Generic Web Hosting System

Functionality

1. Overall System Structure
2. Basic web machine design
3. Admin Program
4. Additional services
5. Hosting proposal

Details

1. Overall System Structure
   System design to include a master web server for signing up and administering user accounts and automated name server for virtual web site redirection.

2. Basic web machine design
   Replicatable server design, including:
   • Linux 2.2
   • Apache web server with automated ad banner insertion
   • ftpd deamon with virtual hosting
   • Email server - with virtual redirection and redirection
   • Quota to control disk space
   • Kernal logging for server monitoring

3. Admin Program
   Live operations what support user accounts.
   • Domain Registration or move
   • Add account: (sub-)domain, directory, email forwarding
   • Upload/online editing: web pages
   • Email admin: redirect, vacation
   • Quota: reporting amount usage
   • Optional: template web site creation
   • Optional: standard scripts (counter, guestbook, i-Depth)

4. Additional services
   Services that are run as timed (cron) jobs or periodically
   • Directory of web sites
   • Bad word scanner
   • Quota scanner and admin: auto block, email warning at X% close to max.
   • Server load analysis and bandwidth usage analyser
   • Dead file/site removal

5. Hosting proposal
   Proposal to operate and manage hosting: These are prelimiary numbers that have been developed for a high volume hosting service (150 million page views per month)
   • Machines: initially 3 machines, $3,000 each plus $2,000 for a router based firewall. (this speed router will need to be upgraded as bandwidth needs grow)
   • Colocation facility: initially $4000/mon for colo and machine management, including 1 Mbps
   • Bandwidth costs: aprox $1500 per Mbps, est $700/machine
   • Automated backup
   • Adding additional machines

Disclaimer: This is a preliminary specification and not a commitment to features to be provided.