Joe
08-27-2003, 06:52 PM
As of August 12, we can no longer order Ensim servers from Rackshack, or any other datacenter.
As you know, we've modified Ensim 3.1 to way beyond it's original abilities. Those modifications do not and will not work in Ensim 3.5 (the next release).
We have a few options.
1) Upgrade existing servers to Ensim PRO, and make all future servers Ensim Pro based. The problem with this scenario is a) cost - basically extortion by Ensim B) compatibility (our mods don't work) c) Ensim's attitude towards upgrading current users. The $799 PER server pricetag is outrageous, and would actually provide LESS service than what we already have in Ensim 3.1. New releases of Ensim are bound to be as pricey, and I don't think it's necessary to fall into their trap a year down the line.
2) Start with another control panel. As you know, we've evaluated several alternatives. Here's a quick breakdown:
A ) Cpanel. Although this server management program is extremely popular for some new users, we evaluated this on at least 2 different occassions, and found the admin side to be extremely insecure. Updates to Cpanel itself are done by us, but it is easily "broken" and will stop working with one wrong click. Due to stability and security issues, I've ruled out any servers with Cpanel at this time.
B ) Plesk. Plesk's newest version is insecure in that users can browse to other peoples directories fairly easily - making your data vulnerable. That in itself rules it out for me. It also doesn't allow any customers to have static IP's for SSL (although I understand there's a "patch" - I'm not interested in "patching" a new product), etc. Plesk is ruled out.
C ) Webmin/Usermin. Extremely functional program - well behaved, just a web interface to Linux - not a control panel, per se. Definately a contender.
D ) DirectAdmin. For user appeal, ease of use, features, DA compares closely to Cpanel. There are important differences. This one is STABLE and SECURE. I've been running a DA server for a couple of months in the background, trying to break it - haven't been able to. We're working on a "jailed" environment so users can't navigate to other users directories, but feel this can be easily achieved. One thing that DA is missing is an IMAP mail client, which means clients using IMAP won't be able to use that any longer, only POP3. They are working on development of this though. It does have 2 built in mail clients. Of all the panels reviewed, this one has our attention.
I've talked with other web hosts, gotten opinions, feedback etc on these panels and shared in some meaningful discussions. I'm impressed, and so are others.
Since we have to consider options anyway, the best decision I can make for HostPC to maintain security to our exacting levels, and continue to remain stable, is to go with DirectAdmin for our future servers. We're about 1/2 way through www8 - still have www4 to use and the reseller servers 7 & 9. I MAY, stress MAY keep www4 as a reserve server - I'm not sure on that one yet. All future servers will be Direct Admin after we're full.
Clients on Ensim may choose to stay on Ensim as long as they want - there's no pressure to move. If you'd LIKE to move to DA when it's available, we'll make that an option. Again - it's not an option yet, but it will be - I'll announce it here when they come online for users.
New customers after we have our cutoff, won't be given a choice - they will be DirectAdmin based.
Thanks for your time as I continue to provide updates on our plans at HostPC. I make these statements and sometimes I wonder if people ever read them. Today, I got an e-mail from a client - made me think it was all worthwhile: "Great job getting everything restored so quickly. What impresses me more is the time and effort you took in keeping us all informed. "
Have a great day, and thanks for your continued support!
Joe
As you know, we've modified Ensim 3.1 to way beyond it's original abilities. Those modifications do not and will not work in Ensim 3.5 (the next release).
We have a few options.
1) Upgrade existing servers to Ensim PRO, and make all future servers Ensim Pro based. The problem with this scenario is a) cost - basically extortion by Ensim B) compatibility (our mods don't work) c) Ensim's attitude towards upgrading current users. The $799 PER server pricetag is outrageous, and would actually provide LESS service than what we already have in Ensim 3.1. New releases of Ensim are bound to be as pricey, and I don't think it's necessary to fall into their trap a year down the line.
2) Start with another control panel. As you know, we've evaluated several alternatives. Here's a quick breakdown:
A ) Cpanel. Although this server management program is extremely popular for some new users, we evaluated this on at least 2 different occassions, and found the admin side to be extremely insecure. Updates to Cpanel itself are done by us, but it is easily "broken" and will stop working with one wrong click. Due to stability and security issues, I've ruled out any servers with Cpanel at this time.
B ) Plesk. Plesk's newest version is insecure in that users can browse to other peoples directories fairly easily - making your data vulnerable. That in itself rules it out for me. It also doesn't allow any customers to have static IP's for SSL (although I understand there's a "patch" - I'm not interested in "patching" a new product), etc. Plesk is ruled out.
C ) Webmin/Usermin. Extremely functional program - well behaved, just a web interface to Linux - not a control panel, per se. Definately a contender.
D ) DirectAdmin. For user appeal, ease of use, features, DA compares closely to Cpanel. There are important differences. This one is STABLE and SECURE. I've been running a DA server for a couple of months in the background, trying to break it - haven't been able to. We're working on a "jailed" environment so users can't navigate to other users directories, but feel this can be easily achieved. One thing that DA is missing is an IMAP mail client, which means clients using IMAP won't be able to use that any longer, only POP3. They are working on development of this though. It does have 2 built in mail clients. Of all the panels reviewed, this one has our attention.
I've talked with other web hosts, gotten opinions, feedback etc on these panels and shared in some meaningful discussions. I'm impressed, and so are others.
Since we have to consider options anyway, the best decision I can make for HostPC to maintain security to our exacting levels, and continue to remain stable, is to go with DirectAdmin for our future servers. We're about 1/2 way through www8 - still have www4 to use and the reseller servers 7 & 9. I MAY, stress MAY keep www4 as a reserve server - I'm not sure on that one yet. All future servers will be Direct Admin after we're full.
Clients on Ensim may choose to stay on Ensim as long as they want - there's no pressure to move. If you'd LIKE to move to DA when it's available, we'll make that an option. Again - it's not an option yet, but it will be - I'll announce it here when they come online for users.
New customers after we have our cutoff, won't be given a choice - they will be DirectAdmin based.
Thanks for your time as I continue to provide updates on our plans at HostPC. I make these statements and sometimes I wonder if people ever read them. Today, I got an e-mail from a client - made me think it was all worthwhile: "Great job getting everything restored so quickly. What impresses me more is the time and effort you took in keeping us all informed. "
Have a great day, and thanks for your continued support!
Joe