[wplug-internet] More Hosting Information

[curlynoodle at gmail.com]

Michael H. Semcheski wrote:
> Hey Everybody,
> 
> So, I've been thinking about things and haven't come to a conclusion.
> A couple of things:
> 
> 1) Pair stepped up to offer us 10 free mailing lists, 1.5GB of space,
> 10 mysql databases on FreeBSD 6.2 for $15.  Do we really want or need
> more?


As Beth Lynn mentioned at the meeting, currently Pair is making the mailing 
lists available at no additional cost.  However, they reserve the right to begin 
charging for them at anytime (price).


> 2) Another virtual hosting service is slicehost.com.  They offer xen
> vm's for about the same price as linode.com, but they do offer backup
> images for an additional fee.


Certainly up for consideration.  Slicehost and Linode TOS and AUP appear (at a 
glance) similar.  Level of service, ?


> 3) Especially if we do go with a virtual host, we need to come up with
> a maintenance schedule.  I.e., people to periodically and dependably
> install updates, patch software, read logs.


I feel we need at least two admins to oversee any chosen solution to provide 
adequate checks and balances.  In addition, we can pool volunteers and assign a 
team of two to address patches, log review, etc. on a weekly, monthly, quarterly 
basis.  I submit myself for this pool.


> I'm thinking the way to do this might be to request funding from the
> board for virtual hosting and shared hosting..  I think virtual
> hosting is really neat, and I'd really like to try it.  The rational
> part of my brain says that in the long run, shared hosting at pair is
> the way to go.


I will allow those responsible to speak up here, but it seem to me that WPLUG 
have had few issues administering private systems.  As such, I vote for trying 
the VPS to maintain flexibility to add new & tweak features and services in the 
future.

Regards,
Dave Kraus