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043 | ISPmanager: The Russian Standard for Hosting Management

Published on July 5, 2025

Introduction to ISPmanager

ISPmanager is one of the most well-known and widely used web hosting control panels, especially in the Russian and CIS markets. Developed by ISPsystem, it offers a powerful and comprehensive set of tools for server administration and web project management. ISPmanager is a paid product, but its functionality and reliability justify the investment for many users and hosting providers. It’s designed for those looking for a stable, proven solution with extensive capabilities.

Overview of ISPmanager Features

ISPmanager is available in several editions (e.g., Lite, Business), each offering its own feature set. We’ll review the core capabilities common to most versions, highlighting its comprehensive approach:

  • User-friendly and intuitive interface: ISPmanager continues to evolve, and while its web interface may seem a bit conservative to some, it remains logical and easy to master, providing access to all essential functions.
  • Full domain and website management:
    • Create and manage domains, subdomains, with automatic virtual host configuration for Apache and Nginx.
    • Flexible PHP version support, allowing different sites to run on their optimal PHP versions.
    • Automatic issuance and renewal of Let’s Encrypt SSL certificates for secure HTTPS connections.
  • Robust database management:
    • Supports creation and management of MySQL/MariaDB, PostgreSQL databases.
    • Offers user management for databases and access to phpMyAdmin/pgAdmin for advanced administration.
  • Full-featured mail server:
    • Create mail domains and accounts with forwarding, autoresponders, and mailing lists.
    • Built-in antispam (SpamAssassin) and antivirus (ClamAV) protection.
    • Webmail access (Roundcube, SquirrelMail) for user convenience.
  • Advanced file manager: A convenient web-based interface for file and folder operations: upload, download, edit, change permissions, archive.
  • Reliable backup system:
    • Set up automatic backups of websites, databases, and email.
    • Store backups on local drives or remote storage (FTP, Amazon S3, Dropbox, etc.).
    • Restore data from backups with a few clicks.
  • FTP user management: Create and manage FTP accounts with flexible directory access control.
  • Resource monitoring and statistics: View current server load (CPU, RAM, disk) and website stats (Webalizer, AWStats).
  • Security tools:
    • Built-in firewall.
    • Basic DDoS protection.
    • Malware scanner.
    • Flexible SSH access configuration.
  • Task scheduler (Cron): Manage server cron jobs with ease.
  • Reseller functionality (in Business edition): Create hosting plans, manage users, and sell hosting services — ideal for providers.

Comparison of ISPmanager with Other Panels

FeatureISPmanager (Paid)HestiaCP (Free)FastPanel (Free)cPanel (Paid)Plesk (Paid)
PricingPaid licenseFreeFreePaid licensePaid license
Target AudienceComprehensive setups, hosting providers, businessesIndividual projects, small businesses, high performanceVery basic projects, low-resource VPS setupsLarge hosting companies, mass hosting, businessLarge hosts, individual projects, developers
Web ServersApache, Nginx (as proxy)Nginx + Apache/PHP-FPM or Nginx + PHP-FPMApache/Nginx (basic setup)Apache, Nginx (as proxy)Apache, Nginx (as proxy), IIS
PHP VersionsFlexible version switchingFlexible version switchingBasic PHP supportMultiple versions, CloudLinux PHP SelectorMultiple versions, PHP-FPM
DatabasesMySQL/MariaDB, PostgreSQLMySQL/MariaDBMySQLMySQL/MariaDB, PostgreSQLMySQL/MariaDB, PostgreSQL, MSSQL (Windows)
Mail ServerFull-featured with antispam/antivirusFull-featured with antispam/antivirusBasic functionalityFull-featured with antispam/antivirusFull-featured with antispam/antivirus
SSL (Let’s Encrypt)Auto issuance and renewalAuto issuance and renewalDepends on version, may require manual setupAuto issuance and renewalAuto issuance and renewal
BackupsAutomatic to local/remote storage (many options)Automatic to local/remote (FTP/S3)Basic, usually local onlyAdvanced, to local/remote storageAdvanced, to local/remote storage
File ManagerAdvanced with extended capabilitiesConvenient web interfaceSimple web interfaceAdvanced (cPanel File Manager)User-friendly web interface
SecurityFirewall, malware scanner, basic DDoSFirewall (IPTables), Fail2Ban, SSH keysBasic firewall, limited protectionFirewall, ModSecurity, cPHulk, SSL/TLS ManagerModSecurity, Fail2ban, WAF, Security Advisor
MonitoringDetailedBasicBasicDetailed, resource statsDetailed, resource stats
Reseller FeaturesAvailable (in Business version)Not availableNot availableAvailable (WHM)Available (in hosting editions)
Resource RequirementsMedium/HighMediumLowHighMedium/High
OS SupportDebian, Ubuntu, CentOS, AlmaLinux, Rocky LinuxDebian, UbuntuDebian, Ubuntu (most common)CentOS, AlmaLinux, Rocky Linux (RPM-based only)Linux (Debian, Ubuntu, CentOS, etc.), Windows
InterfaceFunctional, slightly conservativeModern, clean, fastSimple, minimalisticClassic, functional but can be clutteredModern, modular, user-adaptive

Who Is ISPmanager For?

ISPmanager is a powerful, reliable, and time-tested tool that’s perfect for:

  • Hosting providers and resellers who need a full suite of tools to manage clients and services.
  • Large-scale web projects and businesses where stability, feature richness, and professional support are essential.
  • Developers and companies willing to invest in a license to save time on administration and ensure a high level of reliability.

ISPmanager is the choice for those who value a full-featured “all-in-one” solution and are ready to pay for convenience and comprehensive functionality.

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