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FastCGI's primary goal is to setup persistant connections, especially prevelant with DataBase connections... It also reduces the startup overhead, as the script remains persistant within the Apache daemon process...
The major caveat is the code needs to be carefully crafted according to FastCGI rules... The same amount of care needs to be taken when coding for mod_perl as well... Once you get the hang of it, the techniques are not to hard...
Very soon I am reorganizing our Apache process pools into a frontend, served by *many* backend servers with specific duties...
e.g. The pool breakdowns will go something like this:
Front-end reversed proxied to backend by heavy mod_rewrites per duty condition to the mod_perl dispatcher server for extended API processing, then will be relayed to the secondary backends...
Front-End<----|
|**********|
mod_perl******|
|**********|
secondaries-->|
:specific duties:
1) mod_perl
2) PHP3
3) FastCGI (w/Python capability)
4) ePerl / embedded Perl (2 different programs)
5) Skriptics TCL
6) iHTML (possible)
7) mod_SSL (secure server)
PHP3 / FastCGI / iHTML will all be able to feed off the MySQL database backend as well...
Above is a glimpse of our Future, and where we are going... The PHP3 server is currently up and running at blazing speed and is in -Alpha- testing mode... FastCGI will probably be mated with the PHP3 server in the beginning, then moved off as more people begin to use it...
The engine to create this, will be an awesome achievement for a production server... We are not a -canned/standard- web hosting solution... We all feel the need for power/speed at one time or another, and as such - we design/build for the developers that want more than your $9.95/mo 'Unlimited Everything' hosting services, yet try to remain competitive for the customer that doesn't need all this capability... It is a ***very*** delicate balance indeed, that I must walk each and everyday...
In this business you get what you pay for... I hope the above defines the goals and mission of FutureQuest...
If you write FastCGI programs, let me know and I will setup the FastCGI module for you to use...
--
Andrew Gillespie
Systems Adminstrator
FutureQuest.net
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