Blog

Today Andrew and I descended on the Data Centre totally Mission Impossible style. Just like that, in the above picture. No joke, no lies, it’s actually what happened. Ok total lies, what actually happened is we entered the premises like civilised human beings and got visitor passes (boring!). What wasn’t boring was to see where all the data (meaning your websites) is stored. For most people when they think of their websites they picture a bunch of images, text and functionality but they don’t usually stop to consider what is happening in the background.

Recently, Andrew has spent a lot of time upgrading our servers to make sure the uptime of your websites is reliable and they load super quick.

Before we get into the nitty gritty of server upgrades and why they are so amazing, on behalf of the whole Xsquizzit family, I wanted to take a moment to acknowledge all of our clients for your partnership this year. You have surprised and challenged the team with unexpected requests and inspire us on a daily basis. Our business would not exist without you. We would like to wish you and your family a wonderful and safe Christmas break.

ON TO THE NITTY GRITTY...

Why did we upgrade the servers?

At Xsquizzit we want to be continuously improving our product, including website reliability and speed. The reason we want to improve our reliability and speed is because higher ‘uptime’ and faster page load time is directly linked to reduced page abandonment rates, website trust, and ultimately online sales and reputation. What are we doing in the Data Centre?

Upgrading the RAM (memory) in our servers (additional 56GB of RAM spread across 4 servers). This will allow us to build new 64 bit Linux (type of Operating system) database servers with much higher amounts of RAM than is currently supplied. Database servers love lots of RAM as it allows for lots of buffering / caching of data in Memory (which is very fast) rather than on Hard Disk (which is slow).

Results so far

A stationery supplies website was recently upgraded using our Connector software and migrated to the new database server. This website is now able to run a search that produces over 1100 search results in around 4 seconds. Before the upgrade this would have taken over 30 seconds or simply timed out. A typical search, say for ‘Pilot Pen’ which produces around 80 search results is now completed in just under a second. Previously, this would have taken 5 seconds or more. Pretty impressive huh? Note: This is in conjunction with using the new Accounting Connector software which also speeds up searches.

When can you expect your upgrade?

Look. It’s not that we don’t want a second date, but don’t call us - we will call you. The upgrades are being implemented alphabetically so you will receive a phone call once your name pops up in the queue. We will arrange a time to migrate the database at an agreed date and time that’s suitable for you with minimal service disruption. This should be complete by Easter. Lastly, our Christmas and New Year trading hours are as follows.

We will be closed on the 25th & 26th of December, and 1st & 2nd of January 2015. Of course we won’t leave you without emergency support, but seriously, unless the world is ending leave Andrew alone.

In between Boxing Day and NYE, on the 29th, 30th and 31st of December, we will have a skeleton crew (Rowan and Yaver) to help with any queries. We will be back in business rejuvenated and ready to take on the New Year with you!

Don’t worry, I’ll send you a pre-NYE column as well so don’t worry, you won’t miss me too much.

Til next week,
Kasia