Self-Host Your Own ISL Online Server: A Comprehensive Guide
ISL Online is a powerful remote desktop and live chat software solution widely used for technical support, remote access, and online meetings. While ISL Online offers a cloud-based service, many organizations prefer the control and security of self-hosting their ISL Online server. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of setting up your own ISL Online server, step-by-step.
Why Self-Host ISL Online?
Before diving into the technical details, let’s explore the benefits of self-hosting ISL Online:
* **Data Security and Privacy:** You maintain complete control over your data, ensuring it stays within your organization’s infrastructure and adheres to your specific security policies.
* **Compliance:** Self-hosting allows you to meet stringent regulatory compliance requirements, particularly in industries like finance and healthcare.
* **Customization:** You can tailor the ISL Online server to your specific needs, integrating it with your existing systems and workflows.
* **Cost Savings (Potentially):** Depending on your usage and infrastructure, self-hosting can be more cost-effective in the long run compared to the cloud-based subscription.
* **Reliability and Control:** You have direct control over the server’s uptime and performance, minimizing reliance on external providers.
Prerequisites
Before you begin, ensure you have the following:
* **A Valid ISL Online License:** You need an ISL Online license that permits self-hosting. Contact ISL Online sales to discuss your options.
* **A Server:** You’ll need a server that meets the minimum system requirements for ISL Online. This can be a physical server or a virtual machine (VM). We recommend using a clean installation of a supported operating system. Consider server locations carefully for geographic access needs.
* **Supported Operating Systems:** ISL Online server software supports various operating systems, including:
* Windows Server (2016, 2019, 2022)
* Linux (CentOS, Debian, Ubuntu) – Consult ISL Online documentation for specific supported versions and kernel requirements.
* **Sufficient Resources:** Ensure your server has adequate CPU, RAM, and disk space. The exact requirements will depend on the number of concurrent users and the usage patterns. At a minimum, consider:
* CPU: 2 cores
* RAM: 4 GB
* Disk Space: 50 GB (consider more if you plan to store session recordings)
* **Domain Name (Optional but Recommended):** A domain name allows users to access your ISL Online server using a memorable and user-friendly address (e.g., support.yourcompany.com) rather than an IP address.
* **SSL Certificate (Required for Security):** You’ll need an SSL certificate to encrypt communication between clients and the server. You can obtain a certificate from a Certificate Authority (CA) like Let’s Encrypt, DigiCert, or Comodo, or use a self-signed certificate for testing purposes (not recommended for production).
* **Network Configuration:** Ensure your server has a static IP address and that the necessary ports are open in your firewall. The default ports used by ISL Online are:
* **80 (HTTP):** For initial access and redirection (can be disabled if using HTTPS only).
* **443 (HTTPS):** For secure communication (required).
* **7615 (TCP):** ISL Online main communication port.
* **7616 (TCP):** ISL Light communication port
* **49152-65535 (UDP):** Port range for audio/video streaming. You might be able to limit the range, check the ISL Online documentation for specifics.
* **Administrative Privileges:** You’ll need administrative privileges on the server to install and configure the ISL Online software.
* **Database (PostgreSQL – Recommended):** ISL Online requires a database to store configuration and session data. PostgreSQL is the recommended database. Other supported options might exist; consult the official documentation.
Step-by-Step Installation Guide (Windows Server)
This section provides detailed instructions for installing ISL Online on Windows Server. The Linux installation process is similar but uses different commands.
Step 1: Prepare the Server
1. **Install Windows Server:** Install a clean version of Windows Server (2016, 2019, or 2022). Ensure it’s fully updated with the latest security patches.
2. **Configure a Static IP Address:** Assign a static IP address to your server. This prevents the IP address from changing, which can disrupt ISL Online functionality.
3. **Install PostgreSQL:** Download and install PostgreSQL from the official website ([https://www.postgresql.org/](https://www.postgresql.org/)). Follow the installation wizard, accepting the default settings for most options. Remember the password you set for the `postgres` user during installation, as you’ll need it later.
