What is Cloud Servers?

Imagine being able to provision a server in minutes or upgrade a server automatically. This is the idea behind Cloud Servers™. Totally customizable, each Cloud Server gives you full root access to more than a dozen Linux distributions or many Windows images of choice. Your price depends on how large a server you buy and how much bandwidth you use.

Based on Xen virtualization technology for Linux and XenServer for Windows, Cloud Servers brings the power of the cloud through Rackspace's Infrastructure as a Service offering. Your Cloud Server provides total flexibility for you to run anything you want—from a Java website, to a Ruby on Rails application, to a .NET application.

Why do you bill hourly?

Our utility-based model caters to both 24x7 server customers and also to developers who may only need a server for a couple of days. For those who need the server for a couple of days only, they pay for the time the server is deployed, based on number of hours. With Cloud Servers, you pay only for what you use.

If you bill hourly then why do you show a monthly charge? Do you charge both hourly and by the month?

We show an estimated monthly charge so it's easier for you to compare the hourly costs to a monthly equivalent and to help with your budgeting process. We bill on an hourly basis once a month on the anniversary of your signup date.

If I am not using my server or do not have traffic to it, do I still have to pay for it?

Yes. Currently the server would either be running or you would have to delete it altogether. There is no "suspension" mode where you are not charged while not receiving traffic to the server.

If you want to stop paying for the server, another option is to take a snapshot of the Cloud Server, store the snapshot in Cloud Files, and then delete the Cloud Server. If you want to use the server again, you would restore the Cloud Server by creating a new cloud server from the stored Cloud Files snapshot.

If I create a Cloud Server in one account, can I transfer it to another?

We do not currently have the ability to transfer servers between accounts and encourage you to plan accordingly.

What is the difference between Cloud Servers and dedicated servers?

With Cloud Servers, you can deploy a server in a few minutes, versus waiting for a physical server deployment. You can also resize the plan and bring up multiple Cloud Servers quickly and easily for much less money. Dedicated servers usually involve contracts and setup fees while they take time to alter the RAM, etc.

Is bandwidth free between Cloud Servers?

Yes, you will get a private IP for each Cloud Server, and bandwidth between them is free. If, however, you use a public IP, there is a cost for outgoing bandwidth.

How do I scale with Cloud Servers?

You have several options: 1) Scale In or Out: Scale out by taking an image of your Cloud Server and then adding new Cloud Servers based on that image. Scale In by deleting Cloud Servers to remove computing capacity. Scaling in or out is frequently used for web servers. 2) Scale Up or Down: You can increase the size of your server image (e.g. CPU, disk, memory) or you can resize down. Scaling up or down is frequently used for database servers. Note: Windows Cloud Servers can not be resized down.

How much CPU do I get?

For Windows images, each Cloud Server is assigned a number of virtual cores based on the size of the Cloud Server. A 1GB Cloud Server receives 1 virtual core, 2GB and 4GB Cloud Servers receive 2 virtual cores, 8GB and 15.5GB Cloud Servers receive 4 virtual cores, and 30GB Cloud Servers receive 8 virtual cores . Each of these cores is given equal weight when allocating CPU cycles.

For Linux distributions, each Cloud Server is assigned four virtual cores (for servers up to 15GB) or eight virtual cores for the 30GB server size. The amount of CPU cycles allocated to these cores is weighted based on the size of the Cloud Server.

All Cloud Servers receive a guaranteed minimum amount of CPU cycles with the ability to burst when excess cycles are available.

Does Rackspace back up my Cloud Server?

No, your Cloud Server does not get backed up until you configure and schedule backups. To learn how, please visit the knowledge center article here.

Can I purchase a Cloud Server in which I am the sole customer on the host server?

Our 30GB Cloud Server is our largest cloud server (e.g. CPU, memory and disk space). At present, a 30GB Cloud Server consumes an entire host machine and will be the only instance on the host. Please note that this is subject to change in the future as host hardware is upgraded

What Cloud Server would you recommend for database nodes or CPU, disk, & memory intensive applications?

