Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cloud Servers powered by OpenStack?
What does Unlimited Availability (UA) mean?
Should I migrate my production applications over to next generation Cloud Servers powered by OpenStack?
Is the API the same as first generation Cloud Servers?
Can my first generation resources communicate with my next generation Cloud Servers?
Does Cloud Servers powered by OpenStack support my hybrid RackConnect environment?
I have a managed service level. Can I use next generation Cloud Servers?
When authenticating, do I use the same API user & key that I use when connecting to other Cloud APIs?
What is the difference between US and UK next generation Cloud Servers?
Will there be a new control panel for next generation Cloud Servers?
I'm a new customer, why do I need first generation Cloud Server access?
How about vCPU changes?
Is the 256MB flavor available on next generation Cloud Servers?
How do I back up my next generation Cloud Server?
I don't see my backup images in Cloud Files. Did the backup fail?
How many servers can I create?
Are there API rate limits?
If you bill hourly then why do you show a monthly charge? Do you charge both hourly and by the month?
If I am not using my server or do not have traffic to it, do I still have to pay for it?
If I create a Cloud Server in one account, can I transfer it to another?
What is the difference between Cloud Servers and dedicated servers?
Is bandwidth free between Cloud Servers?
How do I scale with Cloud Servers?
Does Rackspace back up my Cloud Server?
Can I purchase a Cloud Server in which I am the sole customer on the host server?
What Cloud Server would you recommend for database nodes or CPU, disk, & memory intensive applications?
Can I buy extra storage?
Can I purchase additional IP addresses?
Is Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 and Microsoft SQL Server 2012 available on Cloud Servers?
Can Cloud Files be mounted as storage?
Can I import my own image or export an image of a server?
Do you have Cloud Servers, Cloud Servers with SQL 2008 and 2012, and Cloud Files in the UK?
What hypervisor does Rackspace Cloud Servers use?
What is RackConnect™?
Will Rackspace continue to support existing Cloud Servers using Windows Server 2003?
Why do you no longer offer a Windows 2003 base image?
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?
Cloud Servers powered by OpenStack FAQ
What is Cloud Servers powered by OpenStack?
The scalability of Cloud Servers, built on open standards, is here. The next generation Cloud Servers powered by OpenStack provides the reliability and on-demand scalability you need, while eliminating worries about vendor lock-in.
- Scalable, reliable and responsive
- Add hundreds of servers in minutes, and pay only for what you use (read more below)
- Cloud Servers are built on the OpenStack platform, which benefits from the innovations of hundreds of contributors and allows Rackspace to bring you products faster
What does Unlimited Availability (UA) mean?
In short, we've removed the wait list and Cloud Servers powered by OpenStack is now the default. At Rackspace we have four release phases: Preview, Early Access Program, Limited Availability and Unlimited Availability. You can think about our release phases this way:
General Availability (GA)
Includes 24x7x365 support, a full SLA, and billing and is production ready.
- Limited Availability: A production workload ready product. Ramp is being limited and tested for cloud scale.
- Unlimited Availability: Wait list is removed and product is available to all.
Beta
Varied support levels, no SLA, no pricing, often API only and is not production ready.
- Preview: Access granted to a very small number of customers and partners.
- Early Access Program: Access expanded to a larger number of customers.
Should I migrate my production applications over to next generation Cloud Servers powered by OpenStack?
There are a few features that are not yet available on next generation Cloud Servers powered by OpenStack. Specifically, additional IP addresses, shared IP addresses and scheduled backups aren't yet implemented. If these are absolute requirements, you should use first generation Cloud Servers.
The next generation Cloud Servers environment SLA mirrors that of first generation Cloud Servers. This means that you can run servers in either environment with confidence. Both existing customers and new customers will have access to build first generation or next generation servers. However we won't immediately migrate customers to the next generation environment automatically. This means that you can continue to run your existing first generation servers and can even create more of them for the foreseeable future. We'll give you plenty of warning before we start assisted migration to next generation. Basically, the choice is yours.
