FQuest Announce: NOC Move Date Set

[Deb]

The Date has now been set for the NOC Move.[nbsp][nbsp]If you have not already viewed the thread concerning this new location, you should click here (http://www.aota.net/ubb/Forum4/HTML/000396-1.html) now.[nbsp][nbsp]As a site owner, it is important that you are informed concerning the facilities your web site(s) are serviced from.

FutureQuest will be physically moving all of the servers from our current location to the new location on September 3rd, 2000.[nbsp][nbsp]

The move will begin on Sunday morning, September 3rd, at approximately 1am EST and should be completed by 12pm (noon) the same day.

Once the move is completed your website(s) will be in a Class A Facility with much larger more redundant connectivity!

The IP address your site currently resides on will be changing as well.[nbsp][nbsp]If you run scripts, that require the IP address to be defined, you will need to make these updates.[nbsp][nbsp]Your current IP address looks like 208.243.19.??? (where ??? is the last two or three digits).

Your new IP address will be 63.95.221.??? where ??? will be the same as they are now.[nbsp][nbsp]So if your current IP address is 208.243.19.200 it will change to 63.95.221.200 notice the first three octets change while the last octet remains the same.[nbsp][nbsp]Those on shared IPs will remain on shared IPs and those on Dedicated IPs will remain on Dedicated IPs at this point.[nbsp][nbsp]As noted in our previous post (http://www.aota.net/ubb/Forum4/HTML/000396-1.html) concerning the move, nothing will be immediately changing in that area.[nbsp][nbsp]If you are unsure what your current IP address is, you can find this information within the Server Info section of your CNC.

Though your IP address is changing, you should *not* worry about propagation![nbsp][nbsp]Andrew Gillespie, your System Administrator, has built multiple tunneling servers that will redirect traffic automagically to your new location.[nbsp][nbsp]If for some reason a visitor to your site is not seeing your current location, the tunnel servers will bring the site to them anyway![nbsp][nbsp]FutureQuest has gone through great pains and a tremendous amount of time working towards a smooth and "uneventful" transition for each of the sites we proudly host.[nbsp][nbsp]As a test, Aota.net was moved using the Tunnel Servers during prime time.[nbsp][nbsp]Not a single complaint was brought to our attention during the move and not one visitor appeared to have a problem. :)

NOTE: All accounts on the DEEDEE server are already in the new NOC.[nbsp][nbsp]This move will not affect any accounts on DEEDEE.

What you can expect:

1. At approximately 1am EST September 3rd all servers will be shutdown to be prepped for the move.[nbsp][nbsp]Your web site(s) will not be available at this time.

2. The servers will be transported and wired up at the new location, and the tunnel servers will be turned on.

3. By noon the same day all services should be back online and fully operational with all data intact.

FutureQuest will still be available to you during the move.[nbsp][nbsp]http://www.AOTA.net has already been moved to the new NOC and will remain fully operational before, during, and after the move.[nbsp][nbsp]The Service Desk, http://Service.FutureQuest.net/ will also remain on-line during the move.[nbsp][nbsp]During the move, if you require support, it is best to send your request from the Service Desk web site rather than emailing it in.[nbsp][nbsp]General Email may not be available during the move, however requests received from the web site will be received and responded to accordingly.[nbsp][nbsp]Any email that cannot be delivered during the move (including that of your web site(s)) will be placed into a queue and delivered once the servers are back online in their new location.[nbsp][nbsp]No Data Loss is expected of any kind.

At this point your web site(s) will be being delivered through a DS-3 directly connected to 4 OC-48s (the equivalent of an OC-192!) from a Class A Network Operations Center!

FutureQuest, Inc.
Http://www.FutureQuest.net

[JohnD]

As I understand this, it means my web site will appear "dead" to my customers for about 12 hours on Sunday, Sept. 3.

Please tell me I misunderstand, and that customers trying to access my web site during that time will be able to do so.

------------------
John Dunn
Algorithmic Arts
http://algoart.com

[Deb]

You understand correctly.[nbsp][nbsp]We assume it wont take quite that long but to be safe it is best to let who you can know now that beginning at 1am EST on Sunday Sept. 3rd the site will be unavailable until it is hooked up at the new location.[nbsp][nbsp]It should be back online and fully operational by noon the same day.

We chose to do this in the wee hours of a weekend morning as this is the time most of the sites receive the least amount of traffic.

Deb
[nbsp]- The price we pay for beauty

[Terra]

"dead" I can assure you that no animals, humans, or inanimate objects will be harmed, in any way whatsoever, during the upgrade process...

;)

--
Terra
--Tis a time to rejoice and celebrate the forward momentum--
FutureQuest

[wolfstalks]

Wow, Moving day is almost here.[nbsp][nbsp]I know the "FQ" staff is very excited about this as well as most site owners that have followed all the upgrades that will be possible because of the move.[nbsp][nbsp]I, like most others, I am sure, are never happy about down time but knowing in advance as well as knowing the scope of the move and the intended benefits will make this one down time that I am almost looking forward to.[nbsp][nbsp]
Oh, I see Deb's been shopping again ""QuestAlert.net" very cool way to notify us about the important post at the Forums!!![nbsp][nbsp];)

Have a Good One and be sure all eyes will be on "FQ" next weekend.
Bob

"FurtureQuest" on it's Quest for a new home, the Quest is almost over!

