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ToasterNET FAQsWho are ToasterNET?
ToasterNET are a dynamic young IT company who provide cloud computing solutions and distributed software development services. Headquartered in Germany, with developers and staff based worldwide, we provide 24 hour development and support for our clients. What is cloud computing?
Cloud computing is an internet-based server and development infrastructure that allows people and organisations to build a virtual data centre to run their IT solutions. Users build their applications or websites using a variety of tools (eg. Linux Redhat, Ruby on Rails, etc) and load them onto host computers via a provider such as ToasterNET's own Lasticos Cloud Servers. Hosting providers usually have flexible payment terms that allow users to pay for as much or as little bandwidth that they need at a given time. Users can vastly increase the amount of server space they require at very short notice and equally can contract this requirement for as short a period as they need. Is cloud computing secure?
The short answer is yes. Recent surveys suggest that employees are responsible, either unwittingly or not, for anything between 16% and 23% of IT security breaches. Many of these violations would not happen on a cloud computing platform simply because of the password protection and other security measures in place on client data. Naturally there are also all the firewalls, content security solutions and network access rights that you would expect in any computer server setup. Whilst no data centre is ever going to be 100% secure, cloud computing can boast higher security levels than many traditional IT units. Is cloud computing reliable?
Again, the short answer is yes. Cloud computing providers have extensive support teams based around the globe ensuring 24/7, 365 days per year support and backup. If any faults occur, they can be immediately resolved ensuring your application or website is available to users and browsers continuously. Why should I use a cloud computing solution?
3 reasons – flexibility, flexibility, flexibility. With cloud computing you contract what you need, when you need it. Today you want 7.5GB of memory with 4 computing units, tomorrow you’ll need 7GB of memory with 20 computing units and next month, well that’s still to be decided. No problem with a cloud computing solution. Plans can be upgraded, downgraded, changed and tailored any time you want. All this and you don’t need to invest in racks of servers, support personnel, have stringent backup and storage facilities, organise shift-workers or off-shore personnel or worry about top class security measures. What is the Lasticos management console?
The Lasticos management console is the central power engine to build, setup and manage your cloud infrastructure. Through this web-based console you can launch scripts, run batch scripts and server farms, set up your own security groups, find and start images and much more besides. New features are being added continuously as we improve the functionality based on your feedback. Click here for full details and to ensure you have the latest version available. How much is the Lasticos management console?
The standard edition of the Lasticos management console is available for all users – irregardless of the package they have. However, some advanced features are only available for the fee-paying service plans. Click here for full details of what is included in each plan. How much does it cost to host my applications/website?
We have a variety of packages to suit all budgets from low budget offer right through to our platinum offer which includes 24/7 live help and support plus 10 hours monthly of development work. See the service plans page here for full details. Which cloud computing environment do ToasterNET use?
ToasterNET is proud to be the first European-based cloud computing company to offer a choice of hosting providers. Our very own Lasticos cloud servers are available at the fantastic rate of just € 0.05 excl. VAT per hour. In addition, we also offer hosting services from our partners Amazon EC2 and GoGrid.Do I need an Amazon EC2 account to use the ToasterNET Lasticos management console?
No, you can get started with the Lasticos management console right away by signing up to our own Lasticos cloud servers.Where do I get my Amazon EC2 account ID? Go to http://aws.amazon.com/ec2/ to sign up for your account. It’s free and takes only a minute. Do I need a GoGrid account to use the ToasterNET Lasticos management console?
No, you can get started with the Lasticos management console right away by signing up to our own Lasticos cloud servers.What are the benefits of using the ToasterNET Lasticos management console instead of one from another hosting provider?
ToasterNET believes it has the most comprehensive and feature-packed cloud computing console on the market today. The Lasticos management console contains many advanced, fully supported features such as online community, server farming, live help and 24 hour support. And we don’t stop there. ToasterNET are constantly developing and enhancing the Lasticos management console from ideas and requests that our users provide. In fact, 25% of all monthly fees and donations go directly into developing your best ideas to improve the Lasticos management console, which will then be freely available to the whole ToasterNET cloud community. What is the Community Hot Ideas donation and development scheme?
ToasterNET is totally committed to continually improving and enhancing the Lasticos management console. As well as our own planned developments we also take the best ideas from our users. These great ideas are posted on the Hot Ideas section on our Community Forum and are subsequently evaluated by our development team. ToasterNET’s commitment to this scheme is demonstrated by the creation of a separate division which receives 25% of all Lasticos management console monthly fees and donations. This division then focuses on developing our users’ best ideas as fast as possible, and then freely distributes the updated Lasticos management console to the whole ToasterNET community. In addition to the funding provided by ToasterNET, you can also donate to this project as and when you want to. From time to time, ToasterNET will also provide extra donations from our project work. Why do ToasterNET have Community Hot Ideas donation and development scheme?
