Software Upgrade Jan 2, 3, 4 No Go

[CameraQuest]

Hi Folks,

We attempted a software upgrade of the database, something we believed would be a simple upgrade with four hours max down time. After many hours and many tries, we could not get the new software to work. It gagged and died after a few dozen people logged on. So up, then down.

So, back to plan 1. The site was restored with the previous software. Eventually the upgrades still be made. But next time all the kinks will be worked out on another server before taking it live.

Stephen

 

[Marc-A.]

Good to know. I checked CNN.com, but there was no report of RFF blackout :-D

 

[Al Patterson]

Yeah, thats the safe way

Yeah, thats the safe way

Letting the live users "test" software can be problematic for sure. But then again, it's not like you are running an ATM/POS network or a nuclear power plant.

Let us know if you want us to test in parallel next time before you go live. I've been though "upgrades from hell" myself over the years, so get some sleep and don't worry about it.

Welcome back!

 

[Keith]

And a few of got to remenisce and visit p.net to try and find out what was happening! 😛

 

[wgerrard]

Glad it's back. Good luck with the upgrade, whenever it happens.

 

[Pablito]

I understand the new software will allow much more efficient and effective searches. Looking forward to that.

 

[Papa Smurf]

I need a life.

I need a life.

I am so glad that RFF is back up. Do you know how lonely it was all of those days, just sitting here clicking on "Try Again?"? All I can say is, forget about it. Stuff happens even to good people!

And yes, I have been through "upgrades from hell". I hope that you did not have some suit, half drunk, bathed in cheap cologne, and dumber than a box of rocks standing over you shouting, "the salesman assured me that it is totally compatible, so the problem must be you." 🙁

Anyway, thank yu'all for all that the Admin and the moderators do for this site. It is great to have so much information, talent, and expamples of good photography available on one site for wannabe photogs like me to have access to.

Best Regards, 🙂

Life IS uncertain. Eat dessert first!

 

[ocean7]

There were some questions asked on photo.net though 🙂

I am happy that RFF is back. I really missed it (and at the same time I realized my addiction).

Good luck with the future updates!

 

[jfserejo]

With RFF down I really had to push my imagination for replacement web browsing and pleasant readings after the work day was over. Glad thats back.

Also would like to take the opportunity to wish a very happy 2008 for everybody.

Best regards,
Joao

 

[mfunnell]

it's not like you are running an ATM/POS network

That I can do. Photography, well ...

Let us know if you want us to test in parallel next time before you go live.

I'd help out there as well as I'm sure would many others.

...Mike

 

[pesphoto]

I actually had to do work at work today without RFF. Look forward to the updates Stephen. Thanks for giving it a go.

 

[Abbazz]

you are running an ATM/POS network

For those who don't know:
ATM = Aborted Tentative Migration
POS = Piece Of Sh*t

Sorry 😀

Abbazz

 

[goo0h]

My sympathizes and understanding. I understand only too well when upgrades blow-up, alas.

 

[oftheherd]

Withdrawal is tough!!! Glad it's back.

 

[ampguy]

Consider this:

Consider this:

1. Replicate platform.

2. Notify users that upgrade is in progress (new messages might not be transferred over).

3. Upgrade SW

4. Test upgrade

5. Deploy Upgraded SW on hosted platform

6. Move live db data to newly upgraded platform (optional, as may require downtime).

Just some thoughts...

Hi Folks,

We attempted a software upgrade of the database, something we believed would be a simple upgrade with four hours max down time. After many hours and many tries, we could not get the new software to work. It gagged and died after a few dozen people logged on. So up, then down.

So, back to plan 1. The site was restored with the previous software. Eventually the upgrades still be made. But next time all the kinks will be worked out on another server before taking it live.

Stephen

 

[migtex]

The story of my life everyday (disaster & recover business, networks , etc...) ... no worries until one finds out that is corner for refresh on the Net is going same road has the day.... frightening, scary!
Good luck for the task.

 

[gordonb]

Stephen,

Glad to see you're back up. For all the folks who helpfully suggest that the software be tested on a non production system please realize that while Stephen is "Over the hills from Malibu) RFF exists on a box in a managed hosting facility in Seattle. These places tend to charge you (and take time to perform) simple things like reboots. So while you at work or home can create a "sandbox" to test things it is expensive to do so at a managed hosting facility that is very remote from where you are as you might have to purchase another physical (or virtual) server from them, clone the existing configuration (OS, Apache, MySQL, PHP, vBulliten), restore the existing data to the box and then try it out in the abscence of real live users.

I too like the site and when it is down I get twitchy as I'm a networking geek and I then have to test if it's my side that's broken ;-)

Regards,

Bruce

 

[migtex]

I too like the site and when it is down I get twitchy as I'm a networking geek and I then have to test if it's my side that's broken ;-)

Bruce

Oh! you did it too!!
Ping, trace, nslookup, nmap... no wonder....