[mlbfan]

Congratulations on the move and I hope and wish you the best.

Running a website is work enough. Whenever it gets trying (and with nearly 2,000 pages now it DOES get trying) I just remember that you are running a website AND the hardware / software for the servers!

I sure am happy there are hosts (and especially ones like yourself).

Sean
http://www.baseball-almanac.com
Sharing Baseball - Sharing History

PS: If any of this has made you smile please consider putting my site's server online first :-)

[BOF]

Thank you for the timely advice about the downtime - your consideration is appreciated.[nbsp][nbsp]I for one will try to keep contacts at a minmum during this critical period - I'm sure you'll have enough to keep you busy!!
Good luck with the move (although I doubt that luck will figure in it too much :) ) and I hope that all goes smoothly for you.
Chris

[julieA]

:) Thanks for the notice. I am looking forward to FQ's continuing success because it is looking forward to my own as well. Service is not just a word at Futurequest. It's a habit.
sincerely happy, julieA
------------------
mother of eight, wife of one...

[jojo14]

Does this mean we wont get our e-mail also?[nbsp]

[Paul]

Jojo14..

While there will be no delivery of email during the time the servers are being moved, all email will be placed into a queue and delivered once the servers are back online in the new NOC.

Thanks,

FutureQuest, Inc.
Paul Hale, PR/HR

[wolfstalks]

jojo, Deb addressed that in her information at the top of the page,
--
Deb said "Any email that cannot be delivered during the move (including that of your web site(s)) will be placed into a queue and delivered once the servers are back online in their new location.[nbsp][nbsp]No Data Loss is expected of any kind."
--
Hope this helps.
Bob

[Melprophet]

I'm sure a silly question, but is UBB one of those scripts that will need to be modified?

[bullseye]

Not having any knowledge of how complicated this might be, I'm going to innocently ask:

Would it be possible to keep a single server runing at the old center during the move with the sole function of redirecting all requests for the 208.243.19.??? IPs to a single default page that contained a short explanation for the unavailability of all these sites?

I know you're trying to make this as painless as possible, but if 12 hours of Page Not Found errors can be avoided it would be nice.

--
Bob[nbsp][nbsp]

[This message has been edited by bullseye (edited 08-26-00@10:16 am)]

[Steve]

Despite the inconvenience to my users, I'm cheering the move.[nbsp][nbsp]I know that in today's hosting environment, those who don't constantly add capacity and upgrades will be left behind.[nbsp][nbsp]I'm glad I'm trusting my sites to a host that is spending the money to stay on top.


------------------
www.childpastlives.org (http://www.childpastlives.org)
www.bizwriting.com (http://www.bizwriting.com)[nbsp][nbsp]

[Quitnow]

Thanks for the information on the move.[nbsp][nbsp]At least I can put a notice on the site for any who may see it.

Is there any way to redirect requests for our domain name to a page on another server so we can either put up another site or just a page saying the site is down?

[Deb]

is UBB one of those scripts that will need to be modified? Not that I know of.[nbsp][nbsp]we haven't installed any of the newer versions but last I checked no... Would it be possible to keep a single server running at the old center during the move with the sole function of redirecting all requests for the 208.243.19.??? IPs to a single default page that contained a short explanation for the unavailability of all these sites? No, not really.[nbsp][nbsp]We would have to leave name servers intact to handle every account currently hosted and to redirect visitors to this single page, would only delay their viewing of the new location with your full websites on them not to mention making the task much more complex and adding propagation to the situation.[nbsp][nbsp]

The shutdown time will actually help by allowing the visitor's cache to timeout without allowing them to recache old entries during the move. When the servers are brought back online with the Tunnels active they will be able to immediately see your websites fully operational as they should be.[nbsp][nbsp]Going the other way around would cause more of your visitors to be "lost in space" viewing a temp page while others are viewing your site (same affect as transferring a domain name).[nbsp][nbsp]Using the tunnel system we can make this move virtually painless and not risk losing visitors for days at a time.

The Tunnels will eliminate propagation.[nbsp][nbsp]As soon as they are brought online visitors will be automagically redirected without anyone noticing.[nbsp][nbsp]This was tested right here on the forums during prime time and no one seemed to notice the move at all.[nbsp][nbsp]The reason for the long time frame given for the move is mainly for take down, transfer, and setup time.[nbsp][nbsp]E.g. we need to physically unplug the servers, pull them down, transfer them to the new location and rehook them back up.[nbsp][nbsp]In a perfect world anyone who sleeps in the night (EST) and has breakfast before coming online wont even noticed it happened.... for those of us who don't sleep or live on the opposite side of the time clock, yes we'll notice and thus the warning that it may take a while.[nbsp][nbsp]I'd much rather no one plan on anything until around noon and be early than promise everyone 6 hours or less and have it take 12.[nbsp][nbsp]What I do know is that if we were to redirect your visitors all over the place the move would end up taking much longer than anyone could accept.[nbsp][nbsp]I've seen too many "broken NOC moves" and do *not* want to be a part of that.

