I wreck servers on a regular basis. Yep, I build and wreck multiple servers every day. As a Linux trainer I am always demonstrating how to build Linux servers in class and then blowing them away. Did it today, built an Ubuntu 10.04 server with Postfix and added the UFW firewall settings, mutt, changed the DNS to get mail going and even, made an image of that server and blew it all away. But today was different, today I used the RackSpace Cloud. Yep, I created an account for $.03 per hour built and destroyed Linux servers.
The Cloud server, especially paying for the server by the hour is an amazing development. You can build a Linux server and pay only $.015 per hour to have that server up. Of course, you also have to pay for bandwidth but that is an insignificant amount for a training server.
The Cloud server is not really much different than the 12 servers I have virtualized in my office except that based on the low cost for training options it is much cheaper than purchasing hardware for servers and paying for electricity. It is also convenient and allows you to share that server with others on a public IP Address. Virtualization has a lot of advantages in a local setting but one advantage of the Cloud is that you do not have to use local bandwidth, hardware, monitoring,etc.
At Rackspace.com, the Cloud server options are Arch, CentOS, Debian, Fedora, Gentoo, Oracle Linux, Red Hat and Ubuntu. Each of these offers multiple versions for testing which is an excellent option, 15 images to choose from. You can add as much RAM as you want to each of the images that you create. Each time you increase the RAM it also increases bandwidth.
The options for those who will build a server and maintain it are great with the Cloud because you can increase space, RAM, network capability all on the fly. But the options for training are just flat fantastic for this price. One thing I have told students consistently, build and break, build and break in order to develop your skills and confidence. If you build and blow away a fully optimized Apache web server with PHP, MySQL etc., 10 times, you will have it ingrained in your head and fingertips what needs to be done. Build a Postfix Mail server 3 times in a day and you will be able to do it in your sleep. The point is for training paying for the Cloud by the hour is a great option. If you destroy all of your servers at the end of the day you do not pay for them if they do not exist. Of course if you save images you pay for the space but that is reasonable as well.
We have used OpenVZ, VirtualBox and VMWare for students in classes an each has their advantages. Once nice thing about putting the virtualization on your desktop is that you do not need a network connection to practice. That said, we are currently in the testing stage for using the RackSpace Cloud for training purposes for students.
Here is a look at the interface.
