If you’re involved in managing servers for web hosting then you’ll appreciate the importance of having a simple, yet highly effective method of monitoring and looking after your hosting infrastructure. The most effective way of managing all the processes related to routine tasks of hosting infrastructure is to use a web hosting control panel.
Web experts design hosting server control panels to help any kind of user, no matter how technically-skilled. Why? Because their goal is to help properly set up and manage websites. Instead of having to type complicated commands, users can just have a user-friendly GUI that performs actions. At the moment, the Plesk server panel is one of the most popular web hosting control panels in the world.
It has an intuitive and clear interface that everyone can find their way around. Especially true if the user has WordPress experience since the Plesk interface assumes a WordPress approach in terms of usability. Keep scrolling for details of Plesk’s core features.
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So why is Plesk so intuitive and simple? Because it provides the scope of all necessary tools you need to start – the right way. Essential tools that help you manage your website’s whole lifecycle. With Plesk Onyx, the latest release, you can use category pages for easy navigation while looking for the right tools.
Apart from Onyx basics, you can even customize your Server Panel with various extensions, split into categories within the menu. You’ll find the most popular ones on the main page and more extensions you may need in any of the categories. Narrow your search if you like and you can quickly add extensions in just a few clicks. Here are some favourites:
Also, you don’t have to pay for extensions you don’t need. Because Plesk designed its interface for you to only add what you use. This is how the overview is kept clean and simple within the server panel. Plesk Onyx and other latest versions also provide better support with new extensions such as Git, Node.js, Ruby, and Docker.
Plesk server panel supports many different operating systems, platforms and technologies. Thus multiplying its strength and contributing to the fact that most Windows Server installations use the Plesk control panel. Since cPanel and others don’t support Windows OS.
Still, the Plesk server panel isn’t limited to Windows servers only – it supports many different Linux versions too. Plesk also works with lots of different tools and platforms. Like the out-the-box WordPress Toolkit extension. This comes available and ready to use with most Plesk Onyx editions.
Administrators’ tools and extensions also include Magento, Patchman, CloudFlare CDN, and Let’s Encrypt. Compatibility with various OSs, tools, apps, and platforms allow admins to run their sites the way they see fit. Not just limiting themselves to useless or unappealing options.
Give users the ability to find what they need and add it to their control panel. You’ll ensure a clutter-free environment that’s easy to use and navigate.
Automation and simplified setup procedures are among the core benefits that Plesk brings to the table. Because server admins get to reduce the efforts and time for routine tasks when they need to.
You can install Plesk on Windows easily as it has a very intuitive GUI. It’s also easy to set up on Linux because it only requires one command to install with default settings. To set up a website using Plesk Onyx, you’ll have to go to the Domains page. First, simply click the domain name. Then choose Files > Databases > Install Apps > Install WordPress to make a brand-new website.
If you use a CMS like Drupal, Joomla or WordPress, you can create, secure and launch a site in minutes. Just drag and drop to add new content or features without having to insert a single line of code. Most extensions have one-click installation so you can set them up instantly.
You can automate server tasks by going to Tools and Resources. Then choosing Scheduled Tasks on the Tools and Settings page. Here you can schedule commands or PHP scripts too.
Moreover, you get extensions like Perfect Dashboard that give you more task automation power. For example, one-click updates for all websites on one account and automated backup integrity verifications. Or engine tests to show if any layout changes have cost you broken SEO tags, social tags, or display errors.
Various end-user groups with any level of experience can easily use the Plesk server panel. Because it has a clean and user-friendly GUI, huge compatibility potential and a large extension ecosystem. The latest Onyx release has a similar approach. Thus giving more capabilities, including tools and multi-server abilities.
Although there are administrators who still prefer working on CLI, Plesk may still save their time. And beginners get to learn quickly and get rid of the need for third-party support services.
Don’t have Plesk yet?
We’re taking a look at the most important updates and developments in the hosting industry for September 2018. Read our monthly web hosting news roundup here.
Continue readingWe’re taking a look at the most important updates and developments in the hosting industry for September 2018. Read our monthly web hosting news roundup here.
Continue reading
We’re taking a look at the most important updates and developments in the hosting industry for September 2018. Read our monthly web hosting news roundup here.
Continue reading
We’re taking a look at the most important updates and developments in the hosting industry for September 2018. Read our monthly web hosting news roundup here.
Continue readingWe’re taking a look at the most important updates and developments in the hosting industry for August 2018. Read our monthly web hosting news roundup here.
Continue readingWe gathered the top news stories of July from the world of web hosting news to help give you a glance at what’s going on in the industry right now.
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We gathered the top news stories of June from the world of web hosting news to help give you a glance at what’s going on in the industry right now.
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Starting a new web hosting business in 2018 is tough. You’re competing against companies like Rackspace and GoDaddy – they’ve got deep pockets and mega technical strength.
At the same time, customer expectations have also increased. Web hosts could once operate as a simple place to store files or run a server. That’s not enough anymore. Especially if you plan to build a lasting business.
To help you understand what you are up against, let’s take a look at two successful web host companies: Rackspace and WP Engine. Rackspace offers a wide range of web hosting services while WP Engine specializes in the WordPress platform.