Redirecting to another server wouldn't really help as they will be trying to get to your current server and during the move it wont be there to redirect them.[nbsp][nbsp]Transferring the domain name would take longer than the move itself.[nbsp][nbsp]The best option is really to put a notice up now letting them know you're upgrading and will be back as soon as possible on Sunday morning.[nbsp][nbsp]For most this is a slow time.[nbsp][nbsp]I realize *any* time is a bad time, but I do feel the benefits will outweigh the pains...

Deb
[nbsp]- We'll apply a local anesthetic for the pain.

[gypsy420]

Thanks for the heads up guys, I'm glad to see that your growing. I'm not gonna sweat the 12 hours, you've done some good turns for me. Good luck on the move.
------------------
Jerry Vega
www.3rdearth.com (http://www.3rdearth.com)
What you want to overcome you must first submit to...

[mouselady]

Thanks for your email about this.[nbsp][nbsp]I'll let my clients know and avoid any confusion.[nbsp][nbsp]

I don't know whether to say "break a leg", "blow a fuse" or just "Best wishes for a smooth transition". Anyway, I'll sleep with fingers crossed that night.
------------------
Take care,
[nbsp][nbsp][nbsp][nbsp][nbsp][nbsp][nbsp][nbsp] KAT

[jojo14]

Ok... that makes sense.[nbsp][nbsp]And luckily it's not a problem for me anyway.[nbsp][nbsp]I gotta tell ya if it means upgrades I'm all for it.[nbsp][nbsp]Futurequest has provided such excellent service and support I really can't complain.[nbsp]

[eunice]

>>will redirect traffic automagically

was this a typo?[nbsp][nbsp]I always thought you guys had some magic going for you...
------------------
--Laurie

[Justin]

You will find the word automagic throughout the FutureQuest and Aota sites. Not a typo at all - it's simply the magic of FutureQuest at work :)

------------------
Justin Nelson
FutureQuest (http://www.FutureQuest.net/index.php) Support

[Juan G]

Interesting, the new FQuest's location:

FQ Announce- In RE: To Site Owner Wish List
http://www.aota.net/ubb/Forum4/HTML/000396-1.html

Good work. :)

[Nicole]

This is an extraordinary community I find myself in.[nbsp][nbsp]A 12-hour shutdown, and everyone is congratulating FQ on the upgrade, with nary a single beef about the downtime.[nbsp][nbsp]It says a lot for the goodwill FQ has built up with its clients, and confirms the recommendation that brought me here, and the comfortable "feel" I get from reading the postings to the Forum.

Keep up the good work!

A Contented Nicole. :)

[Marco]

I don't want to sound paranoid, but what happens if the truck (or whatever you use to move the hardware to the new location) crashes? Are we both out of business or is there some back-out plan?
<!-- NO_AUTO_LINK -->
------------------
Marco Kalter

[Deb]

If the hardware is damaged then it can be replaced easily with what we have in stock.[nbsp][nbsp]Off site backup prevents data loss so recovery of your data would not be a problem.

Now if my husband, your Sys Admin, is lost that is a problem and I doubt I'll be coming to work for a while.[nbsp][nbsp]I would simply make your data available to you for download and it would need to be transferred to another host.

Catastrophe is always something that *could* happen.[nbsp][nbsp]On the business side, your data is safe.[nbsp][nbsp]On a personal side he's insured but I really would rather not plan on that type of situation much more than I already have.

Deb
[nbsp]- Be Prepared, but don't stop moving forward.

[Terra]

Last time I was in K-Mart, they were having a Blue Light special on baby seats - so I bought all the servers one...

I will make sure that all servers are strapped in real tight...

As for me, I will be wearing flame retardent underwear - and the same shining suit of armor that delivered me safely to Deb...[nbsp][nbsp]This armor has stood the test of time, and has also endured the many thousands of miles required to reach our current destination...

--
Terra
--Simple logic really: Maintain a local backup of your data, in case we should be reduced to a smouldering pile of non-recoverable ashes--
FutureQuest

[YFS200]

I say we all pitch in and buy Terra a Brinks truck. Nothing quite like 3 inches of solid steel to protect ya.:)

I hope your current "shining suit of armor" is not riding on a popular type of tire that likes to randomly swell up and litter the highway. You see the fine for littering lately? $271 bucks here.

YFS200
--I wonder what Bill Gates drives.[nbsp]

[Lauran]

We have some MySQL databases with our website ... will these be moved as well, or will they not be affected?[nbsp][nbsp]One of these is an online registration area, and it is very important that it be available as soon as possible.

Thanks very much!

Lauran

[Dan Kaplan]

I say we all pitch in and buy Terra a Brinks truck. Nothing quite like 3 inches of solid steel to protect ya. If you're looking to strike it rich, and you see a car and an armored truck driving down the road, which one are you going to hit?[nbsp][nbsp];)

No, I say we get Terra a Pinto with a modified rear bumper.[nbsp][nbsp]Better yet, let Justin rebuild the bumper into a dipolar mp3 subwoofer.[nbsp][nbsp]Video shielded, of course.[nbsp][nbsp]Tinted windows so no one can see all the futuristic children playing in the back.[nbsp][nbsp]What could be lower profile???

