Review: Rack911 - Server Administration Services

We recently had the need to get some Linux expert knowledge to perform an upgrade on one of our own servers. In this case the actual task would be easy, but the fall back procedure and requirements would be a little more complicated. And in such a case we rather outsource these tasks to somebody who does them more often and has the knowledge at hand to deal with a critical issue if such a migration would fail. After doing some research we found Rack911 - a highly recommended company from several sources. We send in a sales inquiry and had a reply within the hour and a quote within 2 hours.

We decided to use Rack911 services especially as we will get another server soon and need some expert knowledge for the initial server hardening and setup. If they would do good work at the other server, it would be a good sign and we can give them another order accordingly. We placed the order on Thursday before noon and the work was performed in the maintenance window we had given them without any problems. Everything worked out good. The communication was excellent as well. We were very impressed with the professionalism of Rack911. From the initial contact until the order was completed and we made our payment - we were very satisfied.

What services does Rack911 offer at all?

Hourly Services

Rack911 offers hourly admin work for Linux/FreeBSD and Windows. These services include Software installations, disaster recovery services, Troubleshooting and migrations.

Kernel Upgrades

Kernel Upgrades are handled differently from hourly work. Different Kernel platforms are covered, so that no need should be left open.

Operating System Migration

For Linux-based operating systems Rack911 offers migration packages to suit their customers needs accordingly.

Additional Services are as follows:

- Extreme Linux Security Plan

This plan includes the upgrade of the server packages and kernel, Mod_Security for Web Attack Protection, Email Security, an IP Tables Firewall, /tmp directory hardening. This plan is based as a one-time service at a very reasonable fee.

- Linux Administration Plan

The Linux Administration Plan is a monthly recurring plan. It is pretty much outsourced system administration for Linux servers and includes all kinds if services. So, whoever has a high need for a system administrator on a recurring base, should look into a plan like this.

Initial Server Setup (with a control panel)

This is the product we will sign up for once the new server comes online. This plan includes the following items: • Extreme Linux Security Plan• Control panel configuration (includes setting up ips, dns, etc) • PHP Recompile to include frequently requested functions (gd, mcrypt, curl, etc.)• Installation of one 3rd party software. • Configuration changes to your specifications

Prices of Rack911 are reasonable. Yes, you can get system administration cheaper than what Rack911 offers, but when it comes to quality and server security not all the better offers live up to their hype. Sometimes you get what you pay for and having a server hacked due to sloppy implemented security is not good.

We give Rack911 two thumbs up.