What is Open Web Analytics?
Open Web Analytics (OWA) is an open-source web analytics software that provides insights into website usage and behavior. It is designed to be highly customizable and extensible, making it a popular choice among developers and IT teams. OWA can be used to track website traffic, monitor user behavior, and analyze conversion rates, among other things.
Main Features
Some of the key features of Open Web Analytics include:
- Web analytics: OWA provides detailed reports on website traffic, including page views, unique visitors, and bounce rates.
- Event tracking: OWA allows you to track specific events on your website, such as form submissions, button clicks, and video plays.
- Goal tracking: OWA enables you to set and track goals, such as completing a purchase or filling out a form.
- A/B testing: OWA allows you to run A/B tests to compare different versions of your website and determine which one performs better.
Installation Guide
System Requirements
Before installing Open Web Analytics, make sure your system meets the following requirements:
- PHP 7.2 or later
- MySQL 5.6 or later
- Apache 2.4 or later
Step-by-Step Installation
Here are the steps to install Open Web Analytics:
- Download the latest version of OWA from the official website.
- Extract the downloaded file to a directory on your web server.
- Run the installation script by accessing the OWA directory in your web browser.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
Technical Specifications
Ports Used by Open Web Analytics
Open Web Analytics uses the following ports:
| Port | Protocol | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 80 | HTTP | Default port for HTTP traffic |
| 443 | HTTPS | Default port for HTTPS traffic |
Hardening Checklist for Admins and IT Teams
Here are some security best practices to harden your Open Web Analytics installation:
- Use a secure password for the admin account.
- Limit access to the OWA directory using file system permissions.
- Configure the firewall to only allow incoming traffic on the necessary ports.
- Regularly update OWA to the latest version.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Some of the advantages of using Open Web Analytics include:
- Highly customizable and extensible.
- Free and open-source.
- Supports multiple databases and web servers.
Cons
Some of the disadvantages of using Open Web Analytics include:
- Steep learning curve due to complex configuration options.
- May require additional development resources for customization.
- Not as user-friendly as some commercial alternatives.
FAQ
What is the difference between Open Web Analytics and other open-source options?
Open Web Analytics is unique in its highly customizable and extensible architecture, making it a popular choice among developers and IT teams. However, other open-source options like Piwik and Matomo may offer more user-friendly interfaces and easier setup processes.
Can I download Open Web Analytics for free?
Yes, Open Web Analytics is completely free and open-source. You can download it from the official website and use it for personal or commercial purposes.
How does Open Web Analytics compare to commercial web analytics tools?
Open Web Analytics offers many of the same features as commercial web analytics tools, but at no cost. However, commercial tools may offer more advanced features, better support, and easier setup processes. Ultimately, the choice between Open Web Analytics and a commercial tool depends on your specific needs and resources.