Based in Texas, Rackspace is a giant in the web hosting industry. Take a look at their technical offerings:
1. Managed hosting
Of course, you’d expect the company to offer Linux and Windows managed hosting. Rackspace also provides VMWare and has earned recognition for its VMWare performance.
2. Application services
This is an exciting example showing how to provide additional value beyond traditional web hosting. For Rackspace, application services include business analytics (e.g. SAP, Microsoft and Tableau products) and database services (e.g. staff expertise includes MySQL and NoSQL database implementations).
3. Specialized cloud services
Rackspace boasts a deep bench of technical talent. Including 800+ AWS (Amazon Web Services) professionals and others covering Microsoft Cloud and Google Cloud. Notably, Rackspace also has a dedicated service for government customers, a lucrative segment known for its exacting security requirements.
Now, I know what you’re thinking. If you’re early in the process of starting a web hosting business, Rackspace is intimidating. How can you possibly match their level of technical products and an impressive list of clients like Fujitsu and Pipedrive? One solution is to look at other web hosting companies that have a niche focus.
WP Engine is a fascinating example because they have decided to go deep on the WordPress platform. Coincidentally, they are also based in Texas! Here are some of the capabilities that WP Engine brings to the table.
1. Multiple Environments
WP Engine includes Dev, Stage and Prod Environments. If your customers are building web apps and other similarly complex tools, offering these environments makes much sense.
2. “Migrations free”
This part of WP Engine stands out because it is a technical concern that most clients will have. Remember that many of your potential clients will already have websites with another web host.
3. Global CDN
A content delivery network (CDN) is a must-have for content heavy websites. Note that a separate company – MaxCDN – provides WPEngine’s CDN service. Keep that fact in mind as you build your web host business. You can leverage partners to offer additional services like CDN services – you don’t have to reinvent the wheel.
Now let’s take a look at what customers demand from their web hosts.
Aside from the sheer volume of competitors you face, what do customers expect from their web hosts today? For simplicity, let’s focus on business customers with significant daily traffic. While every customer is different, think about customer demands in some broad areas: business outcomes, security, and technical performance.
Business websites are designed to achieve two outcomes: marketing and sales. Keep in mind that not all businesses can generate purchases directly from the web. For example, there is no “Buy Now” button or the equivalent on the websites of professional services firms like Deloitte or law firms. In those cases, marketing outcomes such as brand awareness, content marketing (for example, McKinsey Quarterly) and lead generation are higher priorities.
Robust cybersecurity has become a top consideration for business users. Technical security issues start with the mundane like staying on top of new upgrades to WordPress.
More sophisticated customers will ask how you can help them to complain about regulatory regimes like the GDPR in Europe. If cybersecurity isn’t your strength, be careful about what you can and can’t offer customers.
Technical reliability still matters. But it’s tough to differentiate your company on this basis. At least, give some thought to the following professional performance issues.
Now that you understand the customers and competitors of the web host companies, let’s look at your team and tools.
Who do you need on your web host team to keep your business growing? How well will they take care of your customers? The answer is not to hire a half dozen developers tomorrow. Instead, stay lean by working as a solo operator for a time. Next, look for growth opportunities that don’t require payroll.
Think about Lean Growth. Basically the solo-preneur option for web hosting companies. It’s even easier, because there are so many tools and services available on demand. If you’re running a one-person web host company, how do you keep everything organized? Simple. Use this following checklist of activities.
These three activities are the absolute essential activities for your first year in business.
Once you master those fundamentals, you can look at other ways to grow your company.
How do you keep growing and adding new services to your company? Hiring additional talent is one approach, but it’s just one way.
Resist the urge to create custom code to respond to every customer request! Instead, set aside 20-30 minutes to search for premade software solutions instead. For example, are there WordPress plugins that can help your customers improve their marketing? YES! There are many options to consider. For example, the Hello Bar is a simple way to increase email newsletter signups. If your customers want to accept payments, look into Stripe.
What if you cannot find any existing software tools to help you serve customers? Consider looking into “white label” or “reseller” companies. These companies provide a service and allow you to put your logo on it. Managing resellers and third-party companies are more complicated than buying software. Our rule of thumb? Go slowly and monitor the service provider carefully especially if they’ll be directly working with clients.
Keeping your web host business going is tough especially when you’re running lean. Unlike other web management properties, we designed Plesk Web Pro Edition to be customized. Hence, you can put your logo on it and create the client experience you want.
How does the Plesk Web Pro Edition help you grow your web host business? Here are some of the ways your life will be more comfortable:
✅ Equip your customer’s administrators. With the Power User View, your end users have a simple way to use all of their company’s email accounts and websites in one place.
✅ No more “Feast or Famine” revenue. Plesk Web Pro Edition supports WHMCS, so you can automatically bill customers each month. No more wasting time each month chasing after late payments! That means more time for you to dream up new products…
✅ “Self-heal” like Wolverine. Remember how Wolverine could heal quickly and recover from almost any injury? Plesk’s self-repair tools bring that capability to the web. Most technical failures can be restored soon even if a customer breaks something.
Predictable revenue, easy customer administration, and self-healing websites? What more could you ask for?
If you’ve read this far, you’re interested in growing a web hosting business. Don’t just read this article and move on with your day. Choose one of these two actions to get your web host company growing:
