From b7eee424791f9738b5f7fbc8ab58d62faa2b438c Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Stefan Pejcic
+OpenPanel **started in 2023**, as a basic bootstrap interface with a database schema designed to handle anywhere from 10 to 500 users on a single server without issues. It was initially a LAMP stack with a fancy, yet buggy, GUI. But as we grew, so did our ideas. +
++One of our more ambitious concepts was to **use Docker containers** to isolate users' websites. However, this approach proved unscalable for shared servers with hundreds of users. Managing the overhead of memory and disk space became a significant challenge, especially when a single WordPress site needed at least three containers (database, PHP, and web server). +
+ ++We eventually pivoted to a "**one Docker per user**" approach, sacrificing some flexibility but gaining a more stable environment. This method allowed hosting providers to manage resources more effectively, although it requires us to build and **maintain our custom images** rather than using official Docker ones. +
+ ++Over the years, we received several offers from competitors and venture capitalists, but with those offers came conditions that would have compromised our vision. We **chose to remain independent** and self-funded. Committed to doing something different: **a modular, stable and fairly priced control panel**. +
+ + + ++The name "OpenPanel" itself was initially just a placeholder, but it stuck. The project was first published under .co domain, as the .com and .org were already taken by a similar project almost two decades ago. The OpenPanel you know and use today is **in no way associated with the older openpanel.com project**, but we extend our gratitude to them for their unselfishness in allowing us to take over the openpanel.com domain in August 2024. +
+ + + ++While we considered going fully open-source, we decided to keep certain parts proprietary to ensure we can **guarantee the quality** of our features, expedite the development of new ones, and provide quicker fixes for bugs. This approach also allows us to maintain **a more secure product**, giving our users peace of mind. +
+ + + ++OpenPanel Is available in two options: **Enterprise Edition** that can rival any premium panel in features and flexibility, and a **Community Edition** funded by the Enterprise version, offering all the essential features needed by small agencies, freelancers, and hobby users. +
++And one promise we stand by—**we will never charge per user or per website**. +
+ + + + ++Under the continued leadership of Stefan Pejčić, OpenPanel remains committed to staying ahead of technological trends and addressing the risks that come with them. +
++We are dedicated to constantly improving our platform to offer **the most advanced, secure, and user-friendly hosting panel** on the market. +Our journey is far from over, and with your continued support, we’re excited to push the boundaries of what’s possible in server management. +
++Stay tuned for new features, enhanced performance, and more ways to **make your hosting experience as seamless as possible**. The best is yet to come. +
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