Panels, LiveConfig offers several advantages:

• High Efficiency
  LiveConfig was developed in the C/C programming languages and therefore does not require interpreters or databases to operate. This helps save system resources, making them available for the actual server applications.
• Not Dependent on PHP
  The Control Panel is independent of PHP, so updates have no impact on the functionality of LiveConfig. Server administrators do not need to align the selection of the PHP version with the Control Panel.
• Minimal Invasive
  The developer describes LiveConfig as "Minimal Invasive". This means that the software does not deeply interfere with the system and can be completely uninstalled without leaving any residue. Additionally, the application automatically detects the used operating system distribution and uses its data packages instead of proprietary packages.
• Secure Web Interface
  The SSL-protected web interface is highly secure. All command inputs are examined before execution. SQL queries are processed using Prepared Statements, which helps prevent XSS and SQL injections.
• HTML Web Interface
  The web interface exclusively uses simple HTML. To achieve dynamic data updates in the browser, HTML5 and Ajax are used. This allows the interface to function without Flash and can be used on any device.

Although the software is particularly lean and resource-efficient, LiveConfig provides users with the full range of functions needed for comprehensive management of web space packages and server settings. Like other Control Panels, the extensive user and rights management allows for optimal configuration. The following functions can be used, among others:

• Client Management
  Web hosting packages can be organised with LiveConfig in the classic hierarchy from the administrator through to resellers and end customers. Personal data is managed as practical handles. Additionally, multiple users per client are possible, and individual permissions can be set.
• Web Hosting Management
  With LiveConfig, all mandatory settings for web hosting management can be realised. From configuring domains and subdomains to creating mailboxes and email addresses, as well as using databases and statistics for resource utilisation.
• Managing Hosting Offers
  Individual web hosting packages or entire reseller accounts can be created and managed. The respective system resources can be set individually and adjusted if needed. In addition, comprehensive statistics on offer utilisation are provided.
• Managing PHP Versions
  LiveConfig allows for running multiple PHP versions simultaneously and switching between them as needed. Additionally, all PHP functions can be adjusted globally, at the client level, or at the contract level.

What are the requirements for LiveConfig?

Running LiveConfig requires a Linux operating system. The most popular distributions such as Debian, Ubuntu, Gentoo, CentOS, or OpenSUSE Leap are supported. The software is quite resource-efficient in terms of system resources. It only requires an x86 CPU with 32 or 64-bit, 15 MB of RAM, and 30 MB of disk space. LiveConfig is therefore ideal for use on smaller and less resource-intensive virtual servers. It can manage the following server software:

• Apache Web Server
• NGINX Web Server
• PHP 5.x scripting language
• MySQL 5.x databases
• Postfix
• Dovecot
• BIND DNS

Thanks to the continuous development of the software, LiveConfig will support additional operating systems in the future and enable the management of more server software.

The Development of LiveConfig

LiveConfig is one of the newer control panels on the market. The software is developed and maintained by Keppler IT GmbH, based in Erlangen, Bavaria. Originally, LiveConfig was just a collection of various scripts for automation used in a university project at the University of Erlangen. This eventually led to the idea of developing a completely new management software for servers and web hosting offerings. Successful participation in the Business Plan Competition Nordbayern and funding through an innovation program of the Free State of Bavaria finally enabled the realization of the project. After only 14 months of development time, the first finished version of LiveConfig was presented at CeBIT in Hannover in 2011. Since then, LiveConfig has been continuously developed and improved by Keppler IT GmbH, always striving to offer the best software for managing servers and web hosting products.

What is the pricing model of LiveConfig?

As LiveConfig is not open source but proprietary software, there are monthly licensing fees for its use. The developer offers three different license versions targeting end customers, resellers, and web hosting service providers:

• Basic License
  With the Basic License for just £3 per month, aimed at end customers and users of smaller virtual private servers, up to 10 users can be managed. While all settings at the web space level can be adjusted, additional features like Lets Encrypt or SOAP API are not included. Global management of web space offerings and resellers is also not possible with this license.
• Standard License
  With the Standard License for just £10 per month, targeting resellers and users of virtual and dedicated servers, unlimited users and accounts can be managed. This license provides access to all settings at the web space level, as well as all additional features and global management of web space offerings.
• Business License
  With the Business License for just £20 per month, primarily aimed at large web hosting companies, not only can an unlimited number of customer accounts be managed, but multiple servers can also be managed through a central web interface. However, each individual server must have a Standard License through LiveConfig.

Within the licenses, customer service from the provider can be contacted for any questions or issues. However, with the Basic license, this is limited to contact via email and forum. With the Standard and Business licenses, telephone contact is also possible. End customers who receive LiveConfig from their web hosting provider usually do not have to pay additionally for the license. The costs are typically already integrated into the monthly web hosting fees.

Who is LiveConfig suitable for?

LiveConfig is ideal for both operators of a small Virtual Private Server and large web hosting service providers. The advantages of the software lie clearly in its slim and resource-efficient architecture. Those seeking a comprehensive administration tool for server settings and web hosting products, placing high value on speed and efficient resource usage, will benefit from LiveConfig. The modern and well-structured web interface allows for quick and effective work without the need for in-depth technical knowledge. Additionally, the moderate pricing ensures a very good cost-benefit ratio.

Use our Web Hosting Control Panel Comparison to find the best admin tool for your specific needs.

Our article is based on personal experiences, research, and information from external sources.

Sources & further links on the topic:
https://www.liveconfig.com/ (Official LiveConfig website)

Image credit:
bsdrouin on Pixabay