The “web hosting” service, which is operated by our partner FH Aachen and provided to RWTH institutions, will be discontinued as of November 1, 2026.
A transition process initiated at FH Aachen has led to the conclusion that continuing to offer this service is no longer economically viable compared to the available cloud-based alternatives. In addition, the various cloud-based alternatives cover a wider range of functions.
All websites hosted via this service will be taken offline and deleted at that time. Background information and FAQs can be found on the documentation portal IT Center Help.
If a website continues operating beyond November 1, 2026, it is necessary to migrate to another web hosting provider in a timely manner.
Existing domains and subdomains can remain in place. However, after the data has been migrated to an alternative web hosting service, the domains and subdomains must also be transferred. Please contact the IT-ServiceDesk at the appropriate time to arrange for the transfer.
The following options are available:
1. Using the ZHV offer
Departmental websites in RWTH’s corporate design, as well as microsites for conferences and projects, can be created using RWTH’s central CMS. For further information and assistance, please contact the ZHV Helpdesk.
2.
Setting up blogs
Blogs can still be hosted via the central RWTHblog service. This service is particularly suitable for editorial content or ongoing publications.
3.
Setting up your own web server solution
In addition, you have the option of setting up your own hosting solution, for example using the “Virtual Server Hosting” service. In this case, you are responsible for the operation and administration of the server.
4.
Using GitLab Pages
Websites can also be hosted via GitLab Pages on the git.nrw and git-ce instances. This option is particularly well-suited for static websites and documentation.
5. Switching to a commercial web hosting provider
Alternatively, an external provider may be contracted. An overview of potentially suitable providers is available on the documentation portal IT Center Help.
When contracting external service providers, RWTH’s applicable procurement guidelines must be observed.
Procurement of the alternative offer
An attempt was made to expand existing framework agreements to include a web hosting service, but unfortunately it was not successful. Some of the listed offers have already been successfully procured; the remaining offers have been preliminarily reviewed to the extent possible. However, an assessment of individual needs remains essential.
At the same time, another attempt is being made to conclude a separate framework agreement for web hosting services. We will inform you of this in a timely manner.