We would recommend our 30GB Cloud Server for maximum CPU, disk, and memory.

Can I upgrade my storage without upgrading the entire plan?

Currently, Cloud Servers are tied to a specific CPU, memory, and storage. At this time, you would have to upgrade these together.

Can I purchase additional IP addresses?

Additional public IP addresses can be purchased for $2/month. Please click here for details.

Is Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 available on Cloud Servers?

Yes, we currently have several images that include SQL Server 2008 R2, Standard and Web Editions - see link. If you are interested in our Cloud Servers with a managed service level, be sure to check out the Windows Server 2008 R2 with SQL Server 2008 R2 Standard and Web edition images. If you add SQL 2008 R2 to our Microsoft Visual Studio 2010 plug-in, the Rackspace Cloud is ready for application development based on the .NET platform. To find out which SQL edition is right for you, click here.

Can Cloud Files be mounted as storage?

Cloud Files™ is not block level storage, so it cannot be mounted. Customers do, however, use Cloud Files to offload static files, such as media files, for example.

Can I import my own image or export an image of a server?

At this time, you would have to pick from our Linux distributions or Windows images. You can save an image and use it within the cloud; however, you would not be able to export it.

Do you have Cloud Servers, Cloud Servers with SQL 2008, and Cloud Files in the UK?

Yes, you can purchase UK Cloud Servers, UK Cloud Servers with SQL 2008, and UK Cloud Files here. For additional information, check out the following link.

What hypervisor does Rackspace Cloud Servers use?

We use Xen and XenServer hypervisors for Linux Cloud Servers and XenServer for Windows Cloud Servers.

What is RackConnect™?

You don't have to choose between dedicated hardware and cloud-based servers at Rackspace. RackConnect™ lets you run both on the same network. So, if you need Dedicated Servers for performance or compliance requirements and the flexibility to quickly scale with Cloud Servers, Rackspace makes it all work together seamlessly with our RackConnect™ product. View sample configurations and product details here.

Will Rackspace continue to support existing Cloud Servers using Windows Server 2003?

Rackspace will continue to support existing cloud servers that use Windows 2003 as their operating system until 2012.

Why do you no longer offer a Windows 2003 base image?

Microsoft has discontinued sales and mainstream support for Windows 2003. In addition, Windows 2003 has limited implementation of IPv6, which does not offer the level of functionality Rackspace requires for IPv6.

My application will not run on later versions of Windows, how can I keep using my application while I make the changes necessary to move it to a later version of Windows?

You will have the ability to add new Windows Server 2003 images by copying or cloning your current image and performing restores from backups. To read more about copying or cloning an existing image, please visit our Knowledge Center. To learn how to perform a restore from a backup, please visit this article.

What is Cloud Severs with a managed service level?

Cloud Servers with a managed service level extends the managed support level from our Managed Hosting offering into our Cloud offering. This offer provides an additional level of support that includes monitoring, OS and application infrastructure layer support, and technical guidance on your Cloud Servers.

What is included in the managed service level for Cloud Servers?

Cloud Servers with a managed service level includes access to a dedicated, 24x7x365 support team via phone, chat, email and online support ticket. The team will support your servers from the OS up thru the application stack of MS SQL, .Net/IIS, and the LAMP stack on Linux. Your cloud server will be regularly patched and updated. Monitoring services are included, with the Managed Service team proactively responding to any alerts. We will monitor up to two user-defined ports as well as user-defined URL content.

For all of these applications and operating systems, you may choose to create the image on the server yourself, or one of the Managed Cloud team members can create it for you. Either way, we will keep it updated, patched and running for you.

What does a Cloud Server with a managed service level cost?

Upon the creation of a Cloud Server account with managed service, a flat monthly account fee of $100 will be assessed when at least one server on the account is active/used during that month. There is no limit to the number of Cloud Servers with a managed service level, and the flat fee will cover all of them. Additionally, there will be a 12¢/hr service charge on top of existing Cloud Server utility prices, billed monthly (based on your anniversary date).

