Dolphin: FAQ
- How long will it take for my server to be online?
- Will you manage and support the Dolphin Server for me?
- If my site becomes very popular, how much is additional bandwidth?
- Do you provide backup options?
- Do you provide firewalls?
- I am inexperienced with Unix and Shell, how easy is it to manage the Dolphin server?
- If I begin to outgrow the Dolphin, can I upgrade?
- Can I pay monthly or quarterly?
- I am not a UK resident, can I pay in another currency?
- What operating system runs and why?
- Where can I get more information?
-
How long will it take for my server to be online?
Subject to availability, we are able to setup your Dolphin Server on the same day that you order it. Your account details and welcome notes will be sent directly to you upon receipt of your order.
-
Will you manage and support the Dolphin Server for me?
The Dolphin Server comes pre-configured and ready to serve all your essential e-mail, database and web functions. Support levels provided with the Dolphin Server are purposely streamlined. This enables us to offer you such a great specification at this very reasonable price. We provide a three-hour support promise during working hours via e-mail and are happy to answer general questions in relation to simple scripting or server configuration and administration. Out of normal working hours, if there is an emergency you can SMS message our on-call engineer directly.
-
If my site becomes very popular, how much is additional bandwidth?
Positive Internet's exceptional infrastructure means that it offers unmatched bandwidth allowance. The Dolphin Range has transfer allowances that eclipses our competitors. Above this we charge 1GBP + VAT per additional 1GB of data transfer per month, but sustained data transfer above this level may be better suited to one of our higher end solutions. In order that you are never suprised with sudden bandwidth charges out of the blue we provide a comprehensive graphical on-line graph of your bandwidth usage with estimates of any costs which may incur due to excessive bandwidth use. We also aim to be as flexible and reasonable as we can about unusual bandwidth spikes.
-
Do you provide backup options?
The Dolphin Server has a second drive to make daily local backups. This gives added peace of mind, and allows the Dolphin to be rebuilt to the last known good image, in the unlikely event of a complete drive failure. This second hard drive is unique to the Dolphin among other entry level solutions in this price range. In addition we offer an optional additional network backup service should you require extra peace of mind.
The Orca introduces RAID into the dolphin range. RAID stands for a Redundant Array of Independent Disks. In simple terms, this means that we include two live hard drives into your server in addition to its separate nightly-backup drive. Every time a file is written to one of the two live disks, it is automatically replicated on the other. Should one of these live drives fail physically, the server will continue working and no data will be lost. It will continue to operate from the unaffected drive.
The BM server introduces SCSI drives and hardware RAID to the range. Whilst the Orca server's RAID is managed by the operating system, the BM, however, has a separate computer-on-a-board to manage the whole RAID mirroring process. This means that the additional overhead of maintaining the mirror does not burden your server or its operating system at all. This leaves it to do important things - like serving information to your customers! The SCSI drives that connect to the hardware RAID system are faster and more reliable than the more common E-IDE drives. The combination allows you to get fast and reliable data delivery on even busy sites.
-
Do you provide firewalls?
Yes, the Dolphin has a range of configurable firewall options.
-
I am inexperienced with Unix and Shell, how easy is it to manage the Dolphin server?
Thanks to our carefully developed web based Control Panel and e-mail management system managing your server is as easy as one mouse click. That said, there is even greater flexibility to be had by accessing your server directly on the command shell via SSH and a basic knowledge in Linux or any Unix variant will enhance the Dolphin experience further. We offer training courses for just this purpose, through Positive Skills.
-
If I begin to outgrow the Dolphin, can I upgrade?
Upgrading with Positive Internet is easy. We have a range of higher end solutions that can be upgraded to seamlessly. We will happy to advise you and help with any aspects of upgrading and our technical team will manage your migration to minimise any disruption.
-
Can I pay monthly or quarterly?
Yes, we have a monthly and quarterly payment plans. These are easy to set-up and our finance team will be happy to help you with this. Prices are exclusive of VAT.
-
I am not a UK resident, can I pay in another currency?
Yes, of course. Positive Internet are an international company and are pleased to accept payment in Euros and US Dollars.
-
What operating system runs and why?
The Dolphin range benefits from the power of the Debian GNU/ Linux distribution. We have chosen this because we are experienced with and have highly trained technical staff in all areas of Linux and Open Source software. The Debian distribution also benefits from its Advanced Packaging Tool makes the downloading and installing of even complex server software as simple as a mouse click.
-
Where can I get more information?
We would be glad to discuss the Dolphin Server Range and any of our products with you on freephone 0800 316 1006, or you can e-mail us at good@positive-internet.com - we pride ourselves on our refreshingly human approach, we have no call queuing system or automated responses and we look forward to discussing any of your requirements.