How do I setup my own web hosting service using windows 2003 server?

[usalabs3]

I would like to run my own name based web hosting service using Windows 2003 server enterprise edition, I have a static IP address, and a registered (parked) domain name.

I won't setup the dns records yet until I've got everything running and working properly.

I've looked everywhere on the net for running a web hosting service at home, but all I can find is other peoples web hosting services, and how to setup a pc as a web host.

I have a variety of hosting tools, zpanel, phpcoin, etc, etc, I also have installed, php, mysql, and Merak email server, all ready to go online.

Can anyone point me in the right direction on how to do this? and the best hosting software to use.

 

[bofhrevenge2]

To host web sites?

If so then install IIS6 it's part of 2k3 server.

"Sometimes, a cigar is just a cigar." - Sigmund Freud

 

[TheGrey]

well if all of the hosting tools are installed and configured, it looks like all you need is marketing and a scalable internet connection, in case you get traffic

 

[usalabs3]

I know how to host a website (my own), but I want to be able to offer hosting packages for sale to other people, where other people can purchase a hosting package, and pay a monthly fee, for something like basic, advanced, etc, etc, and the customer hasthe option of either to sign up for an account or login to a control panel to control their account, database, email accounts, etc, etc. I would like to be able to host other websites on my system.

The hosting tools I have are not yet installed, but I don't know the best hosting tool that has all the above.

That's the reason, I'm asking to be pointed in the right direction, to know how I can do this.

 

[JimWells]

usalabs3,

You should check out WebHostingTalk.com. That forum is dedicated to web hosting concerns. (Not that I suggest something besides Tek-Tips is better -- but there isn't nearly as much hosting software experience over here).

 

[Castor66]

You are probably better off taking a reseller package from one of the larger hosting providers.

 

[djtech2k]

Its not that hard. IIS will allow you setup all your sites and virtual sites. The issue is taht you need a way to centrally manage many things and a way for your clients to manage their own stuff, otherwise you will be BUSY!

I would suggest leasing hosting software like Plesk or cPanel. I have used Plesk for years and all the good hosts have it. Its not that bad of a price and can be bought or leased.

The only thing is that you better be very tech savvy to get into a project like this. If you dont have alot of experience, I wouldnt suggest doing it.

-DJ

 

[JimWells]

Castor66 has a point - a Linux host offering a reseller package on Plesk or cPanel will be easier, and probably cheaper, for you to manage - unless you have some business reason for doing it yourself.

 

[djtech2k]

I agree as well, but was just answering your question. I actually do some webhosting and have reseller accounts available as well. My server is running Redhat Linux with plesk backbone.

 

[usalabs3]

My server is running Redhat Linux with plesk backbone.

My personal experience with linux, either redhat, mandrake, suse, solaris, knoppix, fedora core, and slackware (I have all of them on CDs, not installed, obviously), is that they all present two major problems (that's why I won't use them now), 1......unless a specific type of hardware is compiled within the distro kernels, the hardware detection is very (and I use the word loosely), limited, and 2........Linux is almost impossible to configure as a web server (apache inparticular), asp and php are not part of the kernel, I can go on and on and on.

I do have windows 2003 enterprise edition to install, if that helps.

Before someone mentions cpanel, it is not available yet for windows, it's still under development.

You are probably better off taking a reseller package from one of the larger hosting providers.

I've already spend nearly $800 on building a server (including ups's) for my purpose, I intially want to make money instead of spending it, I think I've spend enough already.

 

[djtech2k]

Linux can be difficult to run if you do not have experience with it. The kernel is picky in some cases, but I have not had any problems with RedHat sinve version 7.2 thru Advanced Server 3, which is what I use for my oracle Database Servers. As for the apache portion, I have to disagree. IIS is more a user friendly interface, but thats about it. Apache and its partners are far more configurable and far more secure. IIS6 has taken leaps and bounds, but I am still skeptical. The other fact is if you are not a Linux/Apache guru, thats all the more reason to have the webhosting software like plesk. It handles 98% of the apache config for you and your clients. There are some freeware versions avaialable as well, but I have not tried them.

 

[JimWells]

Usalabs,

You will find it pretty hard to make money at hosting without spending at least a little more. I'd head over to WebHostingTalk and see what the popular options are for IIS hosting packages.