AWStats Deprecation Announced in Plesk Obsidian v18.0.79
Plesk has officially announced the deprecation of AWStats with the release of Plesk Obsidian version 18.0.79. This change means that AWStats will no longer be included in new installations of Plesk servers, marking a significant shift in the tools available for web analytics within the platform.
Despite this change, existing users can continue to utilize AWStats on their current servers without any interruption. This decision allows current users to maintain their workflows while Plesk transitions towards more modern alternatives.
Webalizer’s Future in Plesk
Alongside the deprecation of AWStats, Plesk will continue to offer Webalizer for new installations on Windows systems. However, Webalizer faces limitations on recent Linux distributions, such as AlmaLinux 10 and Debian 13, where it is no longer packaged. As a result, while existing installations of both AWStats and Webalizer will remain functional, new installations may not have access to these tools depending on the operating system.
- Plesk will not proactively remove Webalizer from existing setups.
- The availability of Webalizer will diminish over time as older operating systems reach their end-of-life support.
On Windows systems, users can still rely on Webalizer as a viable option for web statistics analysis. This continued support ensures that users who prefer this tool can still benefit from its features without immediate concern.
Transitioning to Modern Tools
The recent updates reflect Plesk’s commitment to providing a secure and efficient hosting environment by phasing out tools that are no longer actively maintained or widely supported. As part of this transition, Plesk is encouraging users to consider adopting GoAccess, a modern web log analyzer that offers improved performance and ongoing support.
For those who heavily depend on AWStats or Webalizer, there is no immediate need for action since existing installations remain operational. However, users are advised to explore GoAccess if they are looking for enhanced capabilities and long-term support options.
For guidance on configuring web statistics for domains within Plesk, users can refer to the official knowledge base article provided by Plesk.
Support During Transition
Plesk’s support team is available to assist users during this transition period. Those with questions about the deprecation of AWStats or the future of Webalizer are encouraged to reach out for guidance. The team is prepared to help navigate any challenges that may arise as users adjust to these changes.
What This Means for Users
The deprecation of AWStats signifies a broader shift towards more modern analytics tools within the Plesk ecosystem. While existing functionalities remain intact for current users, it highlights the importance of adapting to newer technologies like GoAccess that promise better performance and support moving forward.
This transition offers an opportunity for web administrators and developers to reassess their analytics needs and consider integrating more robust solutions into their workflows. Embracing these changes can lead to improved data insights and enhanced management capabilities in an increasingly complex digital landscape.
For more information, read the original report here.