We'll also need to build him a private tunnel to go with all this tunneling he's been doing of late, unless he's already done that, too, without a single person in the forum noticing or complaining his absence or suspicious ground tremors.[nbsp][nbsp]What was that about mastering run-on sentences?[nbsp][nbsp]Your next task is to master run-down sentences...[nbsp][nbsp]:)

Dan

[Justin]

Lauran: Your databases will move at the same time. This is one of the main reasons we are moving all servers at once rather than one at a time.

Dan - why would you want video shielding in a car? I don't see the benefit, and you end up with a smaller magnet on the sub... ;)

------------------
Justin Nelson
FutureQuest (http://www.FutureQuest.net/index.php) Support

[Dan Kaplan]

Because the Pinto is a hatchback, so I figure it would be wise to shield the valuable server components from nearby magnetic sources while transporting to the new NOC.[nbsp][nbsp]Besides, it sounds cool.[nbsp][nbsp]:)[nbsp][nbsp]I just wish someone would make a video shielded receiver...

Dan

[Justin]

I've grown quite used to the purple spot on my TV, and I'm not sure I'd be comfortable without it... it just wouldn't be the same. But that's what I get for having the sub directly underneath the TV... ;)

------------------
Justin Nelson
FutureQuest (http://www.FutureQuest.net/index.php) Support

[Dan Kaplan]

I suppose we could apply your monitor logic to this situation:[nbsp][nbsp]Get another TV![nbsp][nbsp]:P[nbsp][nbsp]It's unlikely they will both be close enough to the amp to produce distortion.

I recently asked a Crutchfield salesman (great company) why there are no video shielded receivers, yet almost all the expensive wood a/v cabinets place the stereo shelves right next to or directly below the TV space.[nbsp][nbsp]I imagine the cabinet itself could be shielded with a divider wall (metal?) pretty easily.[nbsp][nbsp]He thought about it for a bit and agreed that appears odd.[nbsp][nbsp]He seemed mostly surprised that no one had ever commented on it to him before.

What would 3D look like on a purple distorted TV?

Dan

[Mon]

By Terra:
I will be wearing ....the same shining suit of armor that delivered me safely to Deb
*sigh* Completely, totally, utterly romantic and poetic, the best since Robert Browning.....

[jimbo]

I've grown quite used to the purple spot on my TV, and I'm not sure I'd be comfortable without it... it just wouldn't be the same.

LOL, for "temporary" storage I was keeping my rear-surround speakers stacked next to my TV.[nbsp][nbsp]The purple spot never really got that big - it was noticeable, but not annoying to the point that it was worth actually *moving* the speaker.[nbsp][nbsp]Then I went to actually install it, and what do you know - a huge purple spot appeared after I moved it.[nbsp][nbsp]So I said screw it, and left it there.[nbsp][nbsp]Now there is a moderate purple spot that I've grown accustomed to, and somewhat attached to.[nbsp][nbsp]Who needs surround sound anyway?[nbsp][nbsp]:)

As for the means of transportation, I'd go with a Chevy Nova, from about '72 or '73.[nbsp][nbsp]Nothing'd get through that steel bohemoth ;) .

-jim

PS:[nbsp][nbsp]Be careful when you say "backup" and "servers" in the same sentence - I'm sure Terra's a great driver and all, but who hasn't backed over a bike, or the curb or something...

Famous Last Words: "Keep it coming, you got plenty of room..."

[Terra]

Hello Everyone...

Okay, I have taken the steps necessary to calm everyone's fears over this NOC move...

I personally called up Diane Warwick, from the Psychic Friends Hotline, and was told that everything would be a somewhat smooth transition with only TAZ throwing a small fit over the new routing rules...

She also told me that the 12 hours of time was a nice gesture, but not really needed as the technical staff's true expertise would shine through...

So there ya go, straight from an authoritative source...

--
Terra
--$3.99 per minute, your hosting dollars at work--
FutureQuest

[Deb]

*sigh* Completely, totally, utterly romantic and poetic, the best since Robert Browning..... At first I thought, "yes, I am the lucky one" :)[nbsp][nbsp]But then he posted..and now I question my first thought. :P

Deb
[nbsp]- How much per minute?!?!?!


[This message has been edited by Deb (edited 08-28-00@7:47 pm)]

[Justin]

I have my rear surround speakers behind me, front speakers on shelves far from the TV (those are all shielded anyway), but the sub is directly under the TV. My entertainment center is kinda old, and has room for those big CDs from years ago. What were those called... idunno, but I think I've seen one in my life, maybe... anyway, it has the 12" shelf under the TV, and the cheezy sub fits tightly there (also serves to help prevent the whole thing from breaking; the shelf right under the TV (and thus above the sub) is warped...)

As for the spot getting worse - the TV needs to be degaused. All TVs and monitors do this on powerup, but they do a pretty weak job - just enough to keep any magnetic fields from building up over time. Cycle the power a few times, waiting about 20 seconds between each half cycle, and see if that helps any (probably won't, especially on a larger TV).

BTW - I wish I still had my truck - was a '78 Ford F100, straight-6 (300 cubic inch), 4 on the floor, and we painted it white with house paint. Yes, ordinary latex house paint. From a (long) distance, it didn't look too bad... :P[nbsp][nbsp]Never had a sub in there, but did carry a CD player with me...

------------------
Justin Nelson
FutureQuest (http://www.FutureQuest.net/index.php) Support

[Dan Kaplan]

and the cheezy sub fits tightly there (also serves to help prevent the whole thing from breaking; the shelf right under the TV (and thus above the sub) is warped...) I find a couple solid planks of Oak work quite well for that.

The Nova's a good call for stability, but how about ease of accessing the storage space?[nbsp][nbsp]After all, we're talking about shaving precious seconds.

Dan

[Terra]

ordinary latex house paint It is confirmed, you really were from Indiana...[nbsp][nbsp]:P

--
Terra
--It would be a curious site to see someone roll their truck--
FutureQuest

Famous Follow Up: NEXT!, it's just sorta dangling there.

[Justin]

I don't think Indiana had anything to do with it. After all, beer is sold in all states that I'm aware of ;)[nbsp][nbsp]

------------------
Justin Nelson
FutureQuest (http://www.FutureQuest.net/index.php) Support
[This message has been edited by Justin (edited 09-01-00@9:47 pm)]

[Paul]

I don't know Terra.. I'm afraid I'm going to have to back Justin on this one. Besides, we used to borrow those ideas from our neighbors to the south. Ordinary latex, and a can of silver paint (gloss, of course) can really add to the ambiance of owning your vehicle, while staying within your budget. :P

Paul
-Born in beautiful downtown Beech Grove, Indiana.. overlooking the Beech?[nbsp][nbsp][nbsp][nbsp]

[SneakyDave]

Don't want to change the subject, but turquoise-blue and primer-grey are my two favorite colors.

"They come a runnin' just as fast as they can
[nbsp]Cuz every girl's crazy 'bout a blue Dodge van"
[This message has been edited by SneakyDave (edited 08-29-00@10:21 am)]

[Dan Kaplan]

The great Gallagher once said (paraphrasing):

"Dodge is the perfect thing to put on the front of a van coming straight at you.[nbsp][nbsp]They put Ram on the side, they're after your a**."

Duck
[nbsp]- subject, what subject?

[artguy]

Sorry to be the kill-joy... but back to the topic of the thread for a moment.....

We have a couple of MySQL intensive sites on FQ and we were wondering if those servers' names &amp; IPs would be changing?

Will they also be moved over to 63.95.221.???

Thanks -

Eric

[Kat79]

Besides the 12 hours of downtime I have no idea what any of you are talking about.[nbsp][nbsp]However, I have total faith in all the people I can't see through my computer screen!

Thanks for the notice!

[Lori]

All of MySQL resides on it's own servers and all will be moving at the same time.[nbsp][nbsp]The tunneling that Terra described, will prevent there from being any interruption once everything has been physically moved and plugged back in again.[nbsp][nbsp]As I think was mentioned here already, FutureQuest's Community Forums were already moved and no one seemed to notice at all.[nbsp][nbsp]The same should apply to all other sites those that may be MySQL intensive and those that are not. FutureQuest has been painstaking in making sure that all possible i's are dotted and t's are crossed to insure that all goes as smoothly as is absolutely possible.

Lori

[artguy]

Thanks Lori[nbsp][nbsp][nbsp][nbsp]:)

[c n m 5]

Good news ;o)

I really hope that FQ will be having some thing up so that when people hit FQ urls they are informed of the up grade and kindly asked to return later.[nbsp][nbsp]This could be good for FQ too, new clients for us, potential new clients for you.

We have just spent a large sum to appear on several trade shows and have been promoting our URL and email system.[nbsp][nbsp]Unfortunately this is in right in the migration period of FQ.

Please check our dates here http://ArtiMara.Com/exhibition/

The Phone has not stopped ringing here this morning with inquires from all over the world about our products.[nbsp][nbsp]Frankfurt ended last night.

Our site no where near finished but non the less very important to us.

Please let our new contacts know that we are FUTURE PROOF or at least headed in that direction.

Best Regards

Erland Jacobsen http://ArtiMara.Com and http://eiL.neT

Erland Jacobsen
------------------
http://ArtiMara.Com

"The fundamental operation is:
[nbsp][nbsp] Compare two binary values. The result
[nbsp][nbsp][nbsp][nbsp][nbsp][nbsp]is a variable with two states, which is
[nbsp][nbsp][nbsp][nbsp][nbsp][nbsp][nbsp][nbsp] itself a digital value."
[nbsp][nbsp][nbsp][nbsp][nbsp][nbsp][nbsp][nbsp][nbsp][nbsp][nbsp][nbsp]Konrad Zuse,1937

[Lori]

Hello again Artguy,

The IP address your site currently resides on will be changing as well.[nbsp][nbsp]If you run scripts, that require the IP address to be defined, you will need to make these updates.[nbsp][nbsp]Your current IP address looks like 208.243.19.??? (where ??? is the last two or three digits).

