Over the past several months, we have been working on the next generation of EasyApache. In EasyApache 4, we will make quite a few major changes to the way cPanel & WHM utilizes Apache HTTPd & PHP. This will initially be an opt-in update so that users can choose when to move to the new ecosystem, but at some point, this will be a required change.
The major changes that we plan to introduce are:
- Improved Operating System Integration and migrating to OS standard paths for services
- EasyApache will use the system package manager (yum)
- Full binary distribution of Apache HTTPd and PHP via RPM & yum
- Use of modern Apache releases (2.4)
- Automatic updates of Apache HTTPd & PHP
- Ability to set different PHP versions on a per-vhost basis
As you can tell, there are many changes compared to what EA3 has delivered over the years. The purpose of this article is to solicit feedback about what is being planned for EasyApache 4 delivery. We absolutely want to know what our customers think of this plan! See the link at the end of the blog post to provide us with your feedback.
Improved Operating System Distribution Integration
In order to adjust cPanel & WHM better to the operating system that the server runs, we will move the various Apache files & directories to match the file system paths that CentOS and RHEL use. This will allow better customizations to Apache and make the deployment of new Apache modules a rapid process. Symlinks will be left behind in /usr/local/apache to help old scripts work with the new paths.
With these changes, porting most Apache modules that already have an RPM built for CentOS/RHEL should be relatively easy: tweak the spec file, ensure proper dependencies are provided, and recompile the RPM. Alternatively, it means that the existing resources for building RPMs for Apache modules will remain relevant and follow the process used by RHEL Administrators.
EasyApache Interface to move to the System Package Manager
With the initial release of EasyApache 4, we will move the EasyApache interface to the Package Manager, which will provide an interface for yum. cPanel will create yum repositories that hold the EasyApache4 RPMs, which includes Apache, PHP, and friends. Using yum will also allow your own customized repositories.
To shorten processing time and provide better quality control over the packages, EasyApache will begin utilizing RPMs. This will meet one of our project goals of cPanel & WHM becoming a better member of the Operating System’s ecosystem.
The purpose of this UI is to provide a general-purpose interface into the packages and repositories available on a system.
Multi-PHP Domain Support
The release of EasyApache 4 will include Multi-PHP support at the VirtualHost level. We will utilize Red Hat’s Software Collections to allow the installation of multiple PHP versions simultaneously. WHM and cPanel Interfaces will allow users and administrators to select system level and per-domain default PHP versions. This will be achieved by using AddHandler entries in .htaccess files.
Modern Apache only (2.4)
EasyApache 4 will only provide RPMs for Apache 2.4. This allows us to provide better support for Apache and simplifies the process of rolling out customizations.
Automatic Updates
We plan to automatically update Apache & PHP by default. This will be an opt-out process so that hosts can easily put updates of Apache & PHP under their control.
Feedback
We absolutely want to hear what you think of our plans for EasyApache4! Please visit the comment thread for this post on our forums.
I tried to use it… nope. I have cloudlinux. Let’s get this done guys.
So basically you are adding functionality that we all already use CloudLinux for? How about actually paying attention to the feature requests section you all setup…….
When will we get Debian support?
CloudLinux compatibility is essential. EA4 looks great, but we don’t want to sacrifice security to use it. Nginx support would be nice. The per-user php control is a nice enhancement!
When available for CloudLinux? EasyApache 4 requires either CentOS 6 or higher or Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6 or higher. EasyApache 4 does not support CloudLinux. You must upgrade your system to a compatible operating system before you can migrate to EasyApache 4.
I hope you guys can provide nginx modules on EasyApache!!!
@denverprophitjr:disqus I apologize for the delays, however, we are planning for the tech preview to be available in 11.52. There was a few more things that needed to be worked on before it’s release. Thanks for your patience!
5 months later, how close are you now, @disqus_FWX5jUqFtk:disqus?
I wish you guys add support for nginx
Why do you think its SPAM #DENVER_Prophit
SPAM SPAM SPAM
I was long waiting for multiple PHP version support. 🙂
Very helpful post Its teach me more about cpanel
here is my one video see please..
https://youtube.com/watch?v=JmW-xH-GHsg
We really need to have different PHP
configuration entries for each account.
But it’s important to have ONLY 1 php.ini file or update/change settings will be a nightmares.
Personalizations
per user must be done on separate entries which the include editor of EA4 will add to the
end of the master php.ini file. Please don’t create a php.ini for every single
user or we’ll get sick updating one settings in every file.
@denverprophitjr:disqus There is no ETA at the moment, however, it’s something they are working on getting a BETA for. You should be able to follow changelog.cpanel.net and join the edge users mailing list at https://cpanel.net/mailing-lists/ where they demo out new features.
@disqus_FWX5jUqFtk:disqus, when will we know EA4 is out?
@danielberthiaume:disqus They will actually be OWASP rules, distributed by us in 11.48. You can actually try out these rules if you have a test server you can put on the EDGE tier.
Thank you Jesse, for the answer. Does the custom rules has anything to do with the rules ID’s 12341234XX ? (There’ve bee creating many false positive with French character!). May I suggest taking a look a Comodo Free rule set (CWAF) which so far seam to work great at minimizing the false positive and would let the excellent cPanel teams more time to work on more Goodies!!! (Yes, I’m a cPanel lover!! 😀 )
Daniel, Mod Security has it’s own interface in WHM and is handled outside of EasyApache now. We are shipping custom rules with the product as of 11.48. You can see more about it here: http://documentation.cpanel.net/display/ALD/ModSecurity+Tools
Do I see a first step into migrating from CentOS6 to CentOS7 automaticly?!!
In general, I love the auto-update feature for Apache and PHP, I would no longuer need to go manually in each server to run EasyApache with the new version).
I’ve notice that in the print screen, the “ModSecurity” in no longuer in the EasyApache Build, I was kinda use of setting my Apache and PHP module directly in the easyApache module, will all module be seperated from the Easyapache?
This is really good to hear, we get a lot of people asking for the ability to change the php version on a per account basis.
Sounds like a copy of InterWorx, who has done RPM Yum for years.
Matt Dees, it’s nice to see progress! I’ve been a leased customer from one data center to another for around 10 years now.