05-17-2017, 10:02 PM
Yes, I have spoken with Mike and think he is the only one that knows the Alamaze code and server technology adequately to do a migration, so I need him to do it.
I know Alamaze players pay more than they would for other games like Warcraft, but the irony is we don't really make much of a profit given the present player base. So say $5000 for the migration to a new server is not insignificant. Again, I have had hosted servers proudly since 2003 just so players could rest assured my hard drive wasn't going to fail and wreck the games. Its been over $60,000 in that time to Softlayer and its predecessor The Planet.
I am considering bringing the box in house to not spend another $60k, but I kind of don't want the risk. Its just as I said though, hosting companies don't do what I thought. They explained that basically what they do is ensure connectivity. Expensive for that.
So we will do a migration if Mike is willing, and I will open my checkbook, though it would take more than a year to recoup financially unless we increase the player base. I have to think about remaining in a hosted environment, or taking a bought server in house. In a migration, we may keep running on the existing server and test on the new server, but we may be down for a week or two. I suppose that would mean extending renewal dates for that time: another cost. I will advise when the time comes.
Anyway, sorry to whine, I thought we were in good hands and it was expensive for me. But now we have to take new steps to keep Alamaze and whatever else lies beyond going. I'm asking for no one to abandon us during this time.
Ralf is about to finish up the professional version of my Maelstrom map draft. I have made progress organizing the Maelstrom revisions, though not the kingdoms as of yet. I think with all the changes, but still recognizable easily as Alamaze, it will create all new challenges and opportunities.
I know Alamaze players pay more than they would for other games like Warcraft, but the irony is we don't really make much of a profit given the present player base. So say $5000 for the migration to a new server is not insignificant. Again, I have had hosted servers proudly since 2003 just so players could rest assured my hard drive wasn't going to fail and wreck the games. Its been over $60,000 in that time to Softlayer and its predecessor The Planet.
I am considering bringing the box in house to not spend another $60k, but I kind of don't want the risk. Its just as I said though, hosting companies don't do what I thought. They explained that basically what they do is ensure connectivity. Expensive for that.
So we will do a migration if Mike is willing, and I will open my checkbook, though it would take more than a year to recoup financially unless we increase the player base. I have to think about remaining in a hosted environment, or taking a bought server in house. In a migration, we may keep running on the existing server and test on the new server, but we may be down for a week or two. I suppose that would mean extending renewal dates for that time: another cost. I will advise when the time comes.
Anyway, sorry to whine, I thought we were in good hands and it was expensive for me. But now we have to take new steps to keep Alamaze and whatever else lies beyond going. I'm asking for no one to abandon us during this time.
Ralf is about to finish up the professional version of my Maelstrom map draft. I have made progress organizing the Maelstrom revisions, though not the kingdoms as of yet. I think with all the changes, but still recognizable easily as Alamaze, it will create all new challenges and opportunities.
