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  • CoreControl: Dashboard for Server Management

    Table of Contents

    1. Introduction: Why CoreControl?
    2. Core Features of CoreControl
    3. Deployment
    4. The Future of CoreControl
    5. Comparing CoreControl to Popular Server Management Tools
    6. Conclusion: CoreControl – A Structured Approach to Server Management
    core-control-logo
    core-control-logo
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    Introduction: Why CoreControl?

    Managing server infrastructure can quickly become complex, with multiple applications, monitoring tools, and scattered data. CoreControl simplifies this challenge by providing a centralized dashboard, allowing users to oversee their entire self-hosted setup in one place.

    With CoreControl, users can:

    • Organize servers efficiently, including hardware details and quick access links to management panels.
    • Track the uptime status of self-hosted applications in real time, ensuring reliability and availability.
    • Generate network flowcharts, visually mapping connections for better infrastructure planning.
    • Anticipate upcoming features like notifications, advanced monitoring, and customizable flowchart elements.

    Designed for clarity and control, CoreControl balances functionality with simplicity, offering an intuitive interface that streamlines infrastructure management. Whether you're overseeing a handful of applications or an extensive network, this tool provides a structured approach to monitoring and optimization.

    Core Features of CoreControl

    CoreControl simplifies infrastructure oversight by providing a structured, centralized approach to managing both servers and self-hosted applications.

    Server Management

    • Users can add and organize their servers, including hardware details and quick links to management panels.
    • The dashboard provides an at-a-glance overview, making it easy to keep track of multiple machines.
    • Future roadmap features like simple server monitoring will further enhance visibility into system health.

    Application Tracking & Uptime Monitoring

    • CoreControl allows users to catalog self-hosted applications within a structured list.
    • A built-in uptime tracker ensures that administrators can monitor service availability in real-time.
    • Upcoming features like uptime history logging and customizable notifications will make it easier to respond to downtime events.

    Deployment

    Deploying CoreControl

    CoreControl is designed for easy deployment using Docker. With a few simple steps, users can get their dashboard up and running quickly.

    Setting Up CoreControl

    To deploy CoreControl, use the following

    docker-compose.yml
    

    configuration:

    yaml

    services:
      web:
        image: haedlessdev/corecontrol:latest
        ports:
          - "3000:3000"
        environment:
          JWT_SECRET: RANDOM_SECRET # Replace with a secure random string
          DATABASE_URL: "postgresql://postgres:postgres@db:5432/postgres"
        depends_on:
          - db
          - agent
      agent:
        image: haedlessdev/corecontrol-agent:latest
        environment:
          DATABASE_URL: "postgresql://postgres:postgres@db:5432/postgres"
      db:
        image: postgres:17
        restart: always
        environment:
          POSTGRES_USER: postgres
          POSTGRES_PASSWORD: postgres
          POSTGRES_DB: postgres
        volumes:
          - postgres_data:/var/lib/postgresql/data
    volumes:
      postgres_data:
    

    Deployment Steps

    1. Install Docker & Docker Compose if you haven’t already.
    2. Copy the configuration above into a docker-compose.yml file.
    3. Open a terminal and navigate to the file’s location.
    4. Run the following command to start the CoreControl services:
    5. bash
    docker-compose up -d
    
    1. Once running, access CoreControl via
      http://localhost:3000
      .
    corecontrol-dashboad-screenshot
    corecontrol-dashboad-screenshot
    basicutils.com

    Default Login Credentials

    • Email: admin@example.com
    • Password: admin (change this immediately for security)

    The Future of CoreControl

    CoreControl is actively evolving, with upcoming features designed to enhance server management, application monitoring, and network visualization. Based on its roadmap, here’s what users can expect in future versions:

    1. Expanded Uptime Monitoring

    • Uptime history tracking – Users will be able to see trends in service availability over time.
    • Custom notifications – Alerts for performance issues or downtime, keeping administrators informed.

    2. Advanced Server Oversight

    • Simple server monitoring – More detailed insights into server health and resource usage.
    • Improved dashboard customization – Users will gain more flexibility in organizing widgets and data displays.

    3. Enhanced Network Visualization

    • Custom flowchart elements – Future updates will allow users to add network switches, routers, and other elements for better visualization.
    • Improved interactivity – A more intuitive way to manipulate network diagrams dynamically.

    4. Streamlined User Experience

    • Better search and filtering – Making it easier to find applications and servers within the dashboard.
    • Advanced settings controls – More options for personalizing uptime tracking and server data views.

    Comparing CoreControl to Popular Server Management Tools

    CoreControl is a lightweight, dashboard-driven solution, perfect for managing self-hosted environments, but lacks deep enterprise-grade monitoring found in tools like PRTG, Nagios, and Zabbix.

    PRTG, Nagios, and Zabbix shine in detailed performance monitoring, offering advanced metrics beyond CoreControl’s uptime tracking.

    ManageEngine OpManager and SolarWinds offer enterprise-scale infrastructure management, with automated workflows, predictive analytics, and broader system monitoring.

    CoreControl stands out in simplicity and elegant visualization, ideal for users who prefer a structured dashboard-style management system over complex monitoring configurations.

    FeatureCoreControlPRTG Network MonitorNagios XIZabbixManageEngine OpManagerSolarWinds Server & App Monitor
    Monitoring & AlertsReal-time uptime tracking for self-hosted apps; basic notifications (roadmap)Advanced monitoring (CPU, memory, network); customizable alertsComprehensive monitoring; advanced alertingDeep insights into infrastructure performanceExtensive monitoring capabilities; alert-based automationFull-stack performance monitoring with predictive analytics
    Customization & FlexibilityCustomizable dashboard with widgets; roadmap for extended featuresPre-built monitoring templates; flexible sensor configurationsHighly customizable configurations but steeper learning curveCustom scripts & templates for flexible monitoringGranular controls & automated workflowsRich customization for various server types
    Deployment & Ease of SetupSimple Docker-based setup; lightweight installationRequires local installation with complex sensor configurationsCan be complex to set up, especially for large-scale environmentsMore technical setup, requiring manual configurationEnterprise-grade solution with guided setupCloud-based and hybrid solutions; straightforward deployment
    Scalability & PerformanceDesigned for lightweight self-hosted setups ; roadmap for expanded monitoringScales well for enterprise networks but requires optimizationEnterprise-ready but requires careful scaling configurationsSuitable for large-scale monitoring but can be resource-intensiveBuilt for mid-to-large enterprise environmentsHigh scalability with cloud and hybrid infrastructure support

    Conclusion: CoreControl – A Structured Approach to Server Management

    CoreControl offers a refined, intuitive solution for managing server infrastructure, providing a centralized dashboard that simplifies oversight. With its server tracking, uptime monitoring, and network visualization, users gain clear insights into their environment while maintaining flexibility in customization.

    Looking ahead, upcoming features like enhanced notifications, uptime history, and improved network flowcharts promise even greater automation and efficiency. Whether you're an administrator managing multiple servers or a developer optimizing a self-hosted setup, CoreControl provides the tools necessary for organized, streamlined infrastructure management.

    About the Author

    Joseph Horace's photo

    Joseph Horace

    Horace is a dedicated software developer with a deep passion for technology and problem-solving. With years of experience in developing robust and scalable applications, Horace specializes in building user-friendly solutions using cutting-edge technologies. His expertise spans across multiple areas of software development, with a focus on delivering high-quality code and seamless user experiences. Horace believes in continuous learning and enjoys sharing insights with the community through contributions and collaborations. When not coding, he enjoys exploring new technologies and staying updated on industry trends.

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