[movedgoalposts]

My clan's current dedicated server is coming up for renewal. Whilst our UK based GSP has served us extremely well they are unable to support BF:BC2 so we have to consider change. With that in mind I'd be interested in KillerCreation's Dedicated Server packages.

Our current dedi operates 5 servers: 20slot CoD4, 32slot CoD4, slot mod & custom maps CoD4, 2x20slot CoD5. Our package also includes a website including mysql package and Teamspeak 2 (20 slot), both of which are hosted on separate shared boxes by the GSP . The dedi is fully managed but we have control panel access allowing us to change games etc, whilst ftp also allows us to install custom maps and the like. We are now also running a BF:BC2 20 slot server on a different GSP. Our dedi server is somewhat underused and most of the game servers are idle unless the clan starts to play. If we get 30 slots in use on Call of Duty we're very busy. It is the convenience of having the server variations running that allows our members to swap around at will without finding an admin to change the gametype / maps / mod that appeals to our use of the dedi even though we pay for that priviledge.

So to the questions:

• Can we run say 3 x 20 slot Call of Duty 4 servers, one of which might use a mod (say extreme) and custom maps, and 2 x 20 slot BF:BC2 servers simultaneously on your dedi? Given that our current use levels are such that we only partially use our theoretic full slot capacity, would a core2duo Pro server be adequate? Would we be able to add slots or even game servers to the dedi?
  
• Can we switch games easily between those you offer now, and in the future?
  
• Can we switch easily between variants of a game say CoD4 vanilla and custom and then revert without haveing to reload all the settings - i.e. a simple change of profile in control panel.
  
• Would the BF:BC2 server mean that we cannot have ftp access to any part of the dedi?
  
• If we want to run custom maps and mods to the CoD4 server, how would they be installed if we have no ftp access?
  
• CoD4 allows a redirect for fast in game downloading of maps and mods (the direct game server download speed would be pants). Is there any facility for such redirection from other killercreation servers (I saw a reference to ftp.killercreation for game downloads presumably that is for installation purposes within the killer creation network). Alternatively could the dedi server run a http: server to enable the maps (even with BF:BC2 running on it)?
  
• Does the type of bandwidth Package with the dedi - Unlimited Gaming / Any Use / Unmetered, change the server cost? We primarily run a vbulletin based forum as our webspace, which probably doesn't use that much bandwidht a month, but the custom maps if we do change these add a lot of traffic. Over the last year our webserver traffic including custom maps has ranged from 2.5GB in Oct 09 to 26GB in Aug 09 back to 4GB in Feb 10.
  
• Would the dedi be fully managed by you for patches, updates, operating systems and such like leaving us to simply worry about what games we operate?
  
• Can we assign more than one admin to either the dedi as a whole, or to individual game servers that would allow those admins to at least restart as stalled server?
  
• Whilst one person would be the account holder, and thus the only person who should authorise anything that incurs costs, in his absense would you be able to offer support to other nominated clan members?
  
• I note you suggest instant setup for a dedi server in stock. In practice, assuming that you need to install the OS, control panels and such like would it be available for our configuration of the individual installed games after say 24 hours?
  
• Are game servers running on dedicated servers unbranded, or is that an additional charge?
  
• Should we be opting for Windows or Linux as the OS and is there a cost difference?

Hope that little list of queries hasn't made you think that I'd be a nightmare client and you'd better double your prices

[TeXas]

Hi there,

I will try to answer your questions one by one:

movedgoalposts, on 23 April 2010 - 03:09 PM, said:

Can we run say 3 x 20 slot Call of Duty 4 servers, one of which might use a mod (say extreme) and custom maps, and 2 x 20 slot BF:BC2 servers simultaneously on your dedi? Given that our current use levels are such that we only partially use our theoretic full slot capacity, would a core2duo Pro server be adequate? Would we be able to add slots or even game servers to the dedi?

That should be adequate with the level you described. Additional slots and game-servers is not a problem. You can also upgrade to a more powerful dedicated server later without losing the IP address if you find yourself in need of more resources.

movedgoalposts, on 23 April 2010 - 03:09 PM, said:

Can we switch games easily between those you offer now, and in the future?

We can offer a free version of our game control panel, which allows easy setup and control of game servers. A member of staff will initiate the game install if you wish to install a new gameserver, and you can then choose to start/stop and change settings on the game servers as you see fit.

movedgoalposts, on 23 April 2010 - 03:09 PM, said:

Can we switch easily between variants of a game say CoD4 vanilla and custom and then revert without haveing to reload all the settings - i.e. a simple change of profile in control panel.

Yes, our game control panel offers both a simple feature to install popular mods - and a command-line switcher that allows customers to switch between different sets of server startup parameters depending on what they would like to run. This means that one can have a default command-line for a vanilla server, and easily switch to a different set that is configured with the appropriate mod directory for a custom modification - enabling a switch that only involves a quick restart of the server.

movedgoalposts, on 23 April 2010 - 03:09 PM, said:

Would the BF:BC2 server mean that we cannot have ftp access to any part of the dedi?

