Comments on: Windows in the Cloud? Been there, done that!

By: Martin

Martin — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 22:47:17 +0000

As an update Michael quickly had a support person dealing with this, including calling me to talk me through it. The issue is a problem with Windows Server 2008 that the support engineer is liasing with Microsoft to try and resolve.

Whilst my experience of using GoGrid so far has seen many problems, I still believe that GoGrid provide the easiest to use and most cost effective solution, and so, for now, I'll be persevering with the service to try and get my products running.

By: Michael Sheehan

Michael Sheehan — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 22:09:54 +0000

Hi Martin,
First, I would like to apologize for any issues you are currently experiencing. We make all efforts to provide the highest level of support possible.
I am currently reviewing your case as well as will be escalating it for faster resolution. Always be sure to include as much detail as you can within each case correspondence so that we can assist you more effectively.
If it helps, my direct email is michael [at] gogrid.com and I would gladly assist you to my best ability.
Sincerely,
Michael

By: Martin

Martin — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 21:30:40 +0000

It's interesting that this post mentions comparing the whole package when evaluating cloud providers. I currently use Crystaltech to host a single dedicated server. If I have a problem I email support and no matter what time of day I usually get a prompt response and resolution.

About a month ago I decided to use a cloud provider to support the expansion of our business. After first trying EC2 and finding it unable to support our requirements I decided to give GoGrid a try. A month in I had my first problem, contacted support and over the last 18 hours I've had poor support from people that seem to struggle to understand English. My database server has been down for 18 hours with no idea yet as to when it will be available for use. I'm looking to host mission critical applications on GoGrid, with this level of support there's no way I can. I'm now evaluating other providers, GoGrid was promising, but poor support has badly let it down

By: Brian

Brian — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 19:15:45 +0000

Nic,

Yes…a couple of good catches…I neglected to mention those two items.

Additionally….to the network firewall…it would be great is something like the Barracuda Spam Firewall could be made available….to help protect all servers against Virus/Spam/el al rather than having to deal with this on a server by server basis.

-Brian

By: Tim

Tim — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 21:20:13 +0000

I agree with Nicholas’s comment on security concerns — while it should be very easy to set up and get started on a GoGrid, it should be incredibly difficult to make accidental changes once you’re “live” on it in a production environment. I’d love to see GoGrid incorporate OpenID secondary authentication.

By: Nicholas McGee

Nicholas McGee — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 13:45:15 +0000

I just wanted to keep “Keep up the good work!” as well. If I had a wish list (and I do) it would be:..

- On top of the ability to rescale CPU/Memory on an existing deployment, and save base server images for scaling, it would be:

- An edge firewall controlled in the interface for basic port management of all your external IPs rather than having to setup individual software firewalls on each server. VPN would be a big plus.

- Beef-up security of the grid management dashboard. It’s scary how easy it is to delete a server, and the more popular you will get, the more you will become a target. Additional passwords? Secure ID-type tokens, maybe?

By: Brian

Brian — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 23:51:01 +0000

My Wish List…..(What’s yours ??)

- Cloud Storage — soon from the sounds of it.
> plus support for on-demand and user defined backup snapshots

- Custom Server Images

- Larger RAM/CPU options

- Ability to upsize and existing server (increase RAM/CPU)

- Roll out the RightScale MySQL support functions

- Tweak the Dash
> key server stats and config details
> internal IP assignment
> ability to RD or SSH directly from Dash to server by clicking on server icon
> in IP tree show which are assigned to what server
> Remember Me option – so username/pass doesn’t have to be typed each time
> Fix forum login so it happens automatically

- Ability to turn “off” a server (and not get billed) without deleting it…..at least for a period of time.

By: aditya chandra

aditya chandra — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 17:31:37 +0000

you guys are doing an amazing job….. super sales support , nice website and good technology.

Ady

By: jp

jp — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 03:51:02 +0000

I think any competition in this industry is good for everyone. Being the only provider of a windows cloud allowed go-grid to not need to bring out hinted at features like not being billed ram/hours for images that are turned off. Granted, the interface is golden, certainly the easiest thing going. But now GG will have to fight a little harder, for people like me…and I enjoy the benefit. If the Storage Cloud Images can be booted from, then it is a game changer, otherwise it’s just helpful.

By: David Sheardown

David Sheardown — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 21:57:12 +0000

Well business is war (evidentially), and competition whilst important for sure, is only part of the deal. Lets face it, Microsoft are going to get quite dominant in this area – they always do, although there are a lot of people who really try to support other vendors (I’m one). Of course cost has to come into it, and features, but if the technology works well, and keeps working well, then I am a loyal customer.

I agree with the previous post though about being able to “snapshot” a server in order to delete, and re-create at a later stage.. I know it means less revenue in one way, but from my perspective it would be a very powerful feature.