Overview
This guide explains what a DreamPress plan is, what's included, and where to go for more information.
Background
DreamPress is DreamHost's managed WordPress hosting. It's a scalable service that allows users to manage their WordPress sites with simple pricing and the added benefits of server robustness, caching, and memory.
Behind the scenes, it combines different pieces of DreamHost's existing technology into a cohesive single unit. Below are all the details of this new service.
Getting started
Use the following links to quickly sign up and get started with DreamPress:
- Signing up for a new account — includes instructions on how to create a new DreamHost account with DreamPress as your site's hosting plan.
- Getting started — once you've added a DreamPress plan to your account, you can upgrade your WordPress site or add a brand-new website to DreamPress.
What's included in DreamPress
The following sections provide further details and restrictions on DreamPress plans.
Technical details
Since DreamPress resides on Nginx, it is not possible to make any configuration changes. Please contact support if you need to customize the nginx.conf file or make changes that would typically go in an .htaccess file.
Each DreamPress instance is set up on DreamHost's cloud computing service called OpenStack. A new DreamPress service:
- is provisioned automatically.
- disallows root, sudo, and FTP access (you can still log in via SFTP or SSH).
- comes installed with a free and secure Let's Encrypt certificate.
- can be adjusted to its available memory and storage based on the plan selected.
- includes the most recent (as well as the two previous) versions of WordPress Core (see version numbering for more information).
- includes any PHP version that WordPress recommends for its last three major releases.
Additionally, DreamHost has added built-in server caching, which:
- is set up automatically for the DreamPress customer.
- responds to web requests as a proxy in front of the Nginx and PHP WordPress stack.
- is extremely efficient at caching content.
- allows this setup to scale to very high levels of traffic.
- comes with a static IP.
Additional security enhancements
As mentioned above, all DreamPress plans include a free Let's Encrypt SSL certificate. For an additional fee, you can add a professionally-signed SSL certificate (such as Sectigo).
You can also add the DreamShield Website Security service to any DreamPress or DreamPress Plus plan (all DreamPress Pro plans include DreamShield at no additional cost).
Service restrictions
DreamPress is a managed WordPress service, which means DreamHost has restricted certain actions that users can take that could irreparably break their WordPress site.
Each DreamPress plan is configured for a single domain and a staging site. You can also mix and match it with Shared, VPS, and Dedicated Hosting.
Current restrictions
These are the following restrictions on DreamPress plans:
- No admin users or root SSH keys.
- No FTP access. One SFTP (optional SSH) user and the domain you choose is configured automatically.
- Unable to add or remove databases or hostnames. The database and hostname is created automatically for WordPress.
- Unable to add Wildcard DNS.
- Unable to delete the SSL certificate automatically installed.
- Unable to adjust HTTPS settings.
- Unable to directly add custom cache or .htaccess rules. You can contact support for assistance if your site requires either.
- Network (Multisite) installs are not supported.
- A small number of required plugins are auto-installed and updated by DreamHost.
- Cannot add Unique IP addresses.
User support
DreamPress includes support from some of DreamHost’s top tech support, who also have experience in WordPress. After intensive training and evaluation by in-house WordPress core contributors, they were selected as the best-in-class to represent DreamHost and WordPress and help you solve any problems with your DreamPress site. If they don’t know the answer, they know how to find someone who does.
That said, DreamHost support is not a replacement for an actual website developer (should you need one); DreamHost can help install/configure plugins but cannot create custom plugins or themes. Also, if a plugin or theme is causing problems, the only support DreamHost may be able to provide is to disable the plugin/theme and suggest alternatives.