# Hosting Servers
Hosting servers store and deliver websites, applications or other online content. They provide a storage space for all the files and data that make up your online content. When someone wants to access your website or use your online service, their browser sends a request to the hosting server. The server retrieves the necessary files and sends them back to the user's browser, which displays the website or application. Hosting servers ensure your website or application is available to people at all times.
In this section you will find a short description of the dedicated section in the system configuration with basic data, enumerated options and a short tutorial on how to navigate through this section. Specific details on the hosting servers connections can be found in "Hosting Server Connections" → "Hosting Scenarios" section.
Please bear in mind that there is a separate configuration section dedicated to DNS Servers and Email Servers.
# List of servers
Move to: Configuration → Servers → Hosting Servers, there is a section dedicated to servers as well as groups.
In the former one you will find a list of already added servers with following data:
- ID number
- Name
- IP address or a hostname
- Server type:
- Number of instances assigned
- Number of services assigned
- Allowed actions on a server:
- Synchronize the server
- Edit the server main details
- Delete the server
# Server synchornization
Hosting Server synchronization enables importing of existing services and instances into PanelAlpha, associating them with corresponding plans and users through a two-step process.
Step 1: Importing Services - Import hosting accounts as services into PanelAlpha and associate them with the appropriate plans and users.
Step 2: Importing Instances - After importing a service into PanelAlpha, you can then proceed to import WordPress instances associated with this service. Please note that you can only import instances with a Service Found status. Other instances will appear blurred and cannot be imported until the associated account has been imported first.
# Groups of servers
Server groups enable you to organize servers into sets, allowing for easy assignment of instances and services according to your specific requirements.
# Adding new group
Add group of servers, you may do that from the Servers level → Add Group button or in the dedicated tab.
To create a new group, all you ned to provide are th efollowing data:
- Type in the new group name.
- Select the type of servers.
- Select servers that will be applied to this group, you may apply more than one server per group.
- Confirm by pressing the Add Group button.
Your new group of servers will appear on the list. You may quickly delete any group or edit it (name, type and list of assigned servers) at any time.
# Adding new server
Use the quick action button to add a new server. For more precise information on each server type and its requirements, refer to its dedicated section in this documentation under Hosting Scenarios:
You may add a new server, either when installing your PanelAlpha application, or later on, right from this place.
Important! Keep in mind that the below steps are just an example for DirectAdmin server, the form and steps inside it will differ per each server type!
Name - enter the server name
Type - select the type - choose DirectAdmin
IP/Hostname - enter the server IP address or hostname
Username - enter username for which the token has been generated
Password/Login Key - use your password or the previously generated Login Key (opens new window)
SSL Verification - keep it disabled to get successful results of the test connection
Test Connection - check if connection is successful
Important! Please refer to the DirectAdmin official documentation to learn how to generate the login Key for a user or use the password instead. Please read the following article (opens new window), section: "Creating a Login Key".
Before you can continue to the next step, you must test the connection, only of the connection is fine, you will be allowed to move further. Next, you will be asked to perform some additional steps:
Download the connector that will be necessary to complete the installation
Next, log in to your DirectAdmin panel as an administrator and navigate to the 'Plugin Manager'.
While in the 'Add Plugin' section, opt for the 'File' option and select the 'panelalpha.tar.gz' package for upload. Then, click the 'Add Plugin' button.
Upon successful upload and installation of the plugin, it should appear in the list of plugins.
Finally, verify the success of the integration test. To complete the process, click on "Add Server".