Is the API the same as first generation Cloud Servers?
No. The API has evolved for the new system. The new API is the OpenStack Compute API 2.0 plus Rackspace Extensions. While similar to the previous API, it isn't backward compatible and some similar API calls function differently now.
Can my first generation resources communicate with my next generation Cloud Servers?
Yes, with some caveats. In the US, next generation Cloud Servers powered by OpenStack can be created in either the DFW or ORD region. So next generation Cloud Servers compute instances can only communicate with first-generation Cloud Servers in a different region through the public Internet. Cloud Servers powered by OpenStack can also communicate with resources in the same region over ServiceNet (the Rackspace private network). Any bandwidth charges incurred from inter-region communication via the public Internet will be charged at normal rates. Users may want to use caution to create next generation Cloud Servers in their first generation home region. To determine this region, look at details for a specific first generation Cloud Server in the control panel.
Does Cloud Servers powered by OpenStack support my hybrid RackConnect environment?
Yes. RackConnect 2.0 is fully supported in next generation Cloud Servers.
I have a managed service level. Can I use next generation Cloud Servers?
Yes. Our managed service level (Managed Cloud) is fully supported in next generation Cloud Servers.
When authenticating, do I use the same API user & key that I use when connecting to other Cloud APIs?
Yes. Customers who don't have a Cloud account (e.g., dedicated hosting customers) will have to create a cloud account to use the next generation Cloud Server environment.
What is the difference between US and UK next generation Cloud Servers?
Every US region and the UK each have their own separate API endpoint. US customers can access any US endpoint and UK customers can access the LON endpoint.
Will there be a new control panel for next generation Cloud Servers?
Yes. Along with a new cloud infrastructure we've built a new control panel for next generation Cloud Servers. This control panel can display both first generation and next generation Cloud Servers. The first generation control panel remains accessible; however it is limited to manipulating first generation Cloud Servers.
I'm a new customer, why do I need first generation Cloud Server access?
There are a few features that are not yet available on next generation Cloud Servers powered by OpenStack. Specifically, additional IP addresses, shared IP addresses and scheduled backups aren't yet implemented. If these are absolute requirements, you should use first generation Cloud Servers.
How about vCPU changes?
We have unified the vCPU settings for all Cloud Servers powered by OpenStack. This will provide a more consistent experience for cloud users.
Is the 256MB flavor available on next generation Cloud Servers?
After careful analysis, we have decided to retire the 256MB flavor from Next Generation Cloud Servers. While these smallest instances were appropriate in certain use cases, we have found that they were often misused, causing performance problems for applications and placing undue stress on underlying host machines. We believe this change will reduce the number of application performance issues and improve the overall Cloud Servers experience.
How do I back up my next generation Cloud Server?
Your next generation Cloud Servers powered by OpenStack does not get backed up until you configure backups. To learn how, please visit the knowledge center article here.
I don't see my backup images in Cloud Files. Did the backup fail?
Cloud Servers powered by OpenStack no longer stores backups in your individual Cloud Files container. You can use the 'List Images' API call to view your images or you can list them in the Cloud Control Panel.
How many servers can I create?
All accounts, by default, have a preconfigured limit of 65GB of total memory or approximately 130 individual 512MB servers — per region. If you have a need to utilize more resources, simply contact support and we will raise your limits.
Are there API rate limits?
All accounts, by default, have a preconfigured set of thresholds (or limits) to manage capacity and prevent abuse of the system. The system recognizes two kinds of limits: rate limits and absolute limits. Rate limits are thresholds that are reset after a certain amount of time passes. Absolute limits are fixed and can be determined through the API. See the developers guide for more information on rate limits. The absolute limits are also reported via the API.
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.
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 buy extra storage?
While the native storage allocation for a Cloud Server is scaled with its RAM allocation, you can also add extra storage at any time with our Cloud Block Storage service.
