freeVSD

Sponsored by Idaya Ltd., freeVSD (Virtual Server Daemon) is a free, open-source tool targeted to Linux-based Web hosting providers. The tool allows the provider to configure and manage multiple "virtual servers" for their customers on a single physical server. Each virtual server can be maintained by the customer independently, without being able to see or access other virtual servers running on the same physical server. Virtual servers listen for and respond to their own IP address, and support the loading and running of "...almost any Linux application," including Apache, Sendmail, and MySQL.

Customers can self-administer their virtual server by means of an included "Pseudo-root" user, giving them access to manage the configuration and use of their virtual server, while reserving access to critical files at the physical server level to the ISP's root user. Approximately 20MB of disk space overhead is required for the implementation of each virtual server.

New features of the latest version of freeVSD include support for Redhat Linux 7.0 and the inclusion of a Win32 based thinclient providing remote virtual server configuration and management via an OpenSSL connection. Called VSDClient, and enabled by freeVSD's basis in the VSDADM protocol, the free client allows virtual server administrators to remotely manage user accounts (POP3, FTP, etc.), configure the Web and nameservers, remotely reboot a virtual server, and monitor individual services such as HTTP, Telnet, and SMTP.

freeVSD is a free download and is available now.