Joshua Penix wrote:
> On Dec 18, 2006, at 8:14 PM, Andrew Lentvorski wrote:
>
>> Personally, I would think that Joshua probably has the best
>> perspective on ordering and maintaining a small server.
>
> Just to confirm, we're talking about replacing the current web server
> that I keep in my colo, not the one that goes to installfests, right?
Yes
>> If he is willing, I would let him make the server choice and then
>> have folks votes yay/nay.
>
> I'd be happy to put together specs for something cost effective and
> functional. I'd request that it be a 1U machine so that its
> footprint on colo space is minimal.
I think that a 1U is probably appropriate for our needs.
> I do have to ask, just for discussion - is it worth it for the club
> to actually OWN a physical server versus rent something from a
> reliable webhost? The machine currently hosts our mailing lists and
> web site - something that could be done practically anywhere (though
> the use of Plone would infer using either Plone-friendly hosting or a
> virtual server setup where we get full root and system control).
> Yes, a few people use it for other personal shell functions... but if
> we could instead spend say ~$30/mo and get hosted, would that be a
> better choice vs. spending $1000-1500 on a server?
I'm not sure. We have kept out own server, because we could and
because originaly all the hardware was donated. The reason that the
topic of a new server came up, is because we have plenty of money in
our treasury. The fact that it is in a colo facility where a member
can actually go and touch the machine, gives me a warm fuzzy feeling.
:-) I don't know how others feel. Also, with many different people
managing the server, someone is almost always available to do
something on it when the need arises. I don't know if any of this
would change with a rented server.
The other question I have about rented hosting is security upgrades.
The people that admin the server aren't perfect, but I think we do a
pretty good job of keeping the server patched. I have less confidence
in a hosting provider.
I'm interested in hearing more discussion about this.
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