Looking to begin a reseller hosting business, you have to understand WHM and WHMCS, if you are confused about them. This article will help you to learn the difference between these two concepts WHM and WHMCS.
What is WHM and when should you use it?
WHM stands for WebHost Manager. It’s a powerful control panel primarily used by hosting providers to manage their servers and customer accounts efficiently. It is like the backend management system for a hosting company.
When to Use WHM
You’ll primarily use WHM if you are:
- A web hosting provider: Managing multiple customer accounts, allocating resources, creating hosting packages, and maintaining server health are core functions of WHM.
- A system administrator: You get root access to a server, you might use WHM to configure server settings, install software, and manage user accounts.
- A reseller: If you purchase a reseller hosting package, you’ll often have access to a limited version of WHM to manage your customer accounts and resource
Key Functions of WHM
- Account Management: You are allowed to develop, alter, and suspend cPanel accounts.
- Server Management: It allows you to monitor server performance, manage disk space, and configure server settings.
- Package Creation: You are allowed to design different hosting packages with varying resource allocations.
- DNS Management: Simple to manage DNS zones and records for all domains on the server.
- Email Management: Easy to Configure email servers, create email accounts, and manage email settings.
- Security: Implement security measures like firewall rules, SSL certificates, and virus scanning.
- Software Installation: Install and manage server software.
At the bottom, WHM provides a consolidated interface for operating all aspects of a web hosting environment.
Read: 5 Reasons Why Cloud Hosting is Better for Website Security
What is WHMCS and When to Use it?
WHMCS stands for Web Host Manager Complete Solution. Unlike WHM, which is a server management tool, WHMCS is a client management, billing, and automation platform specifically designed for web hosting businesses.
When to Use WHMCS
You should consider using WHMCS if you:
- Own a web hosting business: It automates many processes, from customer acquisition to billing and support.
- Resell hosting services: It helps manage your clients and services efficiently.
- Need a robust billing and support system: WHMCS provides a comprehensive suite of tools for managing customer interactions and finances.
Key Functions of WHMCS
Client Management: Create and manage customer accounts, track client information, and handle support tickets.
Billing and Invoicing: Generate invoices, process payments, manage recurring billing, and handle taxes.
Product and Service Management: Define hosting packages, domains, and other products to sell.
Automation: Automate provisioning of services, domain registration, and other tasks.
Support: Manage support tickets, knowledgebase, and live chat.
Marketing: Offer promotions, discounts, and affiliate programs
At the bottom, WHMCS acts as the backbone of a web hosting business, streamlining operations and improving customer satisfaction.
WHM vs. WHMCS: A Clear Distinction
WHM (WebHost Manager) and WHMCS (Web Host Manager Complete Solution) often need clarification due to their similar names, but they serve entirely different purposes within the web hosting industry.
WHM
- Focus: Server management
- Purpose: It is utilized by web hosting providers to run servers, develop web hosting accounts, configure server settings, and check the performance.
- Users: Primarily system administrators and hosting providers.
WHMCS
- Focus: Client management, billing, and automation
- Purpose: Used to manage customer relationships, automate billing, provision services, and handle support tickets.
- Users: Primarily hosting providers and resellers.
To summarize:
- All technical terms are managed by WHM.
- WHMCS is for managing the business aspects of a hosting company.
Many web hosting providers use both WHM and WHMCS together for a comprehensive solution. WHMCS can often be integrated with WHM to automate account creation, provisioning, and other tasks.