Update on our server issues

[Elad]

For awhile now we've been working with our ISP to try and figure out why we've been seeing substantially decreased database performance over the past month or so. The problems started after a period of high-traffic (starting with the shooting at Virginia Tech), but continued after traffic died down to normal levels. We suspected a hardware malfunction as a possible cause.

After investigation by the engineers at our ISP, and at their recommendation, we implemented a number of configuration changes to the database server today. So far, the results have been fantastic. The database server is once again performing at a high level, back at the same level we're used to seeing from it. We are cautiously optimistic that these configuration changes have solved the recent issues, but only time will tell for sure.

We are also working our ISP to implement some specific hardware upgrades to our database server in anticipation of the high levels of traffic we will be seeing once the presidential primary season kicks into full-swing. These hardware upgrades will likely be taking place in steps over the next several months.

We will post periodic updates as we have them throughout the year.

Thanks to everyone for being patient while we worked on these problems. With a website as large and as popular as DU, we periodically run into issues that take some time to resolve. Hopefully, this particular set of issues is behind us.

[billyskank]

1. Thanks Elad. I did wonder what the reason was

Thanks for the update.

[rug]

2. This sounds like Tony Snow wrote it.

"We are cautiously optimistic that these configuration changes have solved the recent issues, but only time will tell for sure."

[CaliforniaPeggy]

3. My dear Elad!

Thanks for this update, and for all your complicated work...

This is absolutely the best-run website evah!

[Maddy McCall]

4. Thanks for all you do, Elad.

You're the least visible of the admins, but DU could not be without you.

:yourock:

[johnnie]

5. Oh, it was the VT shootings

I noticed it when that Sanjaya kid got booted from American Idol.

Thanks for all the hard work guys. :thumbsup: