Monitoring of the Cloud Server.

Monitoring allows you to check the availability of different services from different locations and send alerts in the event of failure to perform or a given condition. Monitoring tool designed as flexible and affordable even for users with no experience of administration of Web services.

With the help of monitoring can check the availability of the cloud server, the availability of ports, availability of databases, performance of mail servers, etc. Verification is carried out from points of presence located in London, New York, Yekaterinburg, Kiev, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, and Palo Alto.
Information about the results of the check is sent by e-mail, instant messaging protocol XMPP, private messages on Twitter, or in the form of SMS-messages to the mobile phone.

PING - to check if a connection to the server, helps to measure the latency and availability of verification points to the server;

• TCP - check the status of TCP-port;
• UDP - check the status of UDP-port;
• SSH - connection test without authorization, as well as checking the banner SSH;
• SMTP, POP3, IMAP - checking of e-mail service on the selected protocol;
• DNS - check the correctness of the conversion of a domain name in the IP-address on the specified resolver;
• HTTP GET - content inspection and the response code, as well as finding a substring in the returned data;
• HTTP HEAD - Lightweight request GET, allowing to check the document on the server response code without having to download the entire body of the document;
• HTTP basic authentication - checking mechanism basic authorization;
• HTTP digest - checking mechanism digest authentication;
• FTP - check FTP-servers;
• PostgreSQL - check the availability of the database server PostgreSQL;
• MySQL - check the availability of the database server MySQL;
• SSL - check validity of SSL-certificates for domain names.

Memory on Demand for Cloud Servers.

For Memory on Demand, a new option that allows you to more precisely control the behavior of the server is turned on. It is called start memory.

When the cloud server finished downloading technology and Memory on Demand enabled, the memory is adjusted depending on the amount of memory. However, this technology is tied to an agent running inside the virtual machine, which sends information about the current memory usage of mod-server (outside of the virtual machine). Therefore, to respond to the lack of memory the system can start only after the mod-agent (it starts with the other services in the cloud server load). In some cases, there is a need to start immediately with the "Head Start" that is, from the beginning to allocate a significant amount of memory.

The default value is set in the value static_min that is the minimum amount. Now, this value can be changed explicitly.

There are three strategies to use:

The server runs with a minimum of memory, and then starts to increase the amount of memory used as the data load or the load increases. So behave cloud servers by default (for which setting is not changed MoD).

The server runs with inflated the value of the memory, and then quickly "blown away" to the desired server. This configuration prevents the sudden lack of memory request large memory database or close an application that allocates large chunks rather than gradually.
The volume of home storage exhibition about the desired value - in this case mod works fine tuning mode, that is, increases / decreases as circumstances change.

If the technology of Memory on Demand is disabled, this value allows you to manually change the current value of the allocated memory (ranging from static_max to static_min) without rebooting, which can be useful in terms of technologies that do not like change memory (Java, for example).

Management for Dedicated Cloud Servers.

Recently we have paid more attention to the coverage of new services such as cloud servers and cloud storage, but it did not stop the work in other directions, in this article we will go about our dedicated servers. In the near future we will provide functionality provides automatic installation of operating systems on dedicated servers, which is now undergoing the final stage of testing. In the meantime, we would like to describe the current features that can also add the convenience of working with a dedicated server.

Download Management Dedicated Server

After selecting a dedicated server from the list will take you to a page containing basic information about the server, as well as elements of the power management and load. Now, in addition to the server tab familiar power management buttons (physical on / off and hard reset the server) and access to the KVM console, a new menu is available "download management server," which allows you to manage the server boots directly from the control panel.

To select the menu are available as standard options for server boot (boot from the first or second hard disk), and special tools for installation, diagnostics and recovery, "Booting Boot menu" and "Booting into Rescue (Recovery Console)." After selecting a menu item, you must save the change and restart the server. Let us consider each item.

Boot Menu

Boot menu allows installers to run the most common server operating systems or additional software for the diagnosis and recovery that are constantly kept up to date. Click "Download Boot Menu", save and reboot the server to work with the Boot menu, use the KVM console server.