Your new IP address will be 63.95.221.??? where ??? will be the same as they are now.[nbsp][nbsp]So if your current IP address is 208.243.19.200 it will change to 63.95.221.200 notice the first three octets change while the last octet remains the same.[nbsp][nbsp]Those on shared IPs will remain on shared IPs and those on Dedicated IPs will remain on Dedicated IPs at this point.[nbsp][nbsp]As noted in our previous post concerning the move, nothing will be immediately changing in that area.[nbsp][nbsp]If you are unsure what your current IP address is, you can find this information within the Server Info section of your CNC.
I hope that more fully answers your question regarding the need for IP changes. :)

Hello Erland,

What I haven't put below I have also addressed to you in an email to you. I hope the information will assist in aleviating some concerns. If you still have questions please feel free to let us know.

Would it be possible to keep a single server running at the old center during the move with the sole function of redirecting all requests for the 208.243.19.??? IPs to a single default page that contained a short explanation for the unavailability of all these sites?
Answer -- No, not really.[nbsp][nbsp]We would have to leave name servers intact to handle every account currently hosted and to redirect visitors to this single page, would only delay their viewing of the new location with your full websites on them not to mention making the task much more complex and adding propagation to the situation.[nbsp][nbsp]

The shutdown time will actually help by allowing the visitor's cache to timeout without allowing them to recache old entries during the move. When the servers are brought back online with the Tunnels active they will be able to immediately see your websites fully operational as they should be.[nbsp][nbsp]Going the other way around would cause more of your visitors to be "lost in space" viewing a temp page while others are viewing your site (same affect as transferring a domain name).[nbsp][nbsp]Using the tunnel system we can make this move virtually painless and not risk losing visitors for days at a time.
Lori
-Everyone makes a difference!

[wolfstalks]

For all of you that are concerned about the "Downtime" (Which if I know Deb, TeRRa and Justin will be far less than 12 hours) what I am doing is on three or four of my high profile sites I have placed a pop-up window that explains that the web site will be unavailable during that time frame and why.[nbsp][nbsp]I am hoping that at least return type visitors will be aware of the downtime and will be pleasantly surprised when it's back up and running hours before schedule, right TeRRa ?[nbsp][nbsp];)[nbsp][nbsp] Anyway this won't help new visitors who choose that particular time to make their first visit, but it will help some.[nbsp][nbsp]Plus it makes me look good to the Site Owners!!![nbsp][nbsp]:)

Have a Good One
Bob

(I know where I will be late Saturday night and early Sunday Morning, anxiously clicking on bookmarks :P )

[JoeRT]

I know where I will be late Saturday night and early Sunday Morning Me, too... not camping like I originally planned. :P

That's the only thing I've wondered about this move.[nbsp][nbsp]Why Labor Day weekend?

[Deb]

Why Labor Day weekend? The goal would be that even more people are *not* on-line during this time.[nbsp][nbsp]They should be out obtaining some shiny new sunburns....at least for many of the US citizens anyway :P

Deb
[nbsp]- Our inconvenience is for your convenience.

[Dan Kaplan]

I have to agree with that assessment.[nbsp][nbsp]I've noticed that weekends in general, and especially long weekends, are significant low points in traffic for many sites.[nbsp][nbsp]The only real exceptions seem to be sites geared toward weekend activity such as sporting events.

I hope you all haven't cancelled any "big" holiday plans on our behalf.[nbsp][nbsp]:)

Dan

[jimbo]

They should be out obtaining some shiny new sunburns
You must be in the South :) - up here Sunburn Season vanished weeks ag-g-g-g-go.

-jim

[Dan Kaplan]

I'm curious about something:[nbsp][nbsp]It has been mentioned a few times that Aota was moved to the new NOC with no one noticing due to Terra's wily scheming, er, tunneling.[nbsp][nbsp]Since I am most likely included in the group of nobodies not noticing the move, I'm not exactly sure when this happened or why I didn't notice it...[nbsp][nbsp]Was there downtime that was at a time we were unlikely to notice, or was the move done fast enough to impress Speed Racer?[nbsp][nbsp]Us not noticing would imply no downtime, as this community cannot go long without its regular dose of immune system bolstering Aota supplementation.

Dtective

[Deb]

There was approximately 15 minutes of downtime.[nbsp][nbsp]Had Aota.net *not* had forums on it then there would have been none.[nbsp][nbsp]The reason for the downtime was to copy the files across the wire... we did not want anyone 'changing the files' (posting) during the copy so we shut it down long enough to accomplish a clean copy.[nbsp][nbsp]Upon bringing it back up, the "old site" received no hits while the "new site" received many... smooth as silk.

There is the same reason for downtime with the rest of the servers however they need to be physically moved and due to the shear bulk (all servers/sites are much larger than copying over a single site) it will take longer to accomplish the task.

Deb
[nbsp]- Moving mountains one rock at a time.

[Mandi]

I know I get a big lull on the weekends too . . .

Moving mountains one rock at a time.
I think Deb's been peeking in my window, watching me unpack from our move back to Alaskan paradise, LOL :þ!!!

