Remote Server Administration
Clients may log into their servers at any time to perform routine system administrative functions. Irides strongly encourages the use of tools that encrypt both user credentials and the data being transferred. Insecure remote access tools, such as File Transfer Protocol (FTP) and Telnet are disabled on every server by default. Clients may request these insecure services, but may be asked to sign a security waiver acknowledging the potential risks.
Irides supports the following remote access methods for our managed hosting clients:
- Virtual Private Networks: A virtual private network (VPN) is an encrypted link between two fixed hosts. They are usually established between firewalls or dedicated VPN appliances. Most major routers also support VPNs.
- Secure Shell (SSh): SSh is an encrypted, Telnet-like client, available for UNIX client-server communications. It is not available for accessing Windows servers.
- PCAnywhere (PCA): PCAnywhere is one of the leading remote access products for Windows machines. It provides full console-like access to remote servers, enabling users to run applications, transfer files, and change system configuration settings. The server-side application runs as a service in the Windows operating system environment and may be configured to start automatically when the server is booted.
- Windows Terminal Server (WTS): Windows Terminal Server lets users remotely execute applications on a Windows 2000 server. Irides’ standard Windows 2003 build provides two WTS licenses for system administrators to use. Additional licenses may be purchased to accommodate more than two simultaneous remote users.
- Telnet and File Transfer Protocol (FTP): Telnet is a standard command line interface that allows users to log onto remote computers. Telnet enables users to run applications on the remote computer, as well as make changes to various system parameters. FTP is a user command line interface for transferring files between computers.
- SWsoft Plesk v7.5 Reloaded for Unix and Windows
SWsoft’s Plesk Reloaded control panels allows our customers to easily automate aspects of their hosting business including quick and worry-free product installations, rich auto-provisioning functions and allows customers to host and manage more domains per server and automate billing for bandwidth utilization
Irides strongly encourages clients to route all administrative traffic through strongly encrypted links. Irides provides fully managed Virtual Private Network (VPN) services, and supports mobile secure access using Cisco Pix temporary VPN connections at the firewall.
Irides has established an Acceptable Use Policy governing how our clients may use our products and services. Irides created the AUP to promote the integrity, security, reliability and privacy of our web site management facilities, networks, and client data contained within these facilities. The AUP sets reasonable restrictions on remote administrative tasks, and use of applications such as email.
Irides data backup services insure against data loss due to accident, hardware failure or disaster