Can I purchase additional IP addresses?
Yes. Additional public IP addresses can be purchased. Please click here for details.
Is Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 and Microsoft SQL Server 2012 available on Cloud Servers?
Yes, we currently have several images that include SQL Server 2008 R2 and 2012, Standard and Web Editions. 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 and 2012 Standard and Web edition images. If you add SQL 2008 R2 or 2012 to our Microsoft Visual Studio 2010 plug-in, the Rackspace Cloud is ready for application development based on the .NET platform.
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 2012, and Cloud Files in the UK?
Yes, you can purchase UK Cloud Servers, UK Cloud Servers with SQL 2008/2012, 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 Servers with a managed service level?
What is included in the managed service level for Cloud Servers?
What does a Cloud Server with a managed service level cost?
Why is there an account fee as well as a service fee?
Will the $100 account fee be assessed with only partial-month usage of a managed Cloud Server or will it be prorated?
Will the Rackspace support team automatically scale the Cloud Server(s) if necessary?
Will Rackspace troubleshoot programming/code for customers?
Does Rackspace back up my Cloud Server with a managed service level?
What is Rackspace Cloud Backup?
What is the expanded image backup option included with my Cloud Server with a managed service level?
Do I need a separate account for Cloud Servers with a managed service level?
Can I move my servers from my current account to a managed account?
Is there a cost associated with data migrations services?
As a Rackspace customer, can I link my Managed Hosting configuration and account to a Cloud Server with managed service configuration and account?
How do I contact the Managed Service Team?
Do you have Cloud Servers with a Managed Service Level in the UK?
Cloud Servers with Managed Service Level FAQ
What is Cloud Servers with a managed service level?
When you sign up for a managed cloud account, you can provision Cloud Servers with a managed service level. That means you get an additional level of support, including monitoring, OS and application infrastructure support, and technical guidance for 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, and online support ticket. The team will support your servers from the OS up through the application stack of MSSQL, .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.
We will provide free licensing for the Rackspace Cloud Backup file-based backup option (standard Cloud Files storage fees apply).
Specific OS/Applications Supported:
| Linux OS & Applications | Windows OS & Applications |
|---|---|
| Ubuntu® 12.04 LTS, 11.10, 11.04, 10.04 LTS | Windows 2008 R2 Enterprise 64-bit |
| CentOS 6.3, 6.2, 6.0, 5.6 | .NET Framework 2.0-4.0 |
| Red Hat® Enterprise Linux® 6.1, 5.5 | IIS 7.5 |
| Apache 2.2 | Microsoft SQL 2008 R2 Standard and Web Editions* |
| MySQL 5.5, 5.1, 5.0 | Microsoft SQL 2012 Standard and Web Editions* |
| PHP 5.3 |
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 back up my Cloud Server with a managed service level?
No, your Cloud Server does not get backed up until you configure and schedule backups. You have two options:
1. Cloud Server images: Learn about creating and restoring images via our Cloud Control Panel or API.
2. File-level backups using Rackspace Cloud Backup: Learn more in our Knowledge Center.
What is Rackspace Cloud Backup?
Rackspace Cloud Backup is the file-level storage option included with Cloud Servers with a managed service level. It allows you to configure backups through the Control Panel and choose to back up a particular folder or file with the frequency that works best for you.
For additional information, please check out our Knowledge Center articles:
- Rackspace Cloud Backup: FAQs
- Rackspace Cloud Backup: Getting Started Guide
- Rackspace Cloud Backup (File-Level) vs. Cloud Server Images
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 10¢/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 Server 2012?
What is Microsoft SQL 2008 R2?
When would I use Microsoft SQL 2008 R2 or SQL 2012 Standard Edition?
When would I use Microsoft SQL 2008 R2 or SQL 2012 Web Edition?
How much does each edition cost?
What are the differences between Microsoft SQL Server Standard and Web Editions?
Where can I get additional information on which SQL Server 2012 edition is right for me?
