Server management with the ISPConfig Control Panel

ISPConfig provides administrators with an open-source software solution developed in Germany for server administration. Via the web-based user interface, a wide range of settings can be made to configure the server and all relevant services and to set up web hosting packages at different user levels. ISPConfig requires only a Linux-based operating system. As open-source software, it is freely available to anyone interested and there are no licence costs.

What does ISPConfig offer?

On servers running a Linux operating system, ISPConfig can be used as a comprehensive control panel to set up web hosting packages and to configure server services. Thanks to its publicly viewable source code and focus on essential core functions, ISPConfig is generally regarded as a particularly transparent, stable, secure and fast software solution for everyone. The continuous development, comprehensive documentation and large, active community also contribute to the application's popularity. ISPConfig is currently available in 22 different languages.

As a control panel, ISPConfig is versatile. Whether managing a single server, a multi-server setup or an entire server cluster, the software can be deployed under all technical conditions. Both physical Dedicated Servers and virtual servers are supported. 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 available via HTTP, Apache and Nginx web servers can be installed. To enable email traffic, Postfix can be set up as the SMTP server and Courier and Dovecot as POP3/IMAP servers. In addition, FTP servers, DNS servers and databases can be configured.

With ISPConfig it is possible to create complete web hosting accounts or individual websites. All resource parameters such as disk space, domains, email accounts, databases etc. can be set individually for each package and each customer.

ISPConfig can be used to manage email accounts. Mailboxes and email aliases can be created, email addresses assigned to specific mailboxes and the available storage space defined. Email forwards can also be configured.

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

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

ISPConfig also offers comprehensive domain management. Both the creation of DNS records such as CNAME, A record etc. and the setting up of domain redirects is possible. Both the traditional IPv4 standard and the modern IPv6 standard are supported.

In total there are 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 limited to the scope of a specific email account.

Additional modules for ISPConfig

In addition to the free basic features, paid add-on modules for ISPConfig are available that extend functionality in various areas. One example is an invoicing module that can be used for customer management, invoice generation and invoice dispatch. This is particularly useful for web hosting providers with their own customers. Another option is a monitoring app. With this separate mobile app, the status of your servers can be monitored from anywhere and logged in detail. This can be a sensible monitoring measure for all commercially active administrations.

What's new in ISPConfig 3.1

With the latest version, ISPConfig 3.1, several new features were introduced and the user interface was completely redesigned. In addition to numerous technical improvements and fixes for minor bugs, users can now benefit from the following advantages, for example:

• Responsive user interface
  ISPConfig can now be used comfortably 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.
• Let's Encrypt integration
  Free SSL certificates from Let's Encrypt can be integrated.
• Full PHP 7 support
  The scripting language PHP is now fully supported in the current version 7.
• XMPP server
  ISPConfig can now be used to manage XMPP servers.

The development of ISPConfig

The history of the software stretches back over 15 years. Till Brehm and Falko Timm, the two founders of projektfarm GmbH from Lüneburg in Lower Saxony, developed a control panel for server management at that time called 42go ISP-Manager. The application was subsequently sold for several years as proprietary software alongside other products, such as an e-mail spam filter, and was continuously developed. Only later, in 2005, was the first open-source version of the control panel, ISPConfig 2.0.4, released under the free BSD licence. Continuous updates followed 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 ISPConfig pricing model

As open-source software, the base software is free of charge. The application's source code is fully viewable. The software can be downloaded and installed by anyone at no cost. 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 extend the control panel's functionality in various areas. Licences are required to use these modules.

ISPConfig 3 Billing Module

The ISPConfig 3 Billing Module extends the software with functions for automatic billing and invoice generation. The module integrates directly into the main programme and is easily accessible via an additional menu item in the web interface. With the billing module, web hosting providers can not only create and manage their customers' web hosting products technically via the control panel, but also handle accounting and billing without needing separate invoicing software. This reduces administrative overhead and allows invoicing and invoice dispatch processes to be optimised efficiently. The price for an ISPConfig 3 Billing Module licence is approximately €70 per server.

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

ISPConfig Monitor App

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

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

In addition to the add-on modules, ISPConfig UG (haftungsbeschränkt) also offers paid corporate support for the control panel. If problems or configuration issues cannot be resolved via the free community forums, professional support can be obtained for an appropriate fee.

Who is ISPConfig suitable for?

The ISPConfig control panel is suitable for anyone looking for a free software solution for server management. All key functions, from managing server services to creating and managing web hosting customer accounts, are included in the open source application. ISPConfig is particularly lean and fast and operates without the overhead of unnecessary features. Both the extensive documentation and the large, active community ensure smooth deployment of the software. If problems do occur, paid support from the developer is available in emergencies.

Use our web hosting control panel comparison to find out which admin tool is best suited to your individual needs.

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

Quellenangaben & weiterführende Links zum Thema:
https://www.ispconfig.org/ (Official website of ISPConfig)