What is Control Web Panel or CWP Hosting?

Control Web Panel (CWP) is a system administration tool for Enterprise-based Linux operating systems (OSs). Renamed from “CentOS Web Panel” around the same time CentOS was discontinued, CWP is most often installed on an unmanaged VPS by users comfortable with the command-line interface (CLI). But what about pre-configured CWP hosting plans for users that want to immediately get started with developing their web server environment? Below we’ll talk about CWP hosting plans and whether they benefit you.

What is Control Web Panel Hosting?

CWP server hosting is a web hosting service with Control Web Panel already installed to manage data. CWP shared hosting would include a single end-user panel. CWP VPS hosting and CWP dedicated hosting would include an admin panel able to manage multiple end-user panels and system services.

Hosting providers that sell CWP web hosting plans may include free support along with custom tools to integrate with their other services.

Unmanaged Linux Server Hosting

Cloud Server Hosting, also known as unmanaged server hosting and cloud VPS hosting, is a clean OS installation with no graphical user interface provided. This along with a manual CWP installation is the usual method. With this DIY route, you generally must have intermediate Linux knowledge or at least the willingness to learn:

• Which OS best suits your needs (AlmaLinux is the most popular Enterprise-based OS right now)
• SSH setup for your PC
• Terminal commands to install CWP

Unmanaged server hosting plans allow a high degree of customization for advanced sysadmins. For this reason, many hosting providers do not offer free technical support for these products as it could require extensive time for support agents to understand the environment enough before resolving issues.

Unfortunately, InMotion Hosting does not offer CWP hosting at this time. We recommend users interested in CWP to check out our CentOS Cloud Server Hosting plans.

Is CWP Hosting Worthwhile?

We’ve covered the basics of CWP hosting and a bare OS server. Below we’ll discuss the advantages and disadvantages to CWP hosting plans.

Pros

CWP is already installed. You don’t need to learn any terminal commands. Open a new tab in your web browser and log into your CWP dashboard where you’re more comfortable making changes.

Free technical support from the hosting provider is the biggest benefit. Support agents are likely to have advanced knowledge of the web hosting panel.

Some hosting companies provide CWPpro, a premium version of CWP with additional security and performance features. You’ll need to ask the hosting provider which version they offer.

You’re paying for exactly what you need. The cost of a hosting plan generally correlates with how much control (e.g root access), disk space, and memory you’ll have. If you need to host websites and email, and you only want to use CWP, remember that the time and energy you save with CWP hosting is a factor in the cost.

CWP maintains a public list of CWP hosting NOC partners.

Cons

You can’t switch to another control panel or OS. You’ll be forced into vendor lock-in, meaning you can only install software available for your Enterprise Linux OS and supported by CWP.

CWP free version hosting may lack features you need, meaning you’ll need to purchase a CWPpro license on your own or seek different solutions that fit your hosting plan.

Most CWP hosting providers are not well known. This isn’t to say they can’t offer excellent security, customer support, and uptime. But you may have to spend more time researching this information for yourself.

Experienced users could do more with an unmanaged VPS from a well known hosting provider for less money. Remember, convenience comes at a cost. Those who don’t need a graphical system administration tool can save money and time by sticking with a self-managed server where you can change the OS at any time.

No Linux server hosting plan is for everyone every time. Let us know any questions you still have about CWP hosting below.

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