Closing Down a Server

Everything comes to an end, and there are times when shutting down a server for the last time may just be the right thing to do. Whether the hardware is old and the websites need to be moved to a new server, or you have just decided to move on, there are certain steps you should take to make sure the process goes smoothly.

1. Keep backups of everything. Even if you have already made it clear to clients and users that the server will soon be gone, you should still keep backups around for a while, just in case.

2. Announce the shutdown well in advance. Do not wait until a few days before such a major change. Give anyone else involved time to prepare.

3. If you are migrating to a new server, have everything set up on the new server before you pull the plug on the old one. There should be minimal downtime.

4. Help customers adjust. If you were running some type of reseller or hosting business, refer your customers to another good host and help them move their sites. You never know when you may want to do business with those customers again.

5. If your website was particularly valuable in terms of content, consider selling it intact or passing off the content to someone who may want to use it and preserve it.

6. Keep or sell your domains. If they were at all valuable to you, they might be valuable to someone else or to you in the future. Do not just let them expire.

7. If you know of any places that recommended your site or advertised for you, make sure to notify them that you are closing.

8. Accept that change is part of life and move on with your life.

Photo Source: Flickr

Triple Fiber Network Responds to Shutdown

A week ago from today, the FTC shut down California web host Triple Fiber Network (3FN) for hosting illegal content, including child pornography, malware, and the infamous “Cutwail” botnet.

In a press release riddled with broken English and grammatical errors, the company responded to the shutdown.

Triple Fiber blasted the FTC for shutting down all its servers without prior notification and went on to declare its innocence, claiming it “never provided any services for illegal businesses intentionally.” It offered to help with the investigation, but added there was no evidence to convict it of wrongdoing.

Our company has always been willing to assist authorities in their investigations. Accusing the provider in illegal actions made by its customers is not the way out and will not solve anything. It causing more damage to law-abiding customers than helps successfully fighting cyber criminals.

The company also stated that the evidence the FTC collected against it, including instant message logs of sales pitches to spammers and hackers, “can not be the evidence of [3FN] complicity.”

Triple Fiber Network said millions of dollars have been lost so far by the shutdown. It claims to be doing everything in its power to recover customer accounts, but has not revealed in what manner it is doing so and what, if any, progress has been made.

Photo: Flickr