Better than a kick in the teeth

Welcome to iTunesRegistry.com Pledge Drive

The iTunes Registry needs a new server. Help out by making a donation!

New Server Progress...
27.66% $1,078.09

As you may already know, the iTunes Registry has outgrown it's servers, or more specifically, has lost access to the database server it was using. While many temporary solutions exist, this drive is to find a permanent solution. So, if you would like to help things out, please donate, and don't forget to include your Registry username.

In September, 06, the Registry received a loaner box, which is what the site is running off of now. It's a decent piece of server-class hardware, just a bit shy on RAM. It ought to be able to support things until a new box arrives, but it probably isn't a long-term solution.

The Goal

• Currently, the goal is an Xserve Xeon w/ 8 gigs of RAM and 2x80 gig drives (7200rpm). The cost is $3,898.00-ish. Apple hasn't talked much about the real price yet.
• They don't even arrive until October, and I'm sort of estimating the cost.
• That's still pricey! Alternatives exist, and the Registry would ideally like 8 gigs of ram and 120 gig drive and plenty of CPU horsepower, so it's possible this goal will be adjusted as the drive proceeds.

The Reward

All this goodwill is not without reward:

• Speed! Responsiveness! Graphy Blissfullness. A Statistician's Wet Dream.
• A Sponsor's Wall'o'Fame. If you donate, you get your name and a URL posted on a permanent page, linked from iTR's homepage. It's great googlemeat, as the Registry has pretty good google placement. The list will be sorted by, but will not display, donation amount.

FAQ

• What was the Registry running on?
  - The website runs on a redhat linux box, and the database used to run on a separate Apple Xserve G5.
• What is the Registry running on?
  - A 3.2GHz rack, with only 1 gig of RAM, and some flavor of Red Hat. Only borrowed.
• I have some old hardware I can donate.
  - Thanks, but a database of this size requires lots of RAM and horsepwer. Essentially server-class hardware. Some nice, new hardware will keep things running smooth for a while
• I don't use PayPal.
  - Hmm.. well, I suppose you can email me for my (U.S.) mailing address.
• What happens if you collect too much money?
  - Fascinating. I suppose it'll go to hosting costs, like ad revenue.
• What happens if you don't collect enough?
  - In that unfortunate event, we'll probably just refund the money to everyone, if it's possible. Else, it'll go to some charity or other venture where it doesn't personally benefit the guys behind the Registry. Hopefully, it's going to hardware, though.
• I've donated in the past! Do I have to do it again?
  - Thanks! That money went straight to hosting costs, and isn't included in this drive. Of course you don't have to donate again, but it'd be nice.

Thanks for your support!