HKUST Drupal Platform

iHost

Virtual Server (VaaS)

Overview

• Drupal, a Content Management System (CMS), enables users to create simple websites with minimal technical expertise
• A template which incorporated all mandatory functions and features based on HKUST Website Guidelines

• iHost allows users to build non Affiliated websites with database backend in a shared LAMP hosting platform

• Users have full control of rented virtual servers which run on either Windows or Linux² and are free to install software tools and build programs to fulfill their own needs

Feature Highlights

• Simple webpages creation and editing
• Documents and images upload and distribution
• Simple webpage access control with CAS
• Features enhancement with popular Drupal modules
• Website templates selection
• Content versioning

• Support PHP and MySQL with Apache on Linux¹
• High flexibility to host any dynamic contents written in PHP and customize look & feel of the website

• Full flexibility to host any contents and applications supported in the selected OS
• Server capacity can be purchased and extended
• Support Windows and Linux²

Best used for

• Websites with simple contents
• Users need to edit website contents with minimal technical skills

• Websites with features not supported in Drupal
• Specific requirements for website contents and features

• Complex websites with specific requirements and custom-made solutions
• Dedicated server capacity and performance are required

Technical Expertise Required

• Low

• Medium to High

• High

Maintenance & Responsibilities - by ITSO

• ITSO regularly review the Drupal platform and apply security patches to maintain its security level

• ITSO regularly apply security patches to maintain the security level of the LAMP hosting platform

• Nil

Maintenance & Responsibilities - by Users
 

• Users only need to update contents and configure settings in their websites
• Website owners need to reserve resources or budget to dedicate technical staff (or vendors) as Technical Owners for website migration and maintenance (support from MTPC) in case regular security patches break the website
• Websites need to comply with Cybersecurity Policy

• Websites need to comply with Cybersecurity Policy and Application Minimum Security Standard
• Website owners need to dedicate technical staff (or vendors) as Technical Owners for website maintenance such as resolving security vulnerabilities in the lifespan of the websites

• Servers and websites need to comply with Cybersecurity Policy and Application Minimum Security Standard and Server Minimum Security Standard
• Website owners need to dedicate technical staff (or vendors) as Technical Owners for both website and server maintenance such as resolving application vulnerabilities and system patching in the lifespan of the websites.

Data Security

• Storing high-risk data is not allowed ³

• Storing high-risk data is not allowed ³

• Storing high-risk data is allowed ³

Hosting Fee

• Free

• Free

• VaaS Pricing

More Information

• HKUST Drupal Platform

• iHost

• VaaS Hosting