Other Technical Requirements

Other Technical Requirements

Once you have the proper hardware and software necessary to install iPlanet Web Server, you should make sure that you meet the following requirements:

•You know the host name and IP address of your server computer.

•Your server has a DNS alias. For information on creating a DNS alias for your server, see “Creating a DNS Alias for the Server” on page 14.

•Your server has a user account on Unix, Linux, or NT. See “Unix and Linux User Accounts for the Server” on page 14 or “Windows NT User Accounts for the Server” on page 15 for more information.

•You have two port numbers - one for the Administration Server and the other for the first iPlanet Web Server server instance. For information on choosing port numbers for your server, see “Choosing Unique Port Numbers” on page 16.

Creating a DNS Alias for the Server

If your server will run on one machine among many in a network, you or your system administrator should set up a DNS CNAME record or an alias that points to the actual server machine. Later, you can change the actual hostname or IP address of the server machine without having to change all URLs that point to the server machine.

For example, you might call the server my_server.my_company.com and then use an alias like www.my_company.com. So the URLs to documents on your server would always use the www alias instead of my_server.

Unix and Linux User Accounts for the Server

When the iPlanet Web Server starts, it runs with a Unix or Linux user account that you specify during installation. Any child processes of the server are created with this account as the owner. It is best to create a Unix or Linux account for the server that has restricted access to your system resources. The account needs read permissions for the configuration files and write permissions for the logs directory. For security reasons, the user account shouldn’t have write permissions to some of the configuration files, though some, such as the access control files, should be group writable.

14 iPlanet Web Server, FastTrack Edition Installation Guide • June 2000

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Sun Microsystems iPlanet Web Server manual Other Technical Requirements, Creating a DNS Alias for the Server
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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.
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