[JoeRT]

The only real exceptions seem to be sites geared toward weekend activity such as sporting events. And you know what Labor Day Weekend is?[nbsp][nbsp]Beginning of football season.[nbsp][nbsp]I have an NFL site linking to one of my sites... hopefully Sunday morning they'll all be watching the first games and not checking the weather.[nbsp][nbsp]:D

---------------------------
Joe Torsitano
www.weatherforyou.com (http://www.weatherforyou.com)
www.tiswest.com (http://www.tiswest.com)

[Terra]

page jump

[Terra]

Would it be possible to keep a single server running at the old center during the move with the sole function of redirecting all requests for the 208.243.19.??? IPs to a single default page that contained a short explanation for the unavailability of all these sites? I wasn't for sure if I would have this done in time, but I am happy to report that this will in fact be a reality...

Apache is a great web server, but I'm afraid that it would not be able to handle all domains funneled to one IP and would have required complex load balancing to pull it off...[nbsp][nbsp]In short, I had to find another solution as I did not have time to build this amount of complexity...[nbsp][nbsp]Anyways, It would have violated the KISS principle...

The solution was found in Dan Bernstein's 'publicfile' which is a highly optimized, low overhead web server that can easily handle the full load...[nbsp][nbsp]Upon benchmarking it, it is capable of handling over 800 concurrent connections blasting out close to 450 requests/sec...[nbsp][nbsp]The load average of the server reached a maximum of 1.2 (1-min avg) during the testing...[nbsp][nbsp]Very much within desired parameters for such an intensive task...

I have finished up my custom modifications to it for trapping any and all requests and pushing back our 'Upgrade Page'...[nbsp][nbsp]I have also included special code to help with cache busting so that when I turn it off, and the tunnel takes over - you will immediately drop the 'Upgrade Page' and see the web sites content as desired...

Now comes the fun part...[nbsp][nbsp]If you can figure out what is significant about this particular web server - we will award you with a free IRO or IRM...[nbsp][nbsp]No contest would be complete without a couple of clues, so here they are:
1) The answer you seek needs to be viewed at the protocol level
2) It is an item that remains unchanging
3) It holds special significance to the history of FutureQuest

So without further delay, the new web server is hanging out at:
http://echo.FutureQuest.net/

Happy hunting...

--
Terra
--For a really special bonus, once you derive the answer above, can you figure out both Deb's and my lucky number(s)--
FutureQuest

*NOTE: the really special bonus can only be obtained by the original person that derives the answer...

[wolfstalks]

Well TeRRa, I am no hardware or server Guru, so I am totally at a loss when it comes to this.[nbsp][nbsp]But will it count if I point out that the page is not visible in NS[nbsp][nbsp]seems like the closing </table> tag is missing[nbsp][nbsp] LOL :P

Have a Good One and Good Luck with the Move !
Bob

[Terra]

Ummm, errr -- oops.

Thanks...

--
Terra
--FLW: The underlying technology is sound, really! It is.--
FutureQuest

[SneakyDave]

Its running on an IBM 4341 isn't it?
And ucspi-tcp?
[This message has been edited by SneakyDave (edited 09-01-00@10:09 am)]

[JoeRT]

As usual, you are going above and beyond!

Earlier this year I saw the host for one of my partners move their NOC.[nbsp][nbsp]They did it in the middle of the week, during the day (starting first thing in the morning) and provided no page telling their customer's visitors what was going on... all the sites were just down for the whole day.[nbsp][nbsp]They didn't provide any "tunneling", just trusted the phone company to cut-over the lines to the new location while they were moving the servers.[nbsp][nbsp]Needless to say, the phone company didn't get everything quite right, and some of the services were not fully functional for a few DAYS after the move.[nbsp][nbsp]One thing they did do is provide a special web site that had hourly updates... was interesting reading throughout the day, especially for someone like me who had to move a whole radio station 50 miles down a windy mountain road in one night and get it back on the air by 7 the next morning.[nbsp][nbsp]:D

Now this wasn't some cut rate host, but one which is often mentioned with FQ when people ask about great hosts.

Anyway, thanks much to TeRRA, Deb, Justin and all the recent additions to FQ that I haven't memorized their names yet.[nbsp][nbsp]:P[nbsp][nbsp]You all are proving that you're here to serve your clients, and I greatly appreciate it.

And now, back down on my knees to continue praying that this move goes smoothly.[nbsp][nbsp]:P

---------------------
Joe Torsitano
www.weatherforyou.com (http://www.weatherforyou.com)
www.tiswest.com (http://www.tiswest.com)

[Terra]

Its running on an IBM 4341 isn't it?
And ucspi-tcp? 1) Nope, PIII-700 128Mb/ram
*one of our backend servers built and designed for tunneling (and now laser-beamed, high-volume, high-rate rapid-fire web serving)[nbsp][nbsp]Wh-e-e-e-e-e-e!
2) Yes, tcpserver is on the frontend as inetd would (without doubt) crumble to it's knees - plus if you ask me, inetd is a piece of junk that should have been replaced with the power/flexibility/security that tcpserver provides.

--
Terra
--Neither are a correct answer--
FutureQuest

[Terra]

what do I win A cleverness cookie... :P

--
Terra
--Yummmm, DOH-NUTS!--
FutureQuest

[wolfstalks]

TeRRa, thanks for the fix for us Netscape addicts[nbsp][nbsp] ;)
Also, let me say that this is going way beyond the call of duty and I for one appreciate it, even though it was unexpected.