In most cases, installing the operating system on a dedicated server to the client before the delivery is done by our engineers, but sometimes customers have a need to install yourself. Consider installing OS using « Boot Menu".

Managed Firewall for Cloud Servers.

Almost a month ago, through a ticket system, we invite all of our customers who use the services of accommodation and renting dedicated servers, take part in a closed test our new service - "Managed Firewall for Cloud Servers". Now we are ready to offer this service for public use.

What is it?

Managed Firewall for Cloud Servers is a service providing a secure Internet channel with managed firewall. The main objective of the service is monitoring and filtering passing through network packets according to defined policies and options screen.

Billing

We have tried to simplify its billing and accounting is reduced to just one parameter - the capacity of the protected band. Step, which can increase the capacity of the firewall is 5 Mbit / s.

Activate the Service

To start using the service, you need to have at least one dedicated subnet for servers in data centers and pay protected strip to the extent necessary.

Secure the band is an independent resource and it can be connected to any available you subnet (paid, PI URLs). Translation subnet insecure network by firewall occurs in manual mode after agreeing prime time, when transferring network subnet is about 1 minute.

Changing Bandwidth

After activating the service, you can change firewall throughput protected band "on the fly" through the control panel. If you change (increase or decrease) the capacity of the protected strip missing.

Beginning of Work

By default, the protection of disabled traffic - traffic already passes through the firewall, but it does not apply to any action. After payment services firewall and transfer under the protection subnet, you get access to the control panel, firewall, in which the utilization of available graph secure strip chart with counters on the "bad" traffic, as well as tabs for configuration management and policy options screen validation traffic.

The Validation Process Traffic

Initially checked accessory package to the existing session if the packet does not belong to any existing session, it is checked through the screen, and then runs a chain of policy, if there were no anomalies in the packet is delivered to the destination address. If the packet belongs to an existing session, it immediately goes to check abnormality in the screen without passing chain policies and then delivered to the destination address. Policies can be set in both directions, both inbound and outbound. Screen check all traffic passing through the firewall, regardless of its direction. Unidirectional policy does not mean that you have to adjust the resolution of a response from the destination, since the session is divided into two areas.

iOS App for the Cloud Storage Service.

In the evening, December 17, 2012, we finally got approve our application for the "cloud storage" in the AppStore and now it is available for download. Since this was our first experience in the development and distribution of iOS apps, everything was not as trivial as we would like.

Issues

From the very first problem we faced before the completion of the registration process in «iOS Developers Program». When you are registered as a legal entity, it is necessary to specify the DUNS number, which is assigned to the organization in the database «Dun & Bradstreet» (D & B), which, in turn, Apple takes the information about the company as directed by the DUNS. Unfortunately, in this database we were recorded as «OOO», and this is an incorrect name and looks ugly.

After talking with Apple tech support, it became clear that to continue the registration process must be some way to change the company's name in the database D & B, then another procedure changes can be very painful. About 2-3 weeks we wrote / called in different representation of D & B for making changes to the company name. Once made changes to D & B, we had to wait about two weeks until Apple will make these changes in your base. As a result, only one registration took us 4-5 weeks (this is not including waiting for confirmation of payment after sending a fax at Apple). Waiting activate your account after payment has taken another 5 days.

Attempt # 1

After we tested the application in the emulator, on several different versions of the phone, as well as under various versions of iOS, it's time to download the application for review in the AppStore. The first attempt to download the application, we are faced with the problem of signing the certificate, I had to reset all the certificates and sign it all over again. After downloading the app in AppStore, immediately turned down as a 3.5 "screen shots were not optional, but mandatory. Added screenshots, took to the application. After 4 days, were refused because login present at the screenshot link to an external registration page.

Attempts to # 2 and # 3

On the same day, we removed the link to the registration page and was sent back to the application, but as was a new binary, then we hit the end of the queue. After 6 days, the application went to the. The day was rejected «Metadata Rejected». Due to the lack of experience with the AppStore, we began to review all sources of external links on the topic, which was written in failure, but did not find a single reference and did not understand the reasons for the refusal. In the end, it turned out that the refusal was due to the fact that the application was to describe again the link to our website.

