[aprssig] findU server move time yet again

[Steve Dimse]

I knew something bad had to happen, findU's been running too smoothly.

The ham who has provided wonderful, discounted server space for  
findU's primary machine is exiting the ISP business, which means the  
server needs a new home. I have 55 days before it needs to be out of  
there.

findU needs a real data center (security, generator power, multiple  
bandwidth providers, etc.), home internet connections are not an  
option. Here are the specs:

3U rack server (Dell PowerEdge 2950, 6 disk raid, 8GB ram, 8 cores),  
monthly bandwidth around 500GB. Need to have dns, smtp, http, httpd,  
mysql ports open, the rest closed by firewall.

If you own an ISP and want to host findU email me. After my last  
experience I think I prefer to pay, I don't feel so much like I'm  
putting someone out when I need something done. Discounts always  
appreciated though ;-)

Users should not feel much pain during the move, the second findU  
server should be able to handle everything. About the only issue will  
be those who email data to findU. The second box is not allowed to  
have smtp access, so email to my domains will be down 1-2 days. I'll  
be posting notification before the move.

Once I have the new home for findU and I have some idea of the costs  
I'll formally open what has become the annual findU fundraising drive.  
I'm still $4000 down from last year's new server, and a couple  
thousand more from the year before. My plan to make findU self- 
supporting isn't going so well, but at least the hardware is in good  
shape (knock on wood) so no new expenses there this year. If you want  
to get an early jump on the fundraising use the donate button on most  
findU pages.

Thanks!

Steve K4HG