I'm looking for feedback regarding server admin utilities. This includes Plesk, Ensim, Webmin or others.

The biggest reason I would still like a web based tool is so that my clients still have some control. Email at least.

I started with Cobalt Raqs, and now I'm more than comfortable using shell and editing config files. I also use Webmin a lot (great free tool). I'm going to build a simple 1u server that should only cost around $600 - $800 (1G AMD or Intel, 1 40GB IDE HD, etc.).

I've been looking into primarily Plesk or Ensime (both cost about $600 for unlimited or 250 domain license). Plesk has been getting good press, and I've installed the demo. It's nice, I just wish it would allow for a little customization. As least the ability to add a link to my billing area. I've demoed Ensime a little, and I'm waiting to install a demo on my test box. Webmin is great, but doesn't come with much in the area of client access. I've heard of some add ons that give clients some control.

What is your opinion of Plesk?

What is your opinion of Ensim?

What is your opinion of Webmin? Have you allowed clients access to sendmail, qmail or anything like that through Webmin?

What other server admin utilities do you like?

I'm aware of Cpanel an others that charge monthly, and I'm not intersted. Too expensive.

FYI, most of my clients hardly use their control panel, but it's still a good selling point. I think if they could at least add/edit/manage email accounts, that would just about do it. I could easily add things like FileManagers, MailListManagers, MySQL admin through phpmyadmin and things like that.

TIA,

If I had paying clients (which I don't), I would more than likely lean towards Plesk. It seems reliable and has client control panel capability. Ensim looks good as well, but they only support RH Linux 6.2 (unless I read their site incorrectly), my preference for my own server is FreeBSD.

Since I have the dedicated server as a hobby, and set up sites for friends and family, I will probably go with WebMin if I have a control panel at all.

I also use PostFix (www.postfix.org) in place of Sendmail and qmail. Postfix's config files are much easier to understand and use; and the Postfix mailing list is a much friendlier place than qmail's.


YMMV :)

I would reccomend checking out H-Sphere. http://www.psoft.net

I am installing it right now. It looks really good, and I have heard many good things about it. You can check back with me in a while and I will be able to tell you of my experiences with it.

They have an online demo too.

I should mention freevsd too.

They are at freevsd.org. It seems that freevsd is very good. It lacks the GUI that I need, but if you want to spend some money, you can order the software from http://www.idaya.com/ (their sponsor/distributor)

I'm not sure what the pricing is on Psoft, but I think it was either high, or monthly or per client. Something like that.

Yes, H-Sphere is per client liscense, but once you have paid for, say 1000 clients, you can always host 1000 clients and you never have to pay more. The price is $4.50, but if you kind find a reseller, you should be able to get it for as little as $4 per license.

I think Plesk is a good start until you can write your own control panel. It does most things pretty good, although it doesn't set up permissions all that great.

You'll never want to provide shell access to your users if you're using plesk.

Web HOsting magazine did an article back in March which there is a link from the Plesk site.

Also, Web Hosting Tech just put out an article on control panels and how they handle under load. Plesk came out on top in that article.

Robert Marsh
Head Surfer Rackshack.net

Plesk also had its most recent release judged. Ensim did not. Ensims new release will be out soon.

Ensim new CP will be coming in Dec.

Originally posted by NetDotHost
Yes, H-Sphere is per client liscense, but once you have paid for, say 1000 clients, you can always host 1000 clients and you never have to pay more. H-Sphere does not log and check it with your license?

Originally posted by NORRITT
H-Sphere does not log and check it with your license?
Our licenses are reusable, if you lost one client, it does not mean you lost one license, you can use it for the next client.

The Ensim demo looked really clean.
The H-Shere looked fine ... but was slow ...

Which is better
Ensim or H-Sphere?

Does anyone have experiences with both?

David

We are using the Ensim cp and like it a lot, altho there are a few areas we would like to see improved, such as subdomain creation, allowing wildcards in the DNS, and some minor probs, but it works, and it's easy. We also use WHM with cpanel and that is by far the best control panel I have seen. Waiting, like everyone else, for Nocsoft to be released.

Ensim doesn't allow reseller signup at the lower prices except I think if you sign up with one of their partners. Is that what you did or do you have reseller and billing?

thanks

David