Researchers Seek Low-Cost Hosting Solutions for Open Access Journals
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Vancouver, BC – November 8, 2023 – A growing number of academic journals are turning to Open Journal Systems (OJS) to facilitate open access publishing, but limited funding presents a important hurdle for many. A recent discussion on the Public Knowledge Project (PKP) forum highlights the difficulty researchers face in securing affordable hosting for their journals, particularly those operating with minimal financial resources.
The Challenge of Affordable OJS Hosting
daniel, a researcher seeking hosting for a small journal, initiated the conversation, expressing the need for specific hosting requirements when self-managing an OJS installation. Conventional recommendations often point to dedicated OJS hosting providers, but these services are frequently beyond the reach of journals with constrained budgets.
PKPS Guidance and Essential Requirements
Roger, a member of the PKP team at Simon Fraser University, responded, clarifying that while PKP offers its own hosting services (https://pkp.sfu.ca/hosting-services/), it remains committed to neutrality and does not endorse specific third-party providers. He directed daniel – and now readers – to PKP’s documentation outlining the essential server environment requirements for OJS. These include:
- Web Server: Apache or Nginx are recommended.
- PHP Version: PHP 7.4 or higher is required, with 8.1 or higher strongly suggested for optimal performance and security.
- Database: MySQL/MariaDB 5.7 or higher, or PostgreSQL 12 or higher.
- PHP Extensions: Specific extensions like mbstring, curl, GD, XML, and zip are crucial for OJS functionality.
- Disk space: Minimum 500MB, but 1GB or more is recommended, depending on journal size and anticipated growth.
- Bandwidth: Sufficient bandwidth to accommodate journal traffic and file downloads.
- SSH Access: Needed for updates and troubleshooting.
Beyond the Basics: Considerations for Choosing a Host
The PKP documentation emphasizes the importance of conducting thorough research when selecting a hosting provider.Key factors to consider include:
- Scalability: Can the hosting plan accommodate future growth in submissions and readership?
- Security: Does the provider offer robust security measures, including firewalls and regular backups?
- Support: Is reliable technical support available to assist with any issues that may arise?
- Uptime Guarantee: A high uptime guarantee ensures consistent accessibility of the journal.
Finding Affordable Options
While dedicated OJS hosting remains an option, researchers are encouraged to explore general web hosting providers that meet the technical requirements. comparing pricing plans and features from companies like Bluehost, HostGator, and SiteGround (tho not specifically endorsed by PKP) can reveal cost-effective solutions. Self-hosting, while requiring more technical expertise, is also a viable choice for those with the necesary resources.
The PKP forum serves as a valuable resource for connecting with other OJS users and perhaps discovering recommendations from peers. However, due to forum guidelines prohibiting advertising, direct endorsements are not permitted.
Call to action: Researchers seeking affordable OJS hosting are encouraged to consult the PKP documentation and conduct independent research to find a solution that aligns with their budget and technical capabilities.