Remove the link from the description and press «Submit New Metadata» application was «Waiting For Review», after half an hour was «In Review», after 4 hours «Processing for App Store» and another 10 minutes «Ready for Sale». Thus, it appears that the error in the Metadata binary does not go through the whole place, and forwarded immediately to the "doosmotr."

The main innovation in iOS 9 will be Optimization and Stability.

As we learned from anonymous sources in the company Apple, the operating system for mobile devices iOS 9, users should not expect any major changes to the design or adding a lot of new features, instead, engineers, and programmers have focused their efforts on improving productivity and stability of the OS.

Recently, users of Apple's devices have become often complain that the company pays attention to the introduction of a large number of new features and updated design, while completely forgetting about the stability of your system. So many complaints that iOS 8 greatly slow down the original iPhone. In addition, the company had to withdraw even update the firmware to solve the problem of voice calls. In particular, at Apple, want to reduce the amount of memory that is required to download the software. When to expect updates smartphones and tablets Apple is still unknown, but, as a rule, a manufacturer of mobile devices from Cupertino satisfied with the new rom debut in June of each year, and produces in the autumn. New Apple operating system to get the code name Stowe or Monarch.

Smart TV Owners Complained About the Samsung TVs for Hype,

Most recently, Samsung has received numerous complaints about invasion of Smart TV in the privacy of the owners of television sets. Now users TVs from Samsung began to complain about the appearance of illegal advertising while viewing the video. Commercials appear on the screen every 15-20 minutes, sometimes more.

Australian resident to the forum Foxtel TV that after 15 minutes of viewing the video screen went blank, and half of the screen appeared advertising Pepsi. Representatives of the service reported that the problem is not on their side, and from Samsung.

In turn, the division of Samsung in Australia, said that the situation appeared because of an error during a software upgrade. The company also said that advertising was not designed for the Australian market and fixed the problem. However, the company did not deny that in other countries such situations will be considered erroneous.

Back in January was recorded appearance of the advertising content of the application Yahoo Broadcast Interactivity, as on Smart TV.

Most recently on the Samsung already hit by negative feedback from customers, as they were convinced that the corporation watching them. Soil found in these statements due to the fact that if the popular activate voice control, the TV is able to record the user's voice, and then sent his "third party." After an active coverage of this event in the media, Samsung is accused of espionage.

Apple presented the new MacBook and "Smart Watches",

Apple Watch

Ninth of March, the American corporation Apple introduced the public its new products: Apple Watch and the new MacBook. According to official figures, news will be available on April 24th of this year.

Representatives said that the cost could exceed 10 hours 000 dollars. This does not cancel the previous announcement that promised price of $ 349, but the California Company offered wishing to experiment with colors and materials for the body and the strap. In addition, the stores will be two versions of the new items in width 38 and 42 mm. Will be the most expensive watch in gold case. According to the statements, they will be released in a limited edition.

It is worth noting that the new watches have become the most expensive commodity corporation for all of its existence in the market.

In addition, Apple presented the new MacBook.

MacBook has a 12-inch screen with a resolution of 2304h1440 points. The thickness of the screen is 0.88 millimeters.

In laptop installed processor Intel Core M with a frequency of 1.3 GHz, as well as the touchpad Force Touch, which can take into account the effect of pressure and different technology to support tactile feedback. The buyer will find the headphone jack and connector USB-C, which combines USB, DisplayPort, HDMI, VGA and power connector.

Use the Noise of Cars and Streets to Improve Life in the City.

Spanish explorers introduced the draft environmental Ear-IT, in which we tried to understand what can be said of urban noise about how logically and conveniently organized traffic, is there in seclusion with nature and, finally, how the person is healthy and happy.

1. Count the number of machines

The sensor can detect how many cars moving along a particular route to be able to discharge the densest streams. To do this, use the cable already embedded under the asphalt, but the sensor will cover more roads.