4. **Open Firewall Ports:** Open the necessary ports in the Windows Firewall. Go to *Windows Firewall with Advanced Security* and create inbound rules for TCP ports 80, 443, 7615, and 7616, and for UDP ports 49152-65535. If you are using a different firewall, adjust the steps accordingly.
5. **Install IIS Role (Optional, but Recommended):** Install the Internet Information Services (IIS) role to serve the ISL Online web interface and handle HTTPS connections. This provides a more robust web server than the built-in simple server. In *Server Manager*, select *Add roles and features* and follow the wizard to install the *Web Server (IIS)* role.
Step 2: Download the ISL Online Server Software
1. **Login to ISL Online Account:** Log in to your ISL Online account on the ISL Online website. Navigate to the downloads section.
2. **Download the Server Software:** Download the self-hosted server software package for Windows Server. Choose the correct version corresponding to your license.
Step 3: Install the ISL Online Server Software
1. **Run the Installer:** Locate the downloaded installer file (e.g., `ISLOnlineServer.exe`) and run it as an administrator. Right-click on the file and select *Run as administrator*.
2. **Follow the Installation Wizard:**
* **Welcome Screen:** Click *Next* to continue.
* **License Agreement:** Accept the license agreement and click *Next*.
* **Installation Folder:** Choose the installation folder (the default is usually fine) and click *Next*.
* **Database Configuration:** Select *PostgreSQL* as the database type. Enter the following information:
* **Host:** `localhost` (or the IP address of your PostgreSQL server if it’s on a different machine)
* **Port:** `5432` (the default PostgreSQL port)
* **Database:** `islonline` (or your preferred database name – you may need to create this database beforehand using a tool like pgAdmin)
* **User:** `postgres` (or your preferred PostgreSQL user with sufficient privileges)
* **Password:** The password you set for the `postgres` user during the PostgreSQL installation.
* **Admin User Configuration:** Create an initial administrator user for the ISL Online server. Enter a username, password, and email address. This user will have full administrative privileges.
* **Web Server Configuration:** If you installed IIS, select the option to use IIS. Otherwise, the installer will use the built-in web server. Configure the hostname or IP address that users will use to access the ISL Online server. If using a domain name, enter it here. Ensure your DNS is properly configured to point your domain to the server’s IP address.
* **SSL Configuration:** If you have an SSL certificate, provide the path to the certificate file (`.pfx` or `.pem`) and the password (if applicable). If you don’t have a certificate, you can skip this step for now, but you’ll need to configure HTTPS later (recommended).
* **Installation Summary:** Review the installation settings and click *Install*.
3. **Wait for the Installation to Complete:** The installation process may take several minutes.
4. **Finish the Installation:** Once the installation is complete, click *Finish*.
Step 4: Configure the ISL Online Server
1. **Access the ISL Online Web Interface:** Open a web browser and navigate to the URL of your ISL Online server (e.g., `https://support.yourcompany.com` or `https://
2. **Login as Administrator:** Log in using the administrator username and password you created during the installation.
3. **Activate Your License:** Navigate to the *License* section and enter your ISL Online license key. The exact location may vary depending on the ISL Online server version.
4. **Configure General Settings:** Review and configure the general settings, such as:
* **Server Name:** A descriptive name for your ISL Online server.
* **Language:** The default language for the web interface.
* **Time Zone:** The correct time zone for your server.
* **Email Settings:** Configure the email settings so ISL Online can send notifications (e.g., password reset emails).
5. **Configure Security Settings:**
* **HTTPS:** Ensure HTTPS is enabled and properly configured with your SSL certificate. This is crucial for secure communication.
* **Password Policies:** Set strong password policies to protect user accounts.
* **IP Restrictions:** Consider restricting access to the ISL Online server based on IP address.
* **Two-Factor Authentication:** Enable two-factor authentication for enhanced security.
6. **Configure User Management:**
* **Create Users:** Create user accounts for your support staff and other users who need to access ISL Online.
* **Assign Permissions:** Assign appropriate permissions to each user account. Consider using roles to simplify permission management.
* **Integrate with Active Directory (Optional):** Integrate with Active Directory for centralized user management.
7. **Configure Session Recording (Optional):** If you want to record support sessions, configure the session recording settings. Ensure you have sufficient disk space to store the recordings. Be mindful of legal and compliance requirements regarding session recording and notify users appropriately.
