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Server migration

Submitted by andrew on Thu, 2010-12-30 22:51

Server migration is complete!

We've now tested our main server out for a full month -- it has been running very well.

I was on the verge of moving the server over last Sunday but had second thoughts with the storm (and our datacenter's mixed record with losing power). Sure enough, I got an e-mail Monday morning saying that they had lost power and they were operating off their battery backup and their generator (which was actually great news, since it was their generator / transformer system that had failed last time). 

Now I think we are truly and finally very ready to move back to our main server (which will also help us out somewhat financially, since the server we are on now is expensive). I'll likely do this over the weekend.

Among the backup measures that will be in place after the move:

--Live, real time replication of the database to an offsite server (a instant carbon copy of the database) through a secure, encrypted SSH tunnel. Also, a daily synchronization of the server code, including all uploaded member files (such as avatars). The offsite server is also backed up daily by a commercial provider. This will enable a very quick switchover in case the main server goes offline due to a failure at the datacenter. 

--Primary database storage is on a solid state drive, which is significantly better at withstanding physical trauma than a mechanical drive (the primary advantage, however, is random access speed -- it is about 5-10x faster, which will help reduce loading time) 

--Twice daily database backup to a (brand new) mechanical hard drive (providing a historical record of several days worth of data, with at least a dozen or so once a week backups)

--Encrypted backup to a USB drive dangling from the server itself

--A regular backup of the server configuration itself, which will make migration to a new server easier in the event this is necessary 

You should notice a small speedup once we make the switch, but the difference in capacity will be much more important once we start allowing new members to join the site again.

Comments

Eduardo Cruz

Thu, 2010-12-30 23:20

Eduardo Cruz's picture

thank you so mch for the update looking forward to the move. you are a truly dedicated and relentless person. Bravo!!

LIFE ISN'T ABOUT WAITING FOR THE STORM TO PASS
IT'S ABOUT LEARNING HOW TO DANCE IN THE RAIN.
VIVIAN GREENE

crypticbard

Fri, 2010-12-31 02:16

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What an awesome start for the new year!

__________________________________________________
'write on! let these words free.'

andrew

Sun, 2011-01-02 01:49

andrew's picture
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Our primary mission is to be a poetry workshop, it's a far second (or third or so on) to be an archive of member poetry. We'd rather focus 100% on getting workshop features up and running first.

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Geezer

Fri, 2010-12-31 12:39

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I can hardly wait to see the results of this effort. You have shown more tenacity than white cat-hair on a black pair of pants ! This is going to be a truly awesome year ! Thank you for this gift , one of the two best I have recieved this holiday. ~ Geezer/Guy

There is value to commenting and critique, tell us how you feel about our work.
This must be the place, 'cause there ain't no place like this place anywhere near this place.

raj

Fri, 2010-12-31 13:13

I feel so happy that the hard work and ceaseless efforts of your entire team is finally paying off....my very best wishes for a successfull launch as well as A Very Bright, Happy, Healthy, Prosperous, Peacefull New Year for everyone here at Neopoet...

raj (sublime_ocean)

Blue_Halcyon

Fri, 2010-12-31 17:12

Blue_Halcyon's picture

I know you're working very hard Andrew, and I hate to ask you this, do we have any idea of when the "go live" date will be for the regular site? Another poetry site that I'm a part of is closing down, and I'm trying to promote this site as a new home for the displaced poets.

It is such a secret place, the land of tears. ~Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

andrew

Fri, 2010-12-31 17:13

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We might be able to work something out. We haven't yet decided on the timeline but it's possible we can open membership to those displaced by another site.

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Psyve

Sun, 2011-01-02 02:07

Psyve's picture

May I add my voice of thanks to that of the others above for all your yoeman service ?
And I wish you a very Happy New Year.
Hope its a good one for you and all friends at Neopoet.

Psyve

andrew

Sun, 2011-01-02 02:25

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Thank you! You too.

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Psyve

Sun, 2011-01-02 08:05

Psyve's picture

Where did the "Messages" dropdown menu go?

As of today, I have not been able to see that option anywhere. All the earlier Dropdown Menus that one got when one clicked on on "Workshop" or "Tools" etc, too seem to have gone.

Any hints?

Kailashana2

Sun, 2011-01-02 08:14

Andrew, I don't know how you do it, you also work full time if I remember correctly.

Now perhaps would be an opportune time to collect funds again.

Are the links open to paypal? Would you please post it again, and/or an address to which donations can be sent?

Are we going to reissue the NEOPOET shirt for additional funds?

Thanks, Andrew (and Paul) for not giving up on your dream.

~A

magics02

Sun, 2011-01-02 16:50

For all the work you both do and many others here that we may continue to support our writing endeavors with each other and learn and learn. Proud of both of you for what you did here.

Happy New Year

Mona Magics

Blue_Halcyon

Tue, 2011-01-04 07:56

Blue_Halcyon's picture

I take it you guys are working on the site this morning. The top menu bar is all wonky. Instead of the topics being horizontal across the top, they're stacked and listed vertically.

It is such a secret place, the land of tears. ~Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

Psyve

Fri, 2011-01-07 05:46

Psyve's picture

I suddenly have the same problem as Serena above: this morning i could only access the front page. The top bar is missing suddenly.
Cant access anything else from my desktop.
Psyve

Kailashana2

Fri, 2011-01-07 09:09

Me three. ;-(

~A

andrew

Fri, 2011-01-07 17:57

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Fixed!

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Psyve

Sun, 2011-01-09 14:26

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Thank you, Andrew!

RSScheerer

Sat, 2011-01-08 13:40

RSScheerer's picture

I can only imagine the work you must be doing and how crazy things have been since the crash. It is good to see Neopoet again, and this is only possible because of the devotion behind the scenes.

Best
~ Ronda

chumfin

Fri, 2011-01-21 11:53

chumfin's picture

it would not be out of place to call you and your grat team of wonderful minds here OUR HEROES. you have all done humanity a great good for making neopoet live again. i came to discover its not jus asite but an entity which lives in our minds.
i would also hope that in the spirit of newness all our expelled friend will be called back to be a part of the newness in the neopoet family?, it will sure heal and save a lot

best regards

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