To add a hosting package in WHM, navigate to WHM's "Add a Package" interface, enter a unique package name, configure resource limits (disk space, bandwidth, email accounts, databases), and click "Add." Hosting packages work as templates that define the resources and features available to hosting accounts on your server, making it easy to assign consistent configurations to multiple customers.
What Is a Hosting Package?
A hosting package is a template that defines resource limits and features for hosting accounts on your server. When you create a new hosting account, you assign it a package, which automatically configures disk space quotas, bandwidth limits, email accounts, database limits, and other restrictions. Some providers refer to these as domain templates, but the concept remains the same.
Packages streamline account management by letting you set standard configurations once and apply them to multiple accounts. This ensures consistency across your hosting services and makes it easier to offer different service tiers to your customers.
How to Create a Hosting Package
Follow these steps to create a new hosting package in WHM:
- Log into WHM and navigate to the "Add a Package" interface.
- Enter a unique name in the Package Name text box. Choose your package name carefully because you cannot change it later. Avoid including details like prices or temporary features that might change over time.
- Configure the resource limits in the Resources section, including disk space quota, monthly bandwidth limit, and limits for FTP accounts, email accounts, databases, and other features.
- Adjust any additional settings in the Settings section. This section may also include options for third-party packages if the provider has configured that functionality.
- Click the Add button to create your package.
After you create the package, it becomes available when you create new hosting accounts or modify existing ones.
Package Naming Best Practices
Because the system stores packages as files on your server, package names must follow valid filename conventions. You cannot use the name "extensions" as it conflicts with Package Extensions functionality.
Keep these tips in mind when naming packages:
- Use short, descriptive names for easier package management
- Avoid including pricing information or other details that may change
- Choose names that clearly identify the service level (such as "starter," "business," or "premium")
- Remember that WHM displays only the package name without any prefix (for example, "reseller_package" appears as "package" in the interface)
For better organization, create fewer packages with clear naming conventions rather than many packages with similar configurations.
Resource Options for Packages
When configuring a hosting package, you can set limits for the following resources:
Disk Space Quota (MB): The maximum amount of hard drive space the account can use, measured in megabytes. Consider the type of content your customers will host when setting this limit, as media-rich websites require significantly more disk space than text-based sites.
Monthly Bandwidth Limit (MB): The amount of data the account can transfer each month, measured in megabytes. High-traffic websites or those hosting downloadable content will need higher bandwidth allocations than simple informational sites.
Max FTP Accounts: The maximum number of FTP accounts the hosting account can create. FTP accounts allow users to upload and manage files on their server.
Max Email Accounts: The maximum number of email accounts the hosting account can create. Consider your customers' business needs when setting this limit.
Max Email Lists: The maximum number of mailing lists the account can create for email marketing or newsletters.
Max Databases: The maximum number of MySQL or PostgreSQL databases the account can create. Most modern web applications require at least one database.
Max Sub Domains: The maximum number of subdomains the account can create under their primary domain.
Max Parked Domains: The maximum number of parked domains (domain aliases) the account can add.
Max Addon Domains: The maximum number of additional domains the account can host. Each addon domain functions as a separate website within the same hosting account.
Setting these limits appropriately helps prevent resource abuse while ensuring your customers have the capacity they need for their websites and applications.
Special Settings and Features
The Settings section of the package creation interface allows you to enable or disable specific features for accounts using this package. Common settings include:
- CGI access for running custom scripts
- Shell access for command-line server access
- Dedicated IP address allocation
- SSL/TLS support for secure connections
- Domain pointer support
- Site software installers
Some third-party applications and package extensions may add additional configuration options to this section. These options appear only if the package provider has enabled them and they are installed on your server.
Managing Multiple Package Tiers
Most hosting providers create several packages to offer different service levels to their customers. A common approach includes:
- A basic or starter package with minimal resources for small websites
- A business or professional package with moderate resources for growing businesses
- An advanced or premium package with generous resources for high-traffic sites
When designing your package structure, consider your target market, server capacity, and competitive positioning. Creating too many packages can complicate management, while too few may not adequately serve different customer needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change a package name after creating it?
No, you cannot modify package names after creation. If you need to change a package name, you must create a new package with the desired name and migrate accounts to it. This is why it's important to choose permanent, flexible names that won't need updating as your business evolves.
What happens if an account exceeds its package limits?
When an account approaches or exceeds its resource limits, the system typically sends notifications to the account owner. If disk space or bandwidth limits are exceeded, services may be suspended or restricted until the account is upgraded or files are removed. The specific behavior depends on your server configuration.
Can I assign different packages to different accounts?
Yes, each hosting account can have its own package assignment. You can create multiple packages and assign them based on your customers' service levels or needs. You can also change an account's package assignment later through the "Upgrade/Downgrade Account" interface in WHM.
What does "unlimited" mean for package resources?
When you set a resource to "unlimited" or enter 0 for a limit, the account is only restricted by the server's total available resources and fair usage policies. However, unlimited doesn't mean infinite - the account still shares server resources with other accounts and must comply with your acceptable use policy.
OBHost's support team is available 24/7 to help you configure hosting packages and manage your server resources. If you need assistance creating packages or have questions about resource allocation, visit https://www.obhost.net/contact or email support@obhost.org.
