1. This is a reseller/server use case, not a default recommendation
Choose this path when the goal is to operate your own cPanel-based multi-account hosting environment for downstream customers. GreatHosts does not need to promote cPanel as the default control panel to make this option available.
- For normal GreatHosts managed hosting, GreatHosts CP remains the standard branded environment.
- For a customer building a cPanel hosting business, KVM or dedicated server ordering exposes cPanel licensing options.
- The control-panel choice should follow the business/workload requirement, not marketing preference.
2. Choose KVM or dedicated infrastructure
KVM is the lower infrastructure step when a virtual server provides enough CPU, RAM, storage and isolation. Dedicated is appropriate when the reseller operation needs dedicated physical resources or a larger sustained footprint.
- Size for expected hosted accounts and workloads, not just account count.
- Leave operational headroom for backups, updates and traffic bursts.
- Use dedicated hardware only when the workload or business requirement justifies it.
3. Choose a compatible OS/control-panel combination
The server configurator exposes operating-system and control-panel choices. cPanel options appear in the control-panel selector for compatible server configurations, while GreatHosts CP can appear as an included alternative.
- Select the operating system and control-panel combination offered by the live configurator.
- Do not assume every OS image supports every cPanel option.
- Use the current order form as the compatibility source of truth.
4. Select the cPanel account tier
The live order forms expose cPanel licenses by account capacity. Available account tiers and monthly license prices can differ by server type and can change over time, so this guide intentionally does not reproduce a fixed price table.
- Estimate the number of downstream cPanel accounts required.
- Leave capacity for near-term customer growth.
- Review the current recurring license charge in the order summary before submission.
5. Add server services only when required
The dedicated/KVM configurator can expose additional server options such as extra IP addresses, backup service, management service or monitoring/restart services depending on the selected server. Treat each as a separate operational decision.
- Do not assume optional services are included unless the order summary says so.
- Review recurring charges before placing the order.
- Match management coverage to the skills available to operate the server.
6. Understand the responsibility shift
A cPanel server used to host your own customers is a different responsibility level from ordinary managed shared hosting. You are building a downstream hosting environment and need processes for customer accounts, updates, backups, abuse handling, security, billing and support.
- Root/server administration becomes part of the operating model unless covered by a purchased management service.
- Keep cPanel and the operating system maintained.
- Define backup and restore responsibility before onboarding customers.
- Maintain your own customer terms, support process and billing model.
7. Order through the live GreatHosts configurator
Start from the KVM or dedicated server product, choose the server/plan, then use the OS and control-panel selectors to choose an offered cPanel tier. The final summary should be treated as the source of truth for the selected recurring configuration before submission.
- Verify server resources.
- Verify OS.
- Verify cPanel account tier.
- Verify optional management/backup/IP services.
- Review the final recurring and upfront totals before ordering.
Common questions
Is GreatHosts replacing GreatHosts CP with cPanel?
No. GreatHosts CP remains the standard branded environment. cPanel is an optional server-control-panel path for customers who specifically want a cPanel-based KVM or dedicated multi-account/reseller environment.
Can I build a hosting/reseller business with this path?
The live GreatHosts KVM and dedicated configurators expose cPanel licenses sized by account count, which is the path intended for customers building multi-account cPanel hosting. You remain responsible for the downstream business and operational model.
Why are cPanel prices not copied into this guide?
Because license tiers and prices are live order data and can change. The current server configurator and final order summary are the authoritative source.