8. **Customize the ISL Online Interface (Optional):** Customize the ISL Online interface with your company logo and branding.
Step 5: Test the Installation
1. **Download and Install ISL Light/ISL AlwaysOn:** Download and install the ISL Light (for attended support) or ISL AlwaysOn (for unattended access) client software on a test computer.
2. **Connect to the ISL Online Server:** Configure the client software to connect to your self-hosted ISL Online server by specifying the server’s URL.
3. **Initiate a Support Session:** Initiate a support session and verify that you can successfully connect to the remote computer.
4. **Test All Features:** Test all the features of ISL Online, such as screen sharing, remote control, file transfer, and chat.
Step-by-Step Installation Guide (Linux – Ubuntu Example)
This section provides a general outline for installing ISL Online on Linux (using Ubuntu as an example). The specific commands may vary depending on your distribution. Always consult the ISL Online documentation for the most up-to-date and accurate instructions.
Step 1: Prepare the Server
1. **Install Ubuntu Server:** Install a clean version of Ubuntu Server. Ensure it’s fully updated.
2. **Configure a Static IP Address:** Configure a static IP address for your server using `netplan` or other network configuration tools.
3. **Install PostgreSQL:** Install PostgreSQL using the `apt` package manager:
bash
sudo apt update
sudo apt install postgresql postgresql-contrib
Secure the PostgreSQL installation. By default, PostgreSQL allows connections without a password for local connections. You should change the authentication method in the `pg_hba.conf` file to `md5` or `password` for local connections. Set a strong password for the `postgres` user.
4. **Open Firewall Ports:** Open the necessary ports in the firewall (e.g., `ufw`):
bash
sudo ufw allow 80
sudo ufw allow 443
sudo ufw allow 7615
sudo ufw allow 7616
sudo ufw allow 49152:65535/udp
sudo ufw enable
5. **Install Apache or Nginx (Recommended):** Install a web server like Apache or Nginx to serve the ISL Online web interface and handle HTTPS connections. For example, to install Apache:
bash
sudo apt install apache2
sudo systemctl start apache2
sudo systemctl enable apache2
Step 2: Download the ISL Online Server Software
1. **Login to ISL Online Account:** Log in to your ISL Online account on the ISL Online website. Navigate to the downloads section.
2. **Download the Server Software:** Download the self-hosted server software package for Linux. Choose the `.tar.gz` package.
Step 3: Install the ISL Online Server Software
1. **Extract the Package:** Extract the downloaded package to a suitable directory (e.g., `/opt/islonline`):
bash
sudo mkdir /opt/islonline
sudo tar -xzf ISLOnlineServer.tar.gz -C /opt/islonline
2. **Run the Installation Script:** Navigate to the extracted directory and run the installation script (usually `install.sh` or similar):
bash
cd /opt/islonline
sudo ./install.sh
3. **Follow the Installation Prompts:** The installation script will guide you through the configuration process. You’ll need to provide information similar to the Windows installation, such as:
* Database connection details (PostgreSQL host, port, database, user, password)
* Admin user credentials
* Web server configuration (if using Apache or Nginx, you’ll need to configure virtual hosts and SSL certificates manually)
* SSL certificate details
Step 4: Configure the ISL Online Server
1. **Access the ISL Online Web Interface:** Open a web browser and navigate to the URL of your ISL Online server (e.g., `https://support.yourcompany.com` or `https://
2. **Login as Administrator:** Log in using the administrator username and password you created during the installation.
3. **Activate Your License:** Navigate to the *License* section and enter your ISL Online license key.
4. **Configure General Settings:** Configure the general settings, security settings, user management, and session recording settings as described in the Windows installation guide.
Step 5: Integrate with Apache or Nginx (If Applicable)
If you’re using Apache or Nginx, you’ll need to configure a virtual host to serve the ISL Online web interface. This typically involves creating a new configuration file in the Apache or Nginx configuration directory and configuring it to point to the ISL Online installation directory. You’ll also need to configure SSL certificates for HTTPS.