2. Help ambulances

The study author’s sensor is located near a hospital in the city, and he was able to show the movement of ambulances. Thus it will be possible to control the lights and regulate traffic to the approaching ambulance, fire or emergency services could not stay at the intersections.

3. Determine where the shooting occurred

In some American cities, use speakers ShotSpotter, which not only defines the place where there were shots, but also recognizes what type of weapon was used.

4. To explore the nature of
Analysis of the sounds of nature can give an idea of ​​what is happening to the environment and how much it is exposed to external interference.

5. Measure the welfare of the people in the city

For further studies, the project plans to create sound maps, using its technology. In the future, a sound analysis could assist in addressing issues related to human health and its interaction with the environment.

Sadko in Japanese Shimizu Corporation Wants to Build an Underwater City.

Japanese corporation Shimizu unveiled plan underwater city in the ocean. Like many of the company's plans, such as the base on the moon and the space hotel, this project is more fantasy, but no less interesting.

According to the plan corporations in can live about 5000 people? The city will take the form of a 15-kilometer spiral ending in a sphere with a radius of 500 meters. At the bottom of the ocean should stay resource center. At the top of the field, the floating dome, according to the authors of the project should accommodate residential and business premises, and the lower base - Research Centre, where scientists will find ways of energy extraction from the seabed.

Developer’s corporations argue that the project is realistic and within 15 years there will be technology that will make it a reality. However, it will cost about $ 25 billion. Japan has been looking for a place to expand: the area of ​​the country is not so great. The same corporation Shimizu, for example, has developed a draft development of underground space beneath Tokyo.

Power House: A Game that will Teach Less to Pay the Bills.

The game creators Power House, which is available on Facebook, warned: it is addictive, but your time will be held for the benefit because, after going through all the levels, you can learn how to reduce utility bill from next month.

In the story of a virtual family of four daily solves a number of household tasks such as laundry, cleaning and cooking. The player must plan these things in such a way as to spend as little electricity. If he forgets to turn off the light at the same time or run too many devices, there is a short circuit. With each new level the game becomes more complicated task: for example, the characters cannot be in the dark room, then you need to turn on the light and abandon the use of technology.

Project scientists at Stanford University have developed together with the British Department of Energy specifically to teach people how to spend less energy and responsible attitude to the environment. Studies have shown that people who have played in Power House, began to spend significantly less resources and, consequently, reduced their pay bills.

How to Avoid Congestion at Traffic Lights with LEDs.

In Copenhagen, use LED technology that allows cyclists trucks help reduce fuel consumption.

Wireless network blinking green helps cyclists will pass through the traffic lights without stopping at a red light. Traffic lights are equipped with special sensors that show the truck drivers when the light will change with the help of an application on a smartphone. This allows them to spend less time on stopping and starting the car on street corners and, as a consequence, to save on fuel. This illumination system may also warn drivers in the right lane that is approaching cyclist.

With this system it is possible to obtain data on fight congestion, predict street cleaning even before the storm happen, and be aware of how people behave on busy streets to avoid unpleasant incidents.

In the future, developers plan to increase the chances of LED sensors, for example, suggest cyclists in the right direction, or to report to the health services that a particular waste container is full.

This technology is also used in Chicago, Barcelona and Stockholm. It is expected that over the next three years, cities around the world will replace the old lamps to LEDs.

5 theses Katherine Bracey of Lectures How Hackers Develop Urban Projects.

Catherine Brace, director of Code for America, in a lecture to TED told how hacking can help cities grow and improve, and most non-obvious ways.

1. Hacking - is not a crime, and the way to solve problems

Benjamin Franklin, Betsy Ross and Steve Jobs were hackers. Hacking can embody both good and evil. Some hackers sit and think about how to steal information from computers, and others - develop innovative tools that change the world. Hacking - a search for new ways to solve problems.

2. Civil hackers - those whose concept is based on the action

Internet and democracy are based on the same values: cooperation, participation, entrepreneurship, empowerment opportunities. Even in the XXI century to create a tool of hacking, do not need to be a programmer. You just need to think differently.

