<< I recall asking on the ancient boards how would one go about getting a custom control panel? From who? Where? >>
Kevin, getting custom control panels .... well, it's easy finding the company to make one, it's hard paying them and it's hard making it. It also depends, do you want them to start from scratch or start off using their base as a control panel under GPL?
<< Creating a control panel is hard and will take months of work. I know some friends that are creating a game server panel and in 6 months of work that led to 60% completion. I would consider buying one instead. >>
HostBlue, it is true that creating a control panel will take months - most likely years even if you want it stable and reliable. My company is planning to create a control panel, we are going to base ours on a GPL one - meaning the base is already done, although it has absolutely no features... however I'm expecting for the control panel to be finished in only 12 months, so I can say your friends must be very lucky having theirs 60% complete after 6 months.
It is true, creating a control panel is hard and takes a very long time, however that by no means you must purchase one... let Kevin, if he wants to, create one. I'm having some of my employees create a control panel because I want my company to be different, and if you make it extremely good - you can even sell it.