Server Management with the ISPConfig Control Panel

With ISPConfig, administrators have access to an open-source software developed in Germany for server management. The web-based user interface allows for various settings to be adjusted to configure your server and all relevant services, as well as set up web hosting packages at different user levels. ISPConfig only requires a Linux-based operating system for use. As it is open-source software, it is freely available for anyone to use, with no licensing costs.

What does ISPConfig offer?

On servers with a Linux operating system, ISPConfig can be used as a comprehensive control panel for setting up web hosting packages and configuring server services. Thanks to its publicly available source code and focus on core functions, ISPConfig is generally considered a transparent, stable, secure, and fast software solution for everyone. The continuous development, detailed documentation, and large, active community also contribute to its popularity. Currently, ISPConfig is available in 22 different languages.

As a control panel, ISPConfig is versatile. Whether it's about managing a single server, a multi-server, or even a whole server cluster, the software can be used under all technical conditions. It supports both physical Dedicated Servers and Virtual Private Servers. The only requirement is one of the following Linux distributions as the operating system:

• Debian 5 to 9
• Ubuntu 8.10 to 17.04
• CentOS 5.2 to 7
• Fedora 10 or 12 to 15
• OpenSuSE 11.1 to 12.3

ISPConfig is prepared for the configuration of the most important server services. To make websites accessible via HTTP, Apache and Nginx webservers can be installed. To enable email traffic, Postfix can be set up as an SMTP server, and Courier and Dovecot as POP3/IMAP servers. Additionally, FTP servers, DNS servers, and databases can be configured.

With ISPConfig, you can create complete web hosting accounts or individual websites. All performance parameters such as storage space, domains, email accounts, databases, etc., can be individually defined for each package and each customer.

ISPConfig can be used for the management of email accounts. Mailboxes and email aliases can be created, email addresses can be assigned to specific mailboxes, and available storage space can be defined. Additionally, email forwarding can be set up.

Various user accesses can be created and managed via ISPConfig. This includes FTP users for transferring files using an FTP client or shell users who are granted extensive access directly at the operating system level.

Furthermore, special server services can be configured for users via ISPConfig. For example, MySQL databases can be created for content management systems, or cron jobs can be set up to automatically execute commands on the server.

ISPConfig also offers a comprehensive domain management. Setting up DNS entries such as CNAME, A-Record, etc., as well as creating domain redirects, is possible. Both the classic IPv4 standard and the modern IPv6 standard are supported.

There are a total of four different permission levels, each equipped with different access rights:

• Administrators have full system access to all functions and settings.
• Resellers can independently create and manage web hosting packages.
• Customers have access within the defined parameters.
• Mail users are restricted to the area of a specific email account.

Additional Modules for ISPConfig

In addition to the free basic features, paid add-on modules for ISPConfig are available to expand functionality in various areas. One such module is an invoicing module, which can be used for customer management, invoice generation, and invoice delivery. This is particularly beneficial for web hosting providers with their own customers. Another offering is a monitoring app. With this separate mobile app, users can monitor and log the status of their own servers from anywhere. This can be a useful monitoring measure for all commercially active administrations.

What's New in ISPConfig 3.1

The latest version of ISPConfig 3.1 introduces several new features and completely overhauls the user interface. In addition to numerous technical improvements and bug fixes, users can now benefit from the following advantages:

• Responsive User Interface
  ISPConfig can now be conveniently operated on mobile devices.
• DKIM Support
  Emails can now be signed with DomainKeys Identified Mail (DKIM).
• DNSSEC Support
  Domain Name System Security Extensions (DNSSEC) can now be used.
• Lets Encrypt Integration
  Free SSL certificates from Lets Encrypt can be integrated.
• Full PHP 7 Support
  The PHP scripting language is now fully supported in the latest version 7.
• XMPP Server
  ISPConfig can now be used for managing XMPP servers.

The Development of ISPConfig

The history of the software dates back over 15 years. Till Brehm and Falko Timm, the two founders of projektfarm GmbH from Lüneburg, Lower Saxony, developed a control panel for server management called 42go ISP-Manager. The application was then distributed as proprietary software for several years alongside other products, such as an email spam filter, and continuously developed. It wasn't until 2005 that the first open-source version of the control panel, ISPConfig 2.0.4, was released under a free BSD license. Continuous updates followed leading up to the latest version, ISPConfig 3.1. The software is currently operated by the eponymous ISPConfig UG (limited liability), which was spun off from projektfarm GmbH.

The Pricing Model of ISPConfig

As this is open-source software, there are no costs for the base software. The application's program code is fully visible. The software can be downloaded and installed by anyone for free. All features for server administration and web hosting management are therefore freely accessible.

However, the operator, ISPConfig UG (limited liability), offers paid add-on modules that can extend the functionality of the control panel in various areas. License costs apply for the use of these modules.

ISPConfig 3 Payment Module

The ISPConfig 3 Payment Module or ISPConfig 3 Billing Module enhances the software with functions for automatic billing and invoice generation. The module is integrated directly into the main program and can be easily accessed through an additional menu item in the web interface. With the payment module, web hosting providers can not only technically create and manage the web hosting products of their customers directly through the control panel but also handle accounting tasks without the need for additional invoicing software. This significantly reduces administrative effort and efficiently optimises the processes of invoicing and invoice delivery. The price for an ISPConfig 3 Payment Module license is approximately 70 euros per server.

• Automatic and manual invoice creation
• Sending invoices and payment reminders
• Enhanced management of customer data

ISPConfig Monitor App

The ISPConfig Monitor App provides administrators with a convenient mobile app for smartphones to monitor and log the status of their servers. This allows users to not only keep an eye on the server's uptime but also check the functionality of individual services such as email, TCP ports, UDP ports, etc. Servers that are not equipped with ISPConfig can also be integrated into the monitoring. The ISPConfig Monitor App is available on the Google Play Store for Android and costs just under 4 euros.

• Monitor server uptime
• Check server services
• Track system resources

In addition to the add-on modules, ISPConfig UG (limited liability) also offers a paid corporate support service for the control panel. If issues or settings cannot be resolved through the free community forums, the professional support service can be utilised for a corresponding fee.

Who is ISPConfig suitable for?

The ISPConfig control panel is suitable for anyone looking for a free software solution for server management. All essential functions, from managing server services to creating and managing web hosting customer accounts, are available in the open-source application. ISPConfig is particularly lean and fast, without the burden of unnecessary features. Both the extensive documentation and the large, active community ensure smooth deployment of the software. In case of any issues, paid support from the developer is also available in emergencies.

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.ispconfig.org/ (Official ISPConfig website)

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bsdrouin on Pixabay