Once again "FQ" demonstrates why they are Soooooo Superior to any other Hosting Solution in the World!!!![nbsp][nbsp] :)

Bob

[Dan Kaplan]

Also, let me say that this is going way beyond the call of duty and I for one appreciate it, even though it was unexpected. I both agree and disagree.

Agree:[nbsp][nbsp]It is definitely going beyond the call of duty.

Disagree:[nbsp][nbsp]It was fully expected.[nbsp][nbsp];)

Yes, I've gotten quite spoiled here...

Dan

[TimT]

So this means that anyone accessing our sites will be re-directed until this upgrade is complete?
Thanks, it wasn't very clear.
Tim

[Deb]

hehe TeRRa does have his own way with words :P

Yes, during the move visitors will see what is shown at http://echo.FutureQuest.net/ and once the move is complete, begin seeing your web site again.

Deb
[nbsp]- Careful with those acronyms TeRRa :P

[TimT]

That IS amazing... my last Host would just shut down and then quit answering the phones for a week.... <g>
Thanks
Tim

[Terra]

just trusted the phone company to cut-over the lines On a different accord, have I ever mentioned how many backup copies I have of our DNS zone files (and server files)...

It would surely be a real PITA if I had to type all those back in manually!

--
Terra
--Caution Is Having Optimized Server Tunneling--
FutureQuest

<Edit: Just tinkering to avoid trademark issues>

[This message has been edited by ccTech (edited 09-01-00@12:14 pm)]

[jimbo]

So what do I win for figuring out your last tagline, Terra?[nbsp][nbsp]I didn't have to look at it more than once, honest ;) .

-jim

[Armand]

Obviously like everybody else I can't wait until we all get the new NOC and the reliability it will most likely provide of course.

hmm.. wonder if this counts again the monthly uptime.

[nbsp](I know I know... tacky &amp; selfish... sorry, just more worried about my site's future given I'm not working at the moment due to being nearly beaten to death and suffering brain damage week or so ago).[nbsp]

[farlane]

Blind Guess answer to Terra's question:

1) The answer you seek needs to be viewed at the protocol level IP protocol

2) It is an item that remains unchanging 208.243.19.17 (the server IP)

3) It holds special significance to the history of FutureQuest The two of you met when Deb was 19 and you were 17...or was it the other way around?
------------------
farlane aka andrew mcfarlane
http://www.leelanau.com/pages/farlane/

[Terra]

Nice try, but no... :(

--
Terra
--Time to recharge the batteries--
FutureQuest

[Dan Kaplan]

given I'm not working at the moment due to being nearly beaten to death and suffering brain damage week or so ago Huh?![nbsp][nbsp]Please say you're joking?[nbsp][nbsp]:(

Dan

[Armand]

"Huh?![nbsp][nbsp]Please say you're joking?"

Um nope not joking unfortunately.[nbsp][nbsp]I now have some "retrograde amensia" involving the incident so don't recall what exactly caused it while working security. :(

[Deb]

Egads Armand.... I'm sure we're all sorry to hear this :([nbsp][nbsp]Here's wishing you the best with your recovery.[nbsp][nbsp]Coming from someone who's dealt with quite a bit in the past I do know all things can work out well in the end!

Hang in there.... time (and taking the time to care for yourself!) heals.

Deb
[nbsp]- Living is enduring all things and growing from them.

[DKG]

You started with the servers 9 and 7?

[Deb]

Nope... but I'll toss in another hint while TeRRa's not looking.... The answer represents an ending of something by defining when it began.

Deb
[nbsp]- Riddle me this. Riddle me that.

[Moonlight]

For the riddle, I looked at the "HTTP" sequence the echo.futurequest.net server was sending to see if I could find anything.

I found the following :

Expires: June 11, 1998 12:00:00 AM

I know FutureQuest was launched in 1998 so I wonder if it's the date that FutureQuest was launched. And thus, you're marking the ending the era of the current FutureQuest by indicating the expires date to be the original open date of FutureQuest.

But, then I check the Whois info of FutureQuest domains to see when they were created :

Futurequest.net: Record created on 15-Jan-1998.
Futurequest.com: Record created on 13-Dec-1998.
Futurequest.org: Record created on 13-Dec-1998.

So, Futurequest.net was created on January 15, then a few months to prepare everything and opens up on June 11. It's technically possible.

And I think the hints you gave leads to the above answer.

And your lucky numbers are 6 and 11. (That's a wild guess)

Moonlight

[Terra]

DING! DING! DING!
We have a winner!!!
Congratulations Moonlight - you are correct in *every* respect... :)

--
Terra
--Still remodulating everything--
FutureQuest

[Juan G]

--Still remodulating everything--
Caramba, this is a live broadcast.

Thank you. :)

[JoeRT]

Caramba, this is a live broadcast. This is Edison Carter reporting to you live and direct... :P

[Deb]

ROFL![nbsp][nbsp]Congrats Moonlight!!![nbsp][nbsp]Start picking our your extra domain name :)

Deb
[nbsp]- June 11, 1998 - TAZ's b-day

[Juan G]

Some latest news now at:

FQ Notice: NOC Move In Progress (4)
http://www.aota.net/ubb/Forum4/HTML/000401-4.html