Administration software in comparison
According to which criteria do you choose your hosting provider? Most administrators answer this question with hardware components, location, live support and price. Statements such as, fast fiber optic lines, the latest brand servers and generous storage space - all of which are of course as inexpensive as possible - summarize spontaneous answers.
Only in the second row of spontaneously set priorities is the server software, for example PleskcPanel or LiveConfig. - Although, the server software shapes the time required for page creation and management as well as the individual design scope.
Plesk and cPanel are in a neck-and-neck race as the world's leading software vendors for web server distribution and server configuration. At this point we would like to pick you up, give you a basic introduction to hosting programs, compare them and work out the differences.
Administration Tools - Plesk, cPanel and LiveConfig
The net is the source of current and future economic success for companies of all sizes. Plesk and Co. should therefore be among the quality features that administrators first think of when it comes to servers. System administrators manage ever larger amounts of data. Not only a homepage supports marketing, but Internet presences of various orientations, structure and layout combine to form a powerful overall marketing concept.
Without administration tools such as the programs LiveConfig, cPanel or Plesk, user-oriented web hosting would be unthinkable. Server management panels are the interface to the process automation of domain management and last but not least the interface to the human operating personnel. Without professional admin tools, system administrators would be clearly overtaxed in terms of time and expertise. For many administrators, even the basic configuration of a single server could become a stumbling block.
User-oriented web hosting - task of the hosting software
The range of services offered by data centers differs, if you think carefully, not only in terms of hardware with different performance levels. Essential differences and added value are mainly due to the user-oriented configuration software. It can systematically make life easier for those responsible for the system, or it can spit problems at them.
User-oriented web hosting is oriented towards:
- installation-free applicability for the user (web-based software)
- graphical user interface (control commands without going into the command line)
- easy to use (self-explanatory with numerous aids for beginners)
- Automation of time-consuming work steps (1-click applications)
- due to automation, the simplification of complicated, time-consuming processes
- Integration of external software modules for website display - for example WordPress
Gain in time and competence - Support through server software
Only a limited number of system administrators have sufficient specialist knowledge to really set up a Linux server by hand and manage it manually. From this point of view already shows up, how large the actual value of good software for the configuration of the Web server is to be classified.
It becomes even clearer when a system administrator manages hundreds + X of different domains on different servers alone. Software support for administrators and hosters comes from countless software companies around the world.
Well-known names for commercial solutions:
- cPanel
- Plesk
- LiveConfig
- Directadmin
- core admin
- InterWorx
- ISPmanager
Open source:
- iMSCP
- Froxlor
- Vesta
- ZPanel
- ISPConfig
- Sentora
- Webmin
- ... and many others
Installation of the server software - web server without management
Installing Plesk, LiveConfig or cPanel is usually not something users need to deal with. This task is usually performed by the data center or hoster as step three after the hardware installation and the installation of the operating system. Therefore, this is only a small example of how to install Plesk.
Start with the Admin-Login on the own Server. It goes to the root directory. With the command wget http://autoinstall.plesk.com/... call the Name_Installation file and download it. Then, of course, the program needs the permissions to get independent on the server. Execute command chmod 777 Name_Installation_File and finally with ./Name_Installation_File.
Plesk will now install itself automatically and create all necessary directories and subdirectories. The small example shows that even without in-depth knowledge of the operating system, scripts prepared by the software provider allow for easy installation of the desktop.
Plesk - Short introduction of the server software
Plesk is one of the leaders in web server distribution software with configuration tool. The program from the manufacturer Parallels Inc. (formerly SWsoft Inc.) was developed for Unix and Microsoft Windows. The software offers users the highest level of comfort for server management.
Users of the server software may dispense with in-depth knowledge of the operating system. Plesk practically takes over the communication between the user and the operating system on its own. Additional user functions, such as the WordPress toolkit, extend the functionality with 1-click applications. Safely reinstalling WordPress in the latest version takes only seconds.