Why is there an account fee as well as a service fee?

The account fee covers the administration of your managed service level account and the service fee covers the support team and the services they provide.

Will the $100 account fee be assessed with only partial-month usage of a managed Cloud Server or will it be prorated?

The account fee will not be prorated. The service fee, however, is a utility fee and you will only be charged for the amount of time your server is active.

Will the Rackspace support team automatically scale the Cloud Server(s) if necessary?

Not at this time. However, if you notice issues or have questions about capacity, the managed service level team will work with you and recommend solutions.

Will Rackspace troubleshoot programming/code for customers?

No—the managed service level team will not troubleshoot your code/programs.

Does Rackspace backup my Cloud Server with a managed service level?

No, your Cloud Server does not get backed up until you configure and schedule backups. To learn how, please visit the knowledge center article here.

What is the expanded image backup option included with my Cloud Server with a managed service level?

Expanded image backups allow you to retain up to 14 daily backups (in the form of snapshots), along with 1 weekly backup (also in the form of a snapshot). All backups will be stored on your Cloud Files account at a cost of 15¢/GB and can be configured and scheduled through the Cloud Control Panel.

Do I need a separate account for Cloud Servers with a managed service level?

Since the managed service is offered at the account level, every cloud product in the account receives the managed service level. Therefore, if you want to have some cloud servers that do not have managed service and some that do, you will need to have a separate account for the Cloud Servers without a managed service level.

Can I move my servers from my current account to a managed account?

If you decide you want managed service for a server in your current (unmanaged) account, you will need to migrate that server to a new server within a managed service level account. The migration is necessary in order for the appropriate OS images, patching and updates, and system administration access provisions to be deployed on the server. All of these features are necessary for the Managed Cloud team to be able to provide you with the highest quality support for your server. The Managed Service team will help you determine the most efficient and effective way to migrate your unmanaged server to Managed Service.

Is there a cost associated with data migrations services?

The Managed Service team will assist you in determining if a migration is needed. If it is, the Managed Service team will work with the Rackspace Professional Services Team on the migration or can recommend a Rackspace Partner. Any work performed by the Rackspace Professional Services Team or a Partner will incur additional charges.

As a Rackspace customer, can I link my Managed Hosting configuration and account to a Cloud Server with managed service configuration and account?

Yes, the same way you are currently able to link your Managed Hosting accounts and your cloud accounts.

How do I contact the Managed Service Team?

You can contact the Managed Service team via direct chat, a phone call to 1-800-926-4141, or by submitting a ticket online. There are links to all of these options on the Control Panel.

Do you have Cloud Servers with a Managed Service Level in the UK?

Yes, for information, check out the following link.

What is Microsoft SQL 2008 R2?

Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 provides you with a cost-effective solution for scalable, high-performance websites and applications. SQL Server 2008 R2 Standard and Web editions provide a seamless solution upgrade path for a range of organizational needs and budgets.

When would I use Microsoft SQL 2008 R2 Standard Edition?

Microsoft SQL 2008 R2 Standard Edition delivers a complete data management and business intelligence platform that is ideal for departmental and small organization line-of-business applications. It offers high performance, reliability, security and manageability—even for customers with limited IT resources.

When would I use Microsoft SQL 2008 R2 Web Edition?

Microsoft SQL 2008 R2 Web Edition is designed for companies who need to support public facing, high availability websites and applications. It offers the needed balance of availability, scalability, and manageability at a low total cost of ownership.

How much does each edition cost?

Microsoft^® SQL Server^® images are available on 2GB and higher Windows Cloud Servers. Add 72¢/hour for Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2, Standard Edition or add 6¢/hour for Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2, Web Edition.

What are the differences between Microsoft SQL 2008 R2 Standard and Web Editions?

Check out Microsoft's "Compare Microsoft SQL Server Editions" web page here for a full listing of features by edition. A summary of selected differences is presented below:

Where can I get additional information on which SQL 2008 R2 edition is right for me?

Microsoft has additional information on their website. Click here.