3. To make changes, we need acts of participation

It is important to involve citizens in solving problems. On the basis of the principle of "Code of America" ​​has created projects such as "Answers Honolulu" and "Answers Auckland": residents participated in "vraytatone" - a day for yourself to answer questions about the city life, which appears on the site. In the spirit of such projects are important opportunities and responsibilities.

4. Hacking solutions into the hands of the municipal authorities

City authorities (at least in America) welcome such approaches. Cities are constantly looking for innovative solutions to old problems, and when residents are involved in this process, the potential is realized much more active communities.

5. Hacking - an ecosystem participation of the XXI century

Citizens see that they can do something better, and do it. For example, in Mexico City has been allocated $ 9.3 million for the development of applications for legislators. This outraged townspeople, and they made a public contest with prizes in 9300 dollars, 10 thousand times cheaper. 10 days received 173 applications. Thus was born the organization "Code of Mexico."

Crowd-Funding Week An application that Measures the Level of Dirt in the Air.

On Kickstarter is a fundraiser for the development of sensor TZOA, which synchronizes with the gadget can determine the level of air pollution and the effect of UV rays.

Canadian invention TZOA detects even the smallest particles in the air, which adversely affect the operation of the heart and lungs, and helps to ensure that there is sufficient light in the house. It can be measured when using the fireplace, candles or the oven makes the air in the room harmful to health.

If something is wrong, the app will give useful advice: open a window for ventilation, to choose the least gas polluted route to work, and at the same time supporting, whether you receive enough sunlight in the winter and do not abuse you tan in the summer.

The developers also plan to map the cities with the dirtiest and clean area. The application will be available for the iPhone and Android-smartphone. Output sensors and applications are expected by fall 2015.
You can support the project on his page on Kickstarter.

How to Turn a Bicycle into a Computer on Wheels.

German developers are working on a device for cyclists who even while driving cannot break away from the mobile phone. COBI invention is synchronized with the gadget and can not only be in constant communication, but also keep an eye on what is happening on the road.

This sensor offers the rider everything you might need on the road. On the one hand, this navigator with maps and route calculation, on the other - similar social network with the ability to search for friends who are close by. All the necessary tabs and pages in the phone can be opened with a single button, without taking your hands off the wheel, so for the safety cannot be afraid.

The application also integrates with taillights bicycle: they warn other drivers of the left or right turn, or automatically light up during hard braking. In addition, a system for protection against thieves. Exit the application is expected in 2015, and until the Kickstarter.com can donate money to the project.

Camodelny chemical Navigator as an alternative to GPS.

Often there are situations when on the way to an unfamiliar place stops working GPS-navigator. Scientists from universities in Japan, the UK, Switzerland and Hungary have found alternatives based chemistry for the law, which offers the shortest route to your destination.

Researchers have created a maze, which repeats the map, pointed it at the start and end point of the route and completely filled with an alkaline fluid. At the destination, scientists put the gel mixed with acid, which spread throughout the maze, and the starting point add another alkaline solution with colored paint. The solution from the starting point is automatically moved to a place with the highest acidity, i.e. the point of termination of the route.

In Budapest, this alternative has already tested on one of the pizzerias of the city and thus were able to find the shortest path to it. Looks like the process is not too practical, but it works clearly faster than traditional satellite navigation.

The study's authors explain what the advantage of this alternative chemical system: the movement acid immediately shows all possible routes and, unlike a computer program makes it much faster.

App of the week: Mere.

The new format of the application for tourists - to-do-list, which tells you where you do not forget to go and do not forget to do this or that city.

Mere - minimalistic guide who gives the job to explore the city. Annex no pictures or descriptions of monuments or other encyclopedic knowledge. Author’s mere want tourists to enjoy the journey, and did not look in the phone.

Instead turns mere walk around the city in the Challenge aimed to explore the city. The app does not offer a rigorous routes and sorts assignments distance from the user. Among these tasks - puzzles, quests and small ideas for photos.

Now mere works in St. Petersburg, Stockholm, Paris, Helsinki, Prague, Berlin, Vladimir and Suzdal; list of cities will be expanded. The app is available for users of iPhone.