Army.ca's Server Infrastructure Changes

[Bruce Monkhouse]

Yea,...I could go without hookers and blow for one weekend.

 

[tango22a]

Me Too!!

tango22a

 

[Edward Campbell]

Many here would not be adverse to "kicking in" per se if it substantially upgrades the server.....just saying..... ;D

:ditto:

 

[Mike Bobbitt]

OK, I've looked over the books and accounting for May's expenses (Internet service via the current provider) we have about $450 cash on hand. I was kind of hoping we were a little closer to that "big" server but if we save up I think we can get there. Part of the problem is that I spent our small surplus on inventory however those sales have been going well so I think that works out OK in the end.

Some details I didn't have time to fill in previously:

$600 initial cost server: 3.75 GB of memory, 1 virtual core, 410 GB of local instance storage, 32-bit or 64-bit platform
$1,200 initial cost server: 7.5 GB of memory, 2 virtual cores, 850 GB of local instance storage, 64-bit platform

What's more, once we make the initial cash layout, both of these options become significantly cheaper than our current host. They essentially become $50/month, vs. our current $200/month hosting fee. As you can see, we recoup that $600/$1,200 pretty fast. (4 months or 8 months depending on the plan.)

The downside is that in order to get this good monthly rate, we have to lock in for 3 years, so I want to be really sure we select the right server size now, as it has to last us until mid 2015. Given that, I would rather wait and save for the 'big' server than lock us in to a 'medium' server that will bottom out before the contract is up.

Those are my thoughts on it, I welcome any questions or discussion. I'll keep everyone updated on our financial progress as we move forward.


Thanks
Mike

 

[PuckChaser]

I think you've got a great plan and have covered yourself for future growth, especially with the Afghan Ops game eating into some of that server.

 

[Fishbone Jones]

Mike,

Give me an email that I can send a PayPal donation to.

 

[GAP]

While saving up, you are still paying $200/month.....I think as a group we can all do better than that and get the plan that does not bottom out before 2015.

It can't hurt to ask it of the membership

 

[Mike Bobbitt]

Agreed, there is some logic to that approach, so I'll encourage anyone who might be on the fence about a subscription to take a closer look. Not only do you get a cool shirt (which can be worn under your uniform!) and an Army.ca battle badge, but you would also be directly pushing the site towards a more sustainable future. And a much faster one too!

Another option that works well is advertising. We have a lot of unused ad space here - over 4 million unused impressions per month! If you know of anyone who might benefit from advertising to this focused audience, please send them my way. Although nobody 'likes' ads, it is a great way to financially support the site without tapping the membership.

P.S. Thanks recceguy for the generous donation, that pushes us ever closer to our goal!

 

[larry Strong]

Pm me to we're I can send a donation

 

[PMedMoe]

Pm me to we're I can send a donation

Me too.  :nod:

 

[Fishbone Jones]

You can send a PayPal donation to:

Milnet@Milnet.ca