How to Choose the Best Cloud Server Control Panel

web development

A modern cloud-based control panel is a helpful tool for cloud server management. It lets you maintain control and oversight over the cloud infrastructure. You can check the health of your server and make sure all systems are up and running.

Cloud control server panels are typically offered with a graphical user interface (GUI). Users can use it to carry out Linux administration tasks.

The cloud server control panels are capable of installing, updating, and configuring software packages.

There are various server control panels on the market. However, some do not satisfy the criteria of cloud-based servers. A suitable cloud control panel should offer support for your preferred cloud provider.

In this article, we will look at the top aspects to consider when choosing a cloud server control panel.

7 Key Considerations Before Choosing the Right Cloud Server Control Panel  

1- User Interface (UI)

If you want to control a cloud server, you should have a control panel that makes it easy to navigate and easy to use.

The cloud control panel should be easy to operate by beginners alongside experienced Linux users. Anyone should be able to run a cloud control server without any command-line experience.

The user interface of a cloud server control panel should make it easier for people to do different things in a short amount of time.

Check whether the panel offers a clean dashboard to monitor the server.

  2- Technology and Performance Stack

A strong control panel for cloud servers is developed based on lightweight components and a high-performance stack. Regularly updated technology will make sure you get optimal performance for your applications. 

A few of the necessary technology components may include:

Debian 10

Debian 10 is a stable GNU/Linux distribution with more than 29,000 different pieces of software. This component is upgradable without reinstallation.

NGINX 1.18

An open-source web server that is highly scalable. Over 400 million websites are powered by it. You get high performance, up to 10 times faster compared to Apache.

MySQL 5.7. (Percona)

Percona Server for MySQL is fully compatible, a free and open-source replacement for any MySQL server. Percona is optimized for the cloud server control panel and offers scalability and high performance.

PHP versions

PHP is a widely-used programming language for web development. With the right cloud server panel, you can install web applications with multiple PHP versions.

Redis 5

Redis is a data structure store that is in-memory and open-source. This component is used as a cache, database, and message broker. Redis enhances application speed and offers sub-millisecond latency.

PHP FastCGI Process Manager (PHP-FPM)

PHP-FPM is an alternative FastCGI implementation designed for PHP. This component of the cloud control panel allows websites to manage high loads. 

Node.js 14

Node.js is a JavaScript runtime (open-source) that runs on Chrome’s V8 engine. Node.js 14 executes code (outside the web browser) and is designed to develop scalable network apps.

YARN 1.22

Yet Another Resource Negotiator (YARN) is a distributed operating system developed for big data applications. It is a package manager for code.

The technology stack is optimized for security and speed, and it should also provide flexibility for PHP apps. A robust stack is able to give the same level of performance for the scalability of your applications.

3- Security

OS-level firewalls protect the cloud-based server. Also, you need to do security updates regularly. A cloud control panel server can keep intruders out and filter out malicious traffic.

Security features in your cloud control panel should include:

  •       Firewalls
  •       Two-Factor Authentication
  •       Bot protection
  •       IP Whitelisting
  •       Regular backups
  •       SSL/TLS Encryption certificates

Consider getting the cloud panel that offers one-click installation of SSL certificates. The SSL is configurable to comply with HIPAA, PCI-DSS, and NIST.

Logging in to the server will enable traceability by configuring event logs. It allows you to follow up on any doubtful activity on account logins. Moreover, you can check for changes to system configuration and permission.

4- Application Compatibility

Some cloud server control panels have pre-installed software components. In this way, you do not need to install them manually. These panels can offer one-click installations of your preferred applications.

The cloud server control panel should enable you to install CMS such as:

  •       Drupal
  •       Joomla
  •       WordPress
  •       Magento
  •       TYPO3
  •       WooCommerce

Check and ensure whether the panel has compatibility with your preferred applications. You should configure your web applications and servers quickly.

5- Cloud Functionalities

A cloud server control panel offers support for every major cloud. Some top-notch cloud providers are Google Cloud, AWS, Vultr, and DigitalOcean.

A few cloud panels allow different account logins from one dashboard. You can handle the cloud databases, services, and scheduled cron jobs from the interface.

Check whether the panel is offered with cloud-specific features. In this way, you can do routine tasks for cloud server management.  

6- Pricing

Cloud server panels have various pricing models. The options can range from:

  •       Yearly subscription
  •       Monthly subscription
  •       Free server control panel

You have several good options for a free cloud-based server control panel. However, make sure the quality is not compromised based on pricing.

Some cloud panels have subscription pricing, but they can be expensive. You can enjoy the same functionality on several free cloud control panels.

If paid cloud support is a must, some panels will offer additional support for a fee.

Choose a free cloud server control panel that has all the features you need.

7- Support

Check whether the control panel carries proactive community support. There can be social media channels and forums to discuss the control panel’s features.

You can resolve any issues and clear your doubts. See whether the community is supportive and friendly.

An active cloud community will help you make the best use of the panel. Support also comes with neat documentation, and you can contact the provider for specific queries.

Final Words

A cloud server control panel helps simplify different tasks in cloud server management. Also, the panel sits between you and the cloud infrastructure provider. Check the panel to see whether they help you remove the complex intricacies of server management.