Plesk is subject to a fee for webhosts. Licenses and functionality are scaled depending on the number of domains to be managed. If a user or security function is not already included in the purchased license package, the software manufacturer allows it to be included as a manufacturer-dependent "add-on". Apart from the "Service Provider Management" module, it is thus possible to provide even the smallest license package (5 licenses) with the functionality of the unlimited version.
Technical overview:
- commercial program
- Backend - PHP language
- Linux and Windows operating system
- DNS
- e-mail
- FTP
- Databases
- Ipv6
- Multiserver solution
cPanel - Short introduction of the server software
cPanel is also one of the market leaders of modern, web-based WebHost Management (WHM) software. Manufacturer "cPanel Inc" supports with cPanel the operating systems Unix-/Linux, CentOS, FreeBSD, Red Hat Enterprise Linux and CloudLinux.
cPanel advertises its software as a self-explanatory navigation interface that can be used by anyone who wants to save time and money. It actually offers a system control that simplifies time-consuming processes and makes expert knowledge of the operating system a minor matter.
Web hosting companies are offered the web-based administration interface in licenses. (Dedicated and VPS licenses). The respective user package is always the same, regardless of the basic license. Only in terms of payment, the company differentiates cPanel into monthly, annual, and in the case of dedicated licenses also two-year and three-year.
Technical overview:
- commercial program
- Backend - Language PHP, Perl
- Linux operating system
- DNS
- e-mail
- FTP
- Databases
- Ipv6
- Multiserver solution
LiveConfig - Short introduction of the server software
LiveConfig is also a web-based commercial configuration and management software for web servers. The program, developed by Keppler IT from Erlangen with public funding from the Free State of Bavaria, was officially presented for the first time at Cebit 2011.
With the international software solutions of Plesk or cPanel, the comparatively young software product from Germany stands up to the heavyweights of the industry. In this comparison, it is the only German software solution to be launched.
The program offers a graphical interface that covers all the important functions of a good web server software. It offers easy mail server setup and administration, 1-click installation and much more, just like the international competition. Of course LiveConfig is also multi-server capable.
With LiveConfig, Keppler IT is already implementing the forward-looking direction of a minimally invasive software solution.
Special features:
LiveConfig automatically detects on which distribution basis it was installed. The program uses existing software offers and does not try to offer the user its own "payment offers". Another very positive feature is that LiveConfig does not attract attention to PHP ...is instructed. The generally known problems for website operators, caused by PHP updates, are guaranteed not to occur.
Adaptation of the software - user settings differences
No software can do without basic default settings. After the installation, the data that exceeds the automatically generated data set of the data center must be added. In addition to the basic additions, such as the password change, the planned user structure must be defined and equipped with individual rights.
An experienced user needs only three minutes to install and customize LiveConfig, but it has been proven that this takes only three minutes. (Source product video). But for the beginner or newcomer there is a lack of support. The interface of LiveConfig is self-explanatory only for users who have been working with other similar products for a long time.
Somewhat more extensive can be the unique work Plesk does to individualize. In the version for web hosters, the data for reseller management, subscription management and account management must be entered. A neat structure for all areas, not every user is a full-fledged admin, in return facilitates later server maintenance. Despite "a little extra work", the greater optionality of the Plesk software, with clear, simple structures, appeals to users with functional added value.
The cPanel program makes it easy for newcomers to understand the basic functions and quick customization, through numerous help and help videos. Despite the extensive setting options, the user never feels left alone. - Provided he understands the English language, since "explanatory videos" are not available in German.
Administration software in comparison - functionality
The market leaders Plesk and cPanel meet at eye level when the functionality of the software shapes the statements of the comparison. German software tends to keep up well. The login of all administrator tools, as well as the work with the programs, is web-based. No special software needs to be installed on the operating panel to enable website administration. Furthermore, all server tools can be operated independently of the input device. They could even be accessed on the road with a smartphone.
Special feature: Additionally LiveConfig offers the possibility to log in without a browser.
Advanced structures in reseller management, subscription management, discount management, which are particularly impressive with the Plesk solution, are not included in all packages. However, they are not necessarily required by every admin and you will remain "neutral" in the points evaluation. The large package would be important only for resellers. However, the vast majority of all administrators aim for easy installation and administration of many of their own domains and connected customer domains. At this priority level, all three software solutions are at eye level.