ToasterNET is firmly committed to OpenSource software and is also focused on becoming the leader in cloud computing solutions. To meet this goal we look to continually improve and enhance our software. We believe the best way to do this is to listen to our users. After all, they are the ones who are working with the product day in, day out – and are most likely to come up with the best ideas to improve it. Once we’ve taken these ideas and developed a new version, we want everyone to benefit from the improvements so we release it to all of our community. Further, under LGPL, ToasterNET also provides access to their code for all components that are not deeply embedded in the Lasticos management console for greater community benefit. I want to do my own software development, is this possible?
Yes, cloud computing is specifically designed for individuals and organisations to build and host their own applications and websites. These are then easily managed and controlled through the Lasticos management console. Do ToasterNET carry out consultancy and development?
Yes. Many of our clients contract us to scope their solution and then take it through the development stages to the final project implementation. Contact us to discuss your project requirements for a complete quotation. What ToasterNET cloud computing services are available?
Consultancy – want to move to cloud computing, but not sure how to do it? Speak with one of our cloud computing consultants to discuss and design your optimum cloud space. Contact us to discuss your project requirements for a quotation Development – got your ideas sorted out but just need some help with the actual build? Our experienced team of developers is available right now to help you create your complete cloud computing solution. Contact us to discuss your project requirements for a quotation Support – we have a variety of support packages to suit every need. Find your ideal solution by checking out our Silver, Gold and Platinum options here. Maintenance - ToasterNET will ensure server installations are up to date, install software patches and new versions as they become available and carry out relevant bug fixes How do I sign up for the ToasterNET service?
There are several different ToasterNET service plans available. For access with standard features you can sign up to free. Simply fill in the form here and that’s it, you can now start to build your cloud computing solution! This is a great way to evaluate the service before upgrading to one of our more fully-featured service plans (see below). What service plans are available?
ToasterNET provide a series of offers to suit every requirement. Our advanced plans include options such as enhanced Lasticos Management Console features, support, 24/7 help, 10 hours FREE support time plus other great benefits. Compare out our Silver, Gold and Platinum options here to find the plan that suits you. If you already know which plan you want simply click on one of the links below:    What do the ToasterNET service plans offer that the Amazon EC2 and GoGrid plans don’t?
The Amazon EC2 and GoGrid premium support plans provide you with a good basic support for your cloud computing solution. However, there are some key areas that their plans don’t cover, most notably these include:
Support for end use of applications or services
System design, architecture or code development
Support for 3rd party software or networks used in conjunction with any of the following: Amazon S3, Amazon CloudFront, Amazon EC2, Amazon SQS and Amazon SimpleDB
The ToasterNET service plans cover you for all of the items that Amazon EC2 and GoGrid offer, PLUS these areas as well. Why do ToasterNET support other hosting services such as AmazonEC2 and GoGrid when you offer your own?
ToasterNET aims to be as flexible as the cloud itself. This is underlined by the different service plans we offer as well as the options we provide for hosting. It’s in our best interests to offer you a choice so you’re not locked in with one vendor, and we’ll even support you to switch between the clouds.What API do ToasterNET offer to control the cloud environment?
As well as the ability to add and delete cloud servers via a web page, we also offer an API based on the open GoGrid API. Click here for full specification details and how to use it.Where can I find the Lasticos Cloud Servers API?
You can access the Lasticos Cloud Servers API at: lasticos-api.toasternet.eu.What if I want to increase the number of servers I use or need more instances?
No problem. This is the joy of utilising a cloud computing solution. You can make use of more servers or upgrade your memory requirements at any time. You can do this either via the Lasticos management console or, if you have a complex requirement, contact ToasterNET through the usual support channels. I’ve got through the peak, now I want to downgrade my requirement – how do I do this? Once again, this is no problem. You can reduce the amount of instances either via the Lasticos management console, or by contacting ToasterNET through the usual support channels. What is the length of contract?
ToasterNET believes that cloud computing should be as flexible as possible. Therefore there are no lengthy contracts; you simply renew your subscription on a monthly basis for the Lasticos management console, service plans and other ToasterNET services. Are there any discounts available?
Keep an eye out for our special offers which are advertised on our website from time to time. For example, if you refer our service to a friend or colleague and they subsequently sign up, you could receive credits your account – click here for more details. What support is available?
We have a variety of support options to suit everyone. For standard service plans, check out the pricing page; click here for full details. If you have a specialist request such as 24/7 support for your own applications, high support requirements or require more than 10 hours of ToasterNET staff completed work each month, please contact us. I’m new to ToasterNET, where can I learn more?
Compare the service plans available by visiting this page. |