SQL Standard vs SQL Web FAQ
What is Microsoft SQL Server 2012?
Microsoft SQL Server 2012 is a new standard for mission-critical databases and end-to-end business intelligence, with cloud-ready technologies and solutions.
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 or SQL 2012 Standard Edition?
Microsoft SQL 2008 R2 and SQL 2012 Standard Edition deliver a complete data management and business intelligence platform that is ideal for departmental and small organization line-of-business applications. They offer high performance, reliability, security, and manageability?even for customers with limited IT resources.
When would I use Microsoft SQL 2008 R2 or SQL 2012 Web Edition?
Microsoft SQL 2008 R2 and SQL 2012 Web Edition are designed for companies who need to support public-facing, high-availability websites and applications. They offer 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 available on 2GB and higher Cloud Servers. For 2GB-15GB server sizes, add 72¢/hour for SQL Standard Edition or add 6¢/hour for SQL Web Edition. For 30GB server size, add $1.08/hour for SQL Standard Edition and 9¢/hour for SQL Web Edition.
What are the differences between Microsoft SQL Server 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:
| SQL Server 2012 Capabilities | SQL Server 2012 Standard Edition | SQL Server 2012 Web Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Hosting environments | Dedicated, private cloud, public cloud | Dedicated, private cloud, public cloud |
| Hosting scenarios & target customers | Departmental line of business, Small/mid-scale dedicated | Web apps, Dedicated |
| Maximum number of cores | 4 sockets or 16 cores | 1 socket or 4 cores |
| Basic online transaction processing (OLTP), programmability, & developer tools | Yes | Yes |
| Manageability (Management studio, policy-based management) | Yes | Yes |
| Basic High Availability | Yes | No |
| Basic corporate BI (Reporting, analytics, multidimensional semantic model, data mining) | Yes | No |
| SQL Server 2008 R2 Capabilities | Microsoft SQL 2008 R2 Standard Edition | Microsoft SQL 2008 R2 Web Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Scalability and Performance | ||
| Numbers of CPUs | 4 | 4 |
| Maximum memory utilized | 64GB | 64GB |
| Maximum database size | 524TB | 524TB |
| High Availability | ||
| Database mirroring | Yes (single thread, synchronous only) | Witness Only |
| Automatic corruption recovery from mirror | Yes | No |
| Log stream compression | Yes | No |
| Number of failover clustering nodes | 2 | N/A |
| Backup compression | Yes | No |
| Replication | ||
| Snapshot replication | Yes | Subscriber Only |
| Merge replication | Yes | Subscriber Only |
| Transactional replication | Yes | Subscriber Only |
| Publishing data from SQL Server to non SQL Server subscribers | Yes | No |
| SQL Server Profiler | Yes | No |
| Reporting | ||
| Reporting services memory limits | OS Maximum | 4GB |
| Allowed catalog DB SQL Server edition | SQL Server Standard, SQL Server Enterprise and SQL Server DataCenter | SQL Server Web |
| Allowed data source SQL Server edition | All | SQL Server Web |
| Create custom roles | Yes | No (Fixed roles only) |
| Model item security | Yes | No |
| Infinite click-through | Yes | No |
| E-mail and file share subscriptions and scheduling | Yes | No |
| Report history, executing snapshots, and caching | Yes | No |
| SharePoint integration | Yes | No |
| Shared component library | Yes | No |
| Remote and non-relational data source support | Yes | No |
| Data source, delivery, and rendering extensibility | Yes | No |
| Report definition customization extension (RDCE) | Yes | No |
| Management & Development Tools | ||
| SQL Server Profiler | Yes | No |
| IntelliSense | Yes | No |
| SQL query, edit, and design tools | Yes | No |
| Version control support | Yes | No |
| MDX edit, debug, and design tools | Yes | No |
Where can I get additional information on which SQL Server 2012 edition is right for me?
Microsoft has additional information on their website. Click here.