Detailed Feature Specification
The basis of Web publishing on the Unix platform is Unix Timesharing Services, or UTS. UTS differs from contained application environments in that UTS users are first-class members of the operating system environment. Users can run processes and own files directly on the Unix server. This fundamental of operating-system level identity informs many of the features listed below.
UTS is also unique because it uses the departmental computer account system; it is not UT EID-based. Departments can own an identity not tied any particular EID, which can therefore outlast individual staff job assignments or roles.
Using UTS as the basis for Unix Web Publishing provides the following feature set.
- Provides interactive Unix shell logins
- Allows automated periodic processes (cron jobs)
- Permits creation of CGI scripts using CGIwrap
File uploading/downloading/storage
- Provides access to Web Central and virtual host content publishing areas
- Enables unattended file upload using SCP/SFTP (e.g. mainframe file transfers)
- Allows users to store files and publish Web content from their home directory
- Includes a local mailbox (user@uts.cc.utexas.edu) and mail forwarding (~user/.forward)
- Forwards user@www.utexas.edu e-mail to user@uts.cc.utexas.edu for handling
- Allows IMAP/POP access to user mailboxes (uts.cc.utexas.edu on port 143)
Individual Web publishing (uts/~user)
- Allows individuals to publish their own Web pages (separate from Web Central publishing)
- Stores CGIwrap scripts in ~user/public_html/cgi-bin
Web Central publishing
- Provides the publishing server for UT Austin Web Central (www.utexas.edu)
- Allows UTS users to upload content to Web Central publishing areas
- Forwards user@www.utexas.edu e-mail to user@uts.cc.utexas.edu for handling
- Allows CGIwrap scripts to access/modify user's files on www.utexas.edu
Virtual host publishing
- Provides the publishing server for the Unix virtual hosting service
- Provides virtual hosting service customers access to publishing areas from UTS
- Allows CGIwrap scripts to modify user's files on virtual Web hosts
CGIwrap
- Allows users to run CGI scripts under their own identity, thereby enabling individualized execution of CGI scripts and allowing Web-based applications to modify content if needed
- Refer to http://www.utexas.edu/learn/cgi/cgiwrap.html for more information
MySQL support
- Provides command-line access to ITS MySQL service databases
- Allows ITS MySQL service database owners to manage their databases online (restricted to UTS for server security reasons)
Additional benefits
- Provides 24x7 operator coverage and monitoring for Web servers and systems
- Includes ITS consulting assistance for UTS and Web Central questions
- Backs up file system daily for disaster recovery purpose
- Includes high performance, highly redundant storage hardware
