Starting Free Web Host?

[GetWebHost]

Would like to hear your suggestions on how to start a free webhosting service. My plan is just to buy a reseller account and then offer it FREE for clients.

What are the requirements (scripts, etc)?
Where would I buy a reseller account?

[Richard]

You can buy the reseller anywhere, just make sure you research the host you want to go with before sending them payment.

Scripts? Well, a billing script might be a start I assume, one that sets up accounts for you (http://whmcs.com/ - Is amazing)

[GetWebHost]

Well, I have already a Reseller account (xxxx Plan - 200 cPanel accounts) intended for personal use and it's quite good for almost 4 months now on three of my sites.

So I decided that if I can start a FREE WEB HOSTING SERVICE, I'll just go with them.

I may able to buy at least three xxxx Plan (600 cPanel accounts) and I'll offer it FREE, maybe ad supported.

Do I need a billing script since there will be no payment from users? And, what script that can be used so that I can have a forced-ads on every hosted site?

[Richard]

xxxx plan?

[GetWebHost]

It's the reseller plan that I already purchased on which my sites are currently hosted. It's just an example ;)

[GetWebHost]

A good example that I would like to clone is http://byethost.com/ but there would be NO Upgrade options, all will be free.

[Richard]

Ahh ;) I see.

Okay then, just make sure it's not got unlimited diskspace or bandwidth then :P

Forced ad's, you can use iHostDev's iAds program, it will let force header and footer adverts on some of your clients account, it only works with cPanel, so your need that.

[GetWebHost]

Thanks for your help.

No, there's no such thing as unlimited, I don't believe it ;) It would just be something like 100 MB Space, 2GB/month bandwidth.

And also, I will be limiting the users for at least 300+ or I can offer more if there will be enough funds.

Another thing, what script could be used for user registration? I did not want an "Instant Activation" feature, it must be reviewed manually.

[Richard]

WHMCS :P

http://whmcs.com/ it really is the best. Or if your using a forum, there are a few forum scripts floating around that will work wonders as well.

[GetWebHost]

I've seen iPanel on iHostDev. What's the difference between WHMCS & iPanel?

[Galaxy-Hosts.com]

Since you are doing free hosting, I would see if your host offers a client management script with your reseller account. If they do it most likely will do free accounts as well. This way you will not have to spend extra money providing a free product.

[Galaxy-Hosts.com]

I've seen iPanel on iHostDev. What's the difference between WHMCS & iPanel? Ipanel will work, but it is harder to use and has less options than WHMCS and most other similar scripts. The only advantage it has is the forced ads feature.If you need forced ads I would suggest getting iads and whmcs.

[Richard]

For iPanel, check this thread out: http://www.freewebspace.net/forums/showthread.php?t=2191145

[tumble]

@OP

"Instant Activation" is a very bad idea for a free host. Security of your Web Root should always be your number 1 concern.

"Instant Activation" bypasses any client research. And allows abusive type clients to enter into your server and quickly set up shop.

tumble

[TSO]

What kind of users will you be targeting?

[GetWebHost]

@OP

"Instant Activation" is a very bad idea for a free host. Security of your Web Root should always be your number 1 concern.

"Instant Activation" bypasses any client research. And allows abusive type clients to enter into your server and quickly set up shop.

tumble
Yeah, that's why I stated in my post that it must be reviewed manually.


What kind of users will you be targeting?
Mainly for those who already know a about web design/development. I've got already few contacts (PHP Programmers, web service providers i.e. manual directory submitters)

[TSO]

That's not a very well-defined market. In fact over half of the Internet population falls under that segment. You must create a deeper target if you wish to be successful.