Platform Readiness is the phase where a newly provisioned VPS is transformed into a stable,
secure DirectAdmin system that is ready to receive its first domain. This phase focuses entirely
on the server and control panel layer, before any domains, DNS, SSL, or email services are added.
The goal is not to rush into domain configuration, but to ensure the underlying platform is
predictable, recoverable, and aligned with how DirectAdmin and OpenLiteSpeed are maintained
long‑term.
What Platform Readiness Means
A platform‑ready server meets a specific set of conditions. These conditions reduce future
failures, simplify troubleshooting, and prevent configuration drift as the system evolves.
- The operating system is installed and updated
- DirectAdmin is installed and accessible
- Administrative access is secured
- Backups exist before major changes
- The web stack is installed and aligned with DirectAdmin
Prerequisites
- An unmanaged VPS from a provider you control
- A supported Linux distribution (AlmaLinux)
- SSH access to the server
- Comfort following command‑based checklists
If you are still deciding whether unmanaged hosting is appropriate, review the planning content
before continuing.
What Is Covered in This Phase
Platform Readiness includes all work required to prepare the server itself. Nothing in this
phase depends on having a domain name configured yet.
- Provisioning and initial VPS setup
- Installing DirectAdmin
- Securing DirectAdmin credentials and access paths
- Creating an initial DirectAdmin admin‑level backup
- Installing OpenLiteSpeed via DirectAdmin
- Aligning CustomBuild settings after OpenLiteSpeed installation
- Applying required updates and baseline hardening
PHP Configuration in This System
PHP in this system is managed through DirectAdmin using LiteSpeed‑compatible PHP handlers.
This is not traditional standalone PHP management. All PHP configuration is performed within
DirectAdmin so that settings persist cleanly across OpenLiteSpeed and system updates.
Any PHP‑related guidance in this phase assumes LiteSpeed‑managed PHP as administered by
DirectAdmin.
When This Phase Is Complete
Platform Readiness is complete when the server can safely accept its first domain without
introducing instability or configuration conflicts.
- DirectAdmin is fully operational
- Updates apply cleanly
- The web server is installed and verified
- Backups exist prior to domain‑level changes
At this point, the server is considered platform‑ready.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Adding domains before backups exist
- Skipping update alignment after installing OpenLiteSpeed
- Applying generic PHP advice that does not apply to LiteSpeed
- Mixing domain‑level configuration into this phase
Platform Readiness Guides
The following guides document each task required to complete this phase. They are written to be
followed in sequence.
Browse all Platform Readiness guides
Next Phase: Domains & Services
Once the platform is ready, the next phase introduces domains, DNS, SSL certificates, and email
services.