Reference: Notices-to Linux/Apache

6 Nov 2002

Over the last 6 months, the RidgeStar web technical staff has been evaluating how to best provide quality service levels to our clients. These evaluations are part of our overall goal to provide a stable, reliable environment for the Sites we host, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

We currently operate the majority of client sites on Intel systems utilizing the Windows/NT platform. The in-depth evaluation revealed that these tools and environment are not capable of supporting our growing client base; problems have included:

• Reliability of the Operating System for 24/7 operations
• Database performance and throughput
• Ability to protect the HTTP Server from Internet initiated attacks (Worms, Viruses, etc.)

Recognizing these serious shortcomings, we began researching new ways to meet our client requirements. After considering several viable options, including Microsoft's ".Net", we installed multiple Linux systems, including a firewall server that has successfully stabilized the NT Servers (basically, we are using Linux to intercept and discard attacks on the NT Servers).

Migration?

With our findings in hand, we are now gradually and methodically converting all NT Sites from NT/IIS/ASP to RedHat Linux/Apache/PHP. We will eventually shut down all of the Windows/NT Servers².

Your Account Representative will inform you when we move your Site to the new Linux platform. The migration will NOT change your service fees or impact your site's functions. In fact, we hope to take advantage of extended facilities in Linux/Apache and actually provide MORE functions, evaluated on a case by case basis and as we convert your Site.

Changes?

As mentioned, your site's basic functions will not change - it will still look the same and provide the same capabilities. However, you may notice several technical changes:

• Your home page (default page) will be named INDEX.PHP instead of DEFAULT.ASP. We will automatically reroute all page requests for the existing default.asp page to the new index.php page.
• All .ASP pages will become .PHP pages. This may impact Links stored in your Web Browser and in any sites that link to your site. The new Linux platform WILL automatically reroute .ASP page requests to the new .PHP page requests after issuing a short indication to the Visitor that the page has been renamed.
• Because Linux is "case sensitive", Site page names will generally be in all lower case letters.

As always, please contact your Account Representative with any questions! We are excited about bringing you increased function, improved availability and performance, and better reliability.

²Our conclusions are based on RidgeStar's specific requirements and should not be interpreted as applying to other web service providers.