Web Virtual Hosts
URL shortening and link management services
The Stanford Virtual Host service lets you replace a long, unwieldy URL with one that is shorter and more descriptive of your website's content.
These virtual URLs help people remember how to get to your website and make it easier for them to type its URL into their browser. For example, a URL like emailcalendar.stanford.edu/ is easier to type and quicker to identify than uit.stanford.edu/service/emailcalendar.
Two types of virtual hosts are available:
- Vanity URLs (redirects) — the real URL of your website is displayed in the browser window after people arrive at your website.
- Proxy — the virtual URL stays in the browser window after people arrive at your website.
The Virtual Host service is available only to departments, research groups, and university-recognized student organizations. Virtual URLs can not be linked to an individual's personal web page. See the Stanford.EDU Name Assignment Policy for full details.
Vanity URLs vs. Proxies: What's the difference?
| Feature | Vanity URLs (Redirects) | Proxy |
|---|---|---|
| Replaces a long web address with one that is shorter and more descriptive | Included | Included |
| Can specify a PTS group owner so that multiple users have permission to edit a virtual host's settings | Included | |
| Workgroup integration | Included | |
| Can specify the features you want for your virtual URL on the request form, such as WebAuth (depreciated) requirements | Included | |
| Add additional short URLs | Included | |
| Learn more | Vanity URL Service | Virtual Host Proxy Service |
