Sun Microsystems iPlanet Web Server manual

Sun Microsystems iPlanet Web Server manual Windows NT User Accounts for the Server

Other Technical Requirements

In addition, the user account you create for the server should belong to a group that contains the server users for all iPlanet servers so that multiple servers can have access to shared files.

If you don’t create a dedicated user account for iPlanet Web Server, on many platforms you can use the account with the name nobody, but you might not want to give the user nobody permissions for running the iPlanet Web Server. In addition, the user nobody might not work on some systems. Some systems assign a user ID of -2 for the user nobody. A user ID of less than 0 generates an error during installation. Check the /etc/passwd file to see if the uid for nobody exists, and make sure it is greater than 0.

NOTE It’s strongly recommended that you use a dedicated account for the server.

The Administration Server can also run with a user account that has write permissions to the configuration files for all installed servers. However, it’s much easier to run the Administration Server as root because then the Administration Server user can start and stop servers with port numbers less than 1024. (Port numbers greater than 1024 can be started by any user).

The user you use to run the iPlanet Web Server (often nobody) must be in the same group as the user you use to run the Administration Server (often root).

CAUTION If you plan to use SNMP, you must run both the iPlanet Web Server instance and the Administration Server as root.

Windows NT User Accounts for the Server

You should create a Windows NT user account for your iPlanet Web Server. It should have restricted access to your system resources and run under a nonprivileged system user account (one that has a limited set of system permissions to your system). When the server starts, it runs with this user account. Any server extension modules the server uses are created with this user account as the owner.

Chapter 1 Before You Install iPlanet Web Server, FastTrack Edition 15

iPlanet Web Server specifications

Sun Microsystems iPlanet Web Server is a robust and scalable web server that was initially developed by Netscape Communications Corporation and later acquired by Sun Microsystems. It emerged in the late 1990s as a strategic offering in the burgeoning Internet landscape, designed to cater specifically to the needs of enterprises seeking reliable and efficient web solutions. Known for its performance and flexibility, iPlanet quickly gained recognition in the market.

One of the main features of the iPlanet Web Server is its powerful architecture that supports a wide range of web applications. The server is built on a modular design, allowing users to easily extend its functionality with additional components. This modularity facilitates the integration of various technologies, making it suitable for diverse enterprise requirements. The server supports both static and dynamic content delivery, ensuring that users receive optimal performance regardless of the type of web application being hosted.

Security is a key characteristic of the iPlanet Web Server. With built-in security protocols and features, it offers a secure environment for hosting sensitive applications. The server supports SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) encryption, ensuring that data transmitted between the server and clients remains secure. This focus on security is particularly important for enterprises that need to protect customer data and comply with various regulatory standards.

Another notable feature is its support for multiple programming languages and application platforms, including Java, Perl, and PHP. The ability to run Java servlets and JSP (JavaServer Pages) makes it a favorite among developers aiming to leverage the Java ecosystem. In addition, iPlanet supports the Common Gateway Interface (CGI), allowing for easy integration with legacy applications.

Performance optimization is also a significant aspect of the iPlanet Web Server. It employs techniques such as caching and load balancing to enhance speed and reliability, enabling it to handle high traffic volumes without degradation in performance. This makes it particularly suited for busy websites and applications that demand high availability.

The iPlanet Web Server was often bundled with Sun's application server products, creating a powerful suite for enterprise application deployment. This integration allows for streamlined management and scalability, catering to growing business needs.

In summary, Sun Microsystems iPlanet Web Server stands out as a feature-rich web server that combines robust security, modular architecture, and strong support for multiple programming languages. Its performance optimization capabilities, along with enterprise-friendly features, have made it a significant tool in the arsenal of many organizations seeking to establish a formidable online presence.