Example Apache Virtual Host Configuration:
apache
ServerName support.yourcompany.com
Redirect permanent / https://support.yourcompany.com/
ServerName support.yourcompany.com
DocumentRoot /opt/islonline/www # Adjust this path if needed
SSLEngine on
SSLCertificateFile /etc/ssl/certs/your_certificate.crt
SSLCertificateKeyFile /etc/ssl/private/your_private_key.key
Options Indexes FollowSymLinks
AllowOverride All
Require all granted
ErrorLog ${APACHE_LOG_DIR}/islonline_error.log
CustomLog ${APACHE_LOG_DIR}/islonline_access.log combined
Step 6: Test the Installation
1. **Download and Install ISL Light/ISL AlwaysOn:** Download and install the ISL Light or ISL AlwaysOn client software on a test computer.
2. **Connect to the ISL Online Server:** Configure the client software to connect to your self-hosted ISL Online server by specifying the server’s URL.
3. **Initiate a Support Session:** Initiate a support session and verify that you can successfully connect to the remote computer.
4. **Test All Features:** Test all the features of ISL Online, such as screen sharing, remote control, file transfer, and chat.
Troubleshooting
* **Database Connection Errors:** Verify that the PostgreSQL server is running and that the connection details (host, port, database, user, password) are correct. Ensure the PostgreSQL user has the necessary permissions to access the ISL Online database. You can create the database with the command `CREATE DATABASE islonline;` and then `GRANT ALL PRIVILEGES ON DATABASE islonline TO postgres;` replacing `islonline` and `postgres` as appropriate.
* **Web Interface Not Accessible:** Verify that the web server (IIS, Apache, or Nginx) is running and that the DNS records are correctly configured. Check the firewall settings to ensure that ports 80 and 443 are open. If you are using a webserver like Apache or Nginx, make sure the virtual host configuration is correct.
* **SSL Certificate Errors:** Ensure that the SSL certificate is valid and properly installed. Check the certificate paths and permissions. Use online SSL checking tools to verify the certificate configuration.
* **Client Connection Errors:** Verify that the client software is configured to connect to the correct ISL Online server URL. Check the firewall settings to ensure that ports 7615 and 7616 are open. Verify the network connectivity between the client and the server.
* **Performance Issues:** Monitor the server’s CPU, RAM, and disk usage. Optimize the ISL Online server configuration to improve performance, such as increasing the number of worker threads.
* **Log Files:** Consult the ISL Online server log files for error messages and troubleshooting information. The location of the log files varies depending on the operating system and installation configuration.
Security Considerations
* **Keep Software Updated:** Regularly update the ISL Online server software, operating system, and other software components to patch security vulnerabilities.
* **Strong Passwords:** Enforce strong password policies for all user accounts.
* **Two-Factor Authentication:** Enable two-factor authentication for enhanced security.
* **Firewall:** Configure a firewall to restrict access to the ISL Online server to only authorized IP addresses.
* **SSL/TLS:** Use a valid SSL certificate for secure communication between clients and the server.
* **Regular Backups:** Regularly back up the ISL Online server configuration and database to prevent data loss.
* **Intrusion Detection/Prevention Systems:** Consider implementing intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDS/IPS) to monitor for and prevent malicious activity.
* **Principle of Least Privilege:** Grant users only the minimum necessary permissions to perform their tasks.
* **Monitor Logs:** Regularly monitor the ISL Online server logs for suspicious activity.
Maintenance
* **Regular Updates:** Schedule regular updates for the ISL Online server software.
* **Monitor Server Health:** Continuously monitor the server’s CPU, RAM, disk space, and network utilization.
* **Database Maintenance:** Perform regular database maintenance tasks, such as vacuuming and analyzing the database.
* **Log Rotation:** Configure log rotation to prevent the log files from consuming excessive disk space.
* **Backup and Restore Testing:** Regularly test the backup and restore process to ensure that you can recover from data loss.
Conclusion
Self-hosting ISL Online provides greater control, security, and customization options compared to the cloud-based service. By following this comprehensive guide, you can successfully set up and configure your own ISL Online server and leverage its powerful remote support and access capabilities. Remember to consult the official ISL Online documentation for the most up-to-date and accurate information. Good luck!