mysql – Machiine

Recently we migrated our server to Media Temple’s grid servers. I had heard good things about Media Temple from others before making the decision to migrate, however while migrating we started to encounter challenges that I was not forewarned about. So here are 3 things that I wish we had known before moving, I hope they will help you avoid the pitfalls we encountered.

1. Mysql Views are not allowed

We discovered this while attempting to install our database on our new MediaTemple database. I sent a support request about this, they replied that they are planning on allowing views in the future, but don’t presently. While most web applications do not use Mysql views ours did. As a result I spent needless hours rewriting code to work without views. It was frustrating to say the least.

2. Maximum 500 emails per hour and 60/min

Here’s another small fact to know before deciding to move over to the grid server. There is a limit of 500 emails per hour. 500 emails an hour sounds like plenty. It’s not. Our application communicates to our users via email, sending updates and notifications constantly. We now pay for a 3rd-party API to send emails to our users. This is unnecessary and MediaTemple should really look at changing this.

3. No static outbound IP Address

This proved to be the biggest frustration of them all, especially because I asked one of MediaTemple’s support people about this before migrating and they ensured me that they had offered static outbound IP addresses. They do not. MediaTemple will give you a static IP address for all incoming requests. However, it will not give you a static IP address for outgoing requests. This was a big deal for us because we were using a secure API that required a single static outgoing IP Address. However, MediaTemple was unable to provide us with one. When I asked if they would be able to NAT the outgoing IP Address range to one address, the response was “Uhhhhhh?? Let me ask our server team”. Not very reassuring. They eventually responded with “no”, but without any reason why. We did come up with a work-around solution, but it is not ideal to say the least.

Despite these unpleasant surprises there are definitely some strong pros to MediaTemple. Its grid server uses a very eloquent node sharing system. This allows server resources to be freed up and reallocated where needed. Also they offer mysql containers to ensure dedicated ram is always available for your database requests for an additional fee. There support isn’t the greatest especially when compared to some of the hosting companies I also use, like LiquidWeb.

Overall I would recommend MediaTemple’s Grid Server, just know what you are getting into.