I am tasked to evaluate some ad servers for corporate use and I couldn’t shrug phpAdnew from my mind.  I know we’re going for free applications whenever necessary.  At least that’s what been highly recommended after an informal interview with my network manager (he’s such a nice guy). With the recession and all, I’m all for open-source too, but with a big community base and proper, highly responsive forum help as well.

Now phpAdnew ad server was recommended to me by an ex-colleague by Marketing. I took it up reluctantly, as I wasn’t given a chance to find one that suits me, but I was amazed at how quick it had been to set it up.  It took me only 2 days to learn how to use the system and get familiarized with the engine.  I fell in love with it fully.  That was three, four years ago.  phpAdnew has gone through some management as well as name changes but the engine is still the same.  It had evolved to become openAds (I totally skipped this one) and now OpenX.  The difference with now than before is, I have full control of the server and full control of the installation and test.  Nevermind if I’m not given enough privileges by the company to set it up.  I always have my own server.  Hey, I’m a webmaster right?

I’m not going to explain in details how it works.  I recently found out that Google released its’ own beta version of Ad Manager and the cybernews hoohaa said that it could break OpenX.  However, I beg to differ.  Not everyone is comfortable with sharing advertisers.  There will be some degree of control needed by a knowing Webmaster.  Hence OpenX is still my best option.  It’s written in PHP and it’s free!!  Isn’t it like a dream come true?

Here’s the interface:

OpenX Ad Server

Of course, if you want to get started on the basic of online advertising and how to setup banners and campaigns, Google Ad Manager has this really nifty guide.  I know it’s not OpenX, but hey the concept is still the same!