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Service providers: why don't you use Proxmox (really)?
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Service providers: why don't you use Proxmox (really)?

This has become especially topical with the recent acquisition...

Some time ago I wrote a SolusVM-like panel for a hosting company that is reasonable well-known on here. It has yet to used/tested and definitely wasn't intended to be sold. However, that company has approached me to ask whether I'd be interested in commercialising it.

My initial reaction was to put myself in the shoes of a SolusVM-type web host and the first thought that came to mind is "why not use Proxmox?". The usual argument is that it's not designed for selling hosting, but actually, it can work very well, either using the ModulesGarden module, or doing a custom integration.

So is the "real" reason that a WHMCS module is too much upfront, or is there something else?

Thanked by 1geekalot

Comments

  • wychwych Member
    edited September 2014

    I used Proxmox for my services, maybe I am the exception to the rule.

    I now run Proxmox & Virtualizor.

  • We use proxmox, but I just like the interface on solusVM better - easier to use.. so glad that there was a WHMCS module made for it otherwise - most likely wouldn't use it.

  • said: So is the "real" reason that a WHMCS module is too much upfront, or is there something else?

    There are a few of these WHMCS modules that are $4 or $5 a month. I tried one of them out before out of curiosity, but found it a bit too buggy for prime time. The developer was pretty awesome at fixing things based on my feedback, and seems to be passionate about the project, so it's probably gotten much better since then.

  • Basically, there's no public solution that works and most providers lack the ability to make their own.

    In addition, you can't just simply integrate with the API and be done with it. It's not so simple and really not worth the hassle to save $9/month/server, IMO.

  • @Steven_F said:
    Basically, there's no public solution that works and most providers lack the ability to make their own.

    In addition, you can't just simply integrate with the API and be done with it. It's not so simple and really not worth the hassle to save $9/month/server, IMO.

    Module Gardens do a good module? that's what we use.

  • @MSPNick said:
    Module Gardens do a good module? that's what we use.

    Not what I would describe it as.

  • AnthonySmithAnthonySmith Member, Patron Provider

    honestly/really... because last time I checked commercial support cost more than the equivalent on solusvm, no support for mdadm, ipv6 is/was very manual, no Xen support.

  • @MSPNick said:
    Module Gardens do a good module? that's what we use.

    Lol. Modules Garden. Lol.

    Anywho, I had a working integration, but it got deleted when my laptop died. I could probably pump one out again, if people want. It wouldn't be too hard.

  • @wych said:
    Not what I would describe it as.

    It does work though, does what we want it to do.

  • AnthonySmith said: honestly/really... because last time I checked commercial support cost more than the equivalent on solusvm, no support for mdadm, ipv6 is/was very manual, no Xen support.

    Their target market does appear to be enterprises, and their costs definitely show that.

    I achieved software RAID by installing Proxmox over Debian, but I did just come across:
    http://terraltech.com/how-to-install-proxmox-ve-3-1-with-software-raid5-using-mdadm/#.VBnUqC5dUgs .

    I haven't tested that method, but it looks interesting. I think IPv6 is much better nowadays; it is supported via the UI, and probably the API as well, but I haven't dug into that. I doubt the lack of Xen support will ever change; the project seems pretty committed to KVM.

  • KuJoeKuJoe Member, Host Rep

    I'm not a fan of Proxmox and I prefer using CentOS, the official kernels for OpenVZ, and a custom control panel. That's why we don't use it.

    Thanked by 2dammugly jar
  • I really like Proxmox and wonder the same. I have been able to run it with Sofware RAID, with encrypted filesystem, whatever I threw at it, and it has been rock solid stable!

    But each time I read a thread on it, it seems the prevailing opinion is that they are focused on enterprise, not on VPS hosting/integration.

  • We migrated away from Proxmox due to the lack of support in WHMCS the MG module was less then desirable.

  • BrianHarrisonBrianHarrison Member, Patron Provider

    If you're sizable provider, then billing automation is key. SolusVM and others integrate wonderfully with WHMCS. The value we get out of that automation is huge.

  • @BrianHarrison said: If you're sizable provider, then billing automation is key. SolusVM and others integrate wonderfully with WHMCS. The value we get out of that automation is huge.

    What "others"?

  • @aglodek said:

    Virtualizor?

  • ditlevditlev Member, Top Host, Host Rep

    I like it, Proxmox, but I think their UI is a bit dated and not very welcoming for end users. It's a pity because the platform is really powerful.

  • @jhadley said:
    Some time ago I wrote a SolusVM-like panel for a hosting company that is reasonable well-known on here.

    HostUS?

  • I personally LOVE proxmox ..

    but i really really really wish someone would do something simple like this
    make a solus vm like client management interface for it
    what i mean is .. when i order a vps from a lot of providers here
    i get a nice interface where i can rebuild vps , install / destroy shit on it
    and its pretty straightforward
    i then setup what i need and give my client the access to do it themselves if they need to
    now this is the part where proxmox is failing
    they need an enduser interface
    something nice , clean and lightweight

    thanx

  • @KuJoe said:
    I'm not a fan of Proxmox and I prefer using CentOS, the official kernels for OpenVZ, and a custom control panel. That's why we don't use it.

    btw joe i like your panel too
    pretty nice .

  • rauppe31rauppe31 Member, Host Rep

    Modules Factory is having a good looking module for WHMCS.
    I think it looks a bit like Virtualizor

    https://modulesfactory.com/templates/main/resources/images/ext6f.png

  • @rauppe31 said:
    Modules Factory is having a good looking module for WHMCS.
    I think it looks a bit like Virtualizor

    https://modulesfactory.com/templates/main/resources/images/ext6f.png

    It has quite a few quirks too.

  • AlexanderMAlexanderM Member, Top Host, Host Rep

    @jnguyen said:
    H0stus?

    No, we use our own in-house coded panel by one of our staff members.

  • @wych said:
    It has quite a few quirks too.

    Like?? Please provide actually useful information...

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