Plesk, cPanel and LiveConfig provide 1-click applications to perform basic installations such as creating a new home page. All important operating functions, such as mailbox assignment, domain administration, modular integration capability and much more are available in the same place.
Clear differences for the end user only become apparent in the layout and ease of use.
Usability - layout and colouring as evaluation factors
LiveConfig, Plesk, and cPanel are on par when it comes to proper programming and the eye-friendliness of the color scheme.
The evaluation factor Layout, with a crowded control bar on the left side of the screen, shows how far LiveConfig is unfortunately still from the international class. Instead of clear, often minimalist structures, the anarchy of information prevails on the left side of the screen instead of hierarchy and order through folding folders. Especially with regard to mobile usability it would be important to divide the space differently. Central control elements would be better stored in drop-down menus. The central field of vision seems to be underchallenged according to the current state of the art, and in some cases even refers to it.
The provider cPanel uses drop-down menus in its design, in terms of colour and appearance, based on Windows XP. Unfortunately, there is a point deduction for the layout of the control elements. The entire control is first opened completely at startup. Thus, the screen unfortunately has no chance to keep the essential control elements in focus. It has to display all functions at the same time, far beyond the viewing limits. Scrolling and closing dropdown menus cannot be prevented, at least on mobile input terminals, in order to focus on the essentials. Unfortunately cPanel did not do much better than LiveConfig.
The weighing pan is not suitable for Plesk because a clear tab design was chosen as the layout. It is scientifically proven that users of all age groups find it easier to get used to a tabbed tab system than to any other layout. All important operating elements always remain in the central field of vision, especially when using a smartphone. Especially newcomers and mobile users will love Plesk for this simple layout.
Security - Handling sensitive data
All companies strive to keep their products as safe as possible through regular updates. cPanel captivates at first sight by its transparency offensive. For security updates the developers inform very openly which security hole was found and by whom.
Assessing data protection from a European perspective depends on the ideological point of view. The two international software companies are based in America. Whether the location of the company already gives sufficient reason for general suspicion against US software may be decided by each of them.
The only serious evidence is that the two international programmes are considered very safe by objective standards.
LiveConfig works strictly according to German law and German security standards. Instead of the "bland aftertaste" of the company location USA, Erlangen proves to be a real location advantage. At least subjectively perceived fears about data security with regard to "Big Brother" are ruled out.
Conclusion - cPanel, Plesk, LiveConfig in comparison
All software providers are on an equal footing when it comes to software installation and functionality. If the hosting provider does not take over the software installation, limited knowledge of the command interpreter is sufficient to install by yourself. With a focus on functionality and installation, LiveConfig will welcome users who want to integrate their existing server software without problems.
Interim result:
The LiveConfig program is just ahead in "Installation and functionality". No user is forced by program specifications to do without third-party software.
All programs show themselves in good shape on the desktop PC when individually adapted to personal needs. However, the international providers are ahead of the game. Practically all functions are self-explanatory. cPanel can score points with newcomers through additional help with videos. Whereby Plesk, through clarity and self-explanatory terms, compensates for the perceived disadvantage. The File Manager leads to a safe equality between cPanel and the Plesk software. Changes can be made directly in the dashboard without FTP programs (example: FileZilla).
Tight winner on points - Plesk
User-friendliness is the key to the layout:
Clearly the most user-friendly solution of the three software offerings is Plesk. The layout determines how a software operation is perceived by the user. The Plesk software is the only one that consistently implements all the conditions for user-friendly layouts required by current German studies.
All important functions always remain in view. If more is hidden in a submenu, the addition must be expanded. From any input device, the central view of all important functions is maintained without flooding users with unfiltered information.
Objective parity - safety aspects:
From a non-ideological point of view, all three programs, cPanel, LiveConfig and Plesk, appear to be secure software solutions that meet national and international standards. If you want to play it safe, you are on the safe side with software from a German company.
