Control Panels

[MadHatter]

I'm looking into a dedicated server from serverbeach...
One thing that I am not to sure about is control panels....
I am thinking of using http://www.modernbill.com as a billing/account creation frontend & backend... I'm not sure though.

What I need is:
A front end sign-up system that works with paypal, and automatically creates accounts...
A backend to view reports/ban accounts/ etc etc.... has anyone had any experience with plesk... is it any good?

[Leader of Men]

Cpanel with WHM is the most popular/best choice I think...

[frattay22]

I would stay away from Plesk. Your clients will love cPanel and your resellers will love WHM. Make sure you get Fantiscio cause that is where all your programs reside such as ie. b2, pMachine Free, PHP-Nuke, phpWebSite, Post-Nuke, Xoops, PHP Support Tickets, Support Service Manager, Invison Board, phpBB2, OS Commerce, and about 15 others. I use Clientexec for my billing. The problem you run into is Fraud when you have it all automated. Someone can sign up with a stolen CC spam for the few hours - days on your server till you find who it is. I always love to add accounts when someone signs up just the feeling of it Hope this helps out. Always remember you get what you pay for? You going to buy cheap you are going to get cheap.

[fishfreek]

IMO Fantiscio isnt all Fantastic. All it does it help an uneducated webuser install scripts they probably shouldt be using in the first place since they dont know how to install them on their own.

[frattay22]

Yes agreed, but when a client is paying 50+ month they don't want to know how it work or how to install. All they want make sure is that the program they clicked on to install works and that is it. No reason to make my clients life hell when it should be simple.

[fishfreek]

Well then what if they want a script thats not installable by the great fantastico. They will have to learn how to install it or will you install scripts for them for free aswell?

[frattay22]

Yes why not? Why try and nickel and dime your clients? Is that what you do? If I aprove the script I will install it, if it is a very insecure script I will not install it. All of our clients know us personally or by word of mouth and they know how we run the show. They do come first but, the server comes first to security.

[fishfreek]

We supply the client with as much information as they need to install the script on their own. We find most clients want to try to install it themsevlves because it gives them some sence of accomplishment. Most of the time they get the script installed and running with little trouble. Sometimes they have problems getting it working and when they have exahusted everything that they can think of some clients have asked us if we can install it for them. Most want to pay us for this service.

[frattay22]

Yes scripts are very easy and just a 10-15 min job. Oh well back to the topic.

[fishfreek]

I agree that Cpanel/WHM are the most desirable control panels. I have used Plesk before only on the admin side and that was just to help someone out who had a problem and I found it to be very limiting in what it can do compaired to WHM. I have used the Ensim from a user before and also found it very basic and somewhat limiting compaired to Cpanel.

You made mention that you where looking at getting a SB server. Take a look here. http://www.serverbeach.com/catalog/products.php and please if you have time try some of the control panel demos. This way you can see what features are in each product. Make sure the automation product works for the control panel you want. Or make sure the control panel works with the automation software you want.

I know alot of people whom use WHM Autopiliot in conjunction with Cpanel/WHM. While instant account setups are best for the client since they get access to the server right away its also bad for the company. Just as was mentioned above as spammers find out about your instant setup policies they will flock to your accounts and signup with stolen CC info or stolen paypal account info. Then before you know it they will have an account and will be spamming the world on your servers. As im sure your aware being the owner of the server your ultimatly responseible for the data that is contained and is transmitted from your server.

Most clients I have found to be understanding of a breif waiting period from signing up till account activation when we explain to them the reason for the delay in verifying the payment information and contact information is correct.

[outtasking]

hello, we have been using plesk with no issues, easy to use. for windows servers you have webhost-panel.com . We´ll release linux version 1st June 2004

regards

[parsv]

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[Sabeur]

Cpanel/whm are the best .

[John Scott]

Originally Posted by Mini-Host

Cpanel/whm are the best .

I agree but I think the original poster is looing for something like WHM AutoPilot

[Sabeur]

Oh, Then i would go for Client Exec its simple. There is a new one called whmcs its a helpdesk and order system take a look.