Unfortunately direct FTP access to a ranked dedicated server is prohibited by EA/DICE. Instead we offer a game control panel which features a fully functional file-manager that will allow you to interact with the other game servers. Our staff will also be happy to assist with installing mod files where this is more convenient. (As previously mentioned, a lot of the popular mods are also available for automatic install via the panel.)

movedgoalposts, on 23 April 2010 - 03:09 PM, said:

If we want to run custom maps and mods to the CoD4 server, how would they be installed if we have no ftp access?

Maps can be uploaded through the file manager, and if you need to install a large quantity of maps - a map-pack could be installed by staff.

movedgoalposts, on 23 April 2010 - 03:09 PM, said:

CoD4 allows a redirect for fast in game downloading of maps and mods (the direct game server download speed would be pants). Is there any facility for such redirection from other killercreation servers (I saw a reference to ftp.killercreation for game downloads presumably that is for installation purposes within the killer creation network). Alternatively could the dedi server run a http: server to enable the maps (even with BF:BC2 running on it)?

We offer a free map redirection service, where you will get an FTP account at a centralized map-server and a web-accessible URL to use for the servers.

movedgoalposts, on 23 April 2010 - 03:09 PM, said:

Does the type of bandwidth Package with the dedi - Unlimited Gaming / Any Use / Unmetered, change the server cost? We primarily run a vbulletin based forum as our webspace, which probably doesn't use that much bandwidht a month, but the custom maps if we do change these add a lot of traffic. Over the last year our webserver traffic including custom maps has ranged from 2.5GB in Oct 09 to 26GB in Aug 09 back to 4GB in Feb 10.

If you are going to run ranked games on the machine, it will not be possible to run a web-server due to security concerns. Instead we can offer you an account at our customer webserver to host your website/forum as long as your resource requirement is moderate. (This is provided 'as is' and not supported other than ensuring that the service is fully functional and online.)

movedgoalposts, on 23 April 2010 - 03:09 PM, said:

Would the dedi be fully managed by you for patches, updates, operating systems and such like leaving us to simply worry about what games we operate?

Yes, with a ranked dedicated server - our staff will take care of OS maintenance, and updates will either be distributed automatically (for games such as BC2, where updates are mandatory) or be available to install via the game control panel (also applies to punkbuster).

movedgoalposts, on 23 April 2010 - 03:09 PM, said:

Can we assign more than one admin to either the dedi as a whole, or to individual game servers that would allow those admins to at least restart as stalled server?

Yes, additional users can be added - with permissions to control given servers.

movedgoalposts, on 23 April 2010 - 03:09 PM, said:

Whilst one person would be the account holder, and thus the only person who should authorise anything that incurs costs, in his absense would you be able to offer support to other nominated clan members?

Yes, for anything else than changes to the customer account or crucial changes such as OS-reinstalls or similar - we can allow other members to request support if necessary. We would however appreciate if it is kept to as few people as possible, so I would recommend appointing one additional (trustable) person to act on your behalf when necessary.

movedgoalposts, on 23 April 2010 - 03:09 PM, said:

I note you suggest instant setup for a dedi server in stock. In practice, assuming that you need to install the OS, control panels and such like would it be available for our configuration of the individual installed games after say 24 hours?

It would typically be available either same day, or within 24 hours for the kind of setup you have outlined here (depending on staff availability).

movedgoalposts, on 23 April 2010 - 03:09 PM, said:

Are game servers running on dedicated servers unbranded, or is that an additional charge?

Yes, they are all unbranded - you are free to set any server name you would like.

movedgoalposts, on 23 April 2010 - 03:09 PM, said:

Should we be opting for Windows or Linux as the OS and is there a cost difference?

For BC2 windows is the only available option, and has no significant disadvantage over Linux.

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I hope that answers most of it; if I have left anything out - please do not hesitate to ask. We are also happy to discuss this via email or IRC if you would prefer that.

Kind regards,

[movedgoalposts]

Excellent, sounds like you guys are able to cover all the bases.

We've got a lot of deliberating to do over the next few days but you may well get a new customer in early May.

[TeXas]

Glad to hear. We shall be looking forward to hearing from you.

Have a great weekend!

[Ramrod]

Hi TeXas, a couple of questions re what MGP asked above....sorry if I'm going over stuff that is answered elsewhere.
Based on the above requirements, whats the likely monthly cost of the server(s) and forum? Will we incur extra expenses if we avail ourselves of your staffs services to upload map packs etc.?

[KC-Justin]

Hi,

Looking at the initial requirement, the Dell R200 and above would be suitable (BC2 is quite CPU heavy.) Website hosting would be provided free with the dedi.

Quote

Will we incur extra expenses if we avail ourselves of your staffs services to upload map packs etc.?

We can do it (no charge) or you could simply use the inbuilt File Manager within the Game Panel

[Ramrod]

Thanks Justin

[movedgoalposts]

There seems to be unexplained payment charge of 3.7% showing up against the Grand Total. What is that for please since there seems to be no way of avoiding it.

[KC-Justin]

Hi,

That covers Credit/debit, Paypal or Nochex fees depending on selected payment type.

[movedgoalposts]

Cheers,

I Ordered earlier today. I'm impressed by your fast setup of the dedi