The future of our economy is directly related to the health of the technology sector. And how healthy a technology sector really is depends on how quickly and effectively bright new ideas can become reality. This is why at SingleHop we are commitment to helping and fostering the start-up sector through a with a multitude of scaled solutions and services such as an on-demand firewall, free R1soft backup agent, and a exceptional prices on powerful dedicated servers. We also offer a multitude of management services tailored to allow clients to pick and choose based on their level of expertise and competency.

In keeping with this theme SingleHop is the lead sponsor of MidVentures 25, a local Chicago competition focused on fostering the best and smartest high-tech ideas.  Http://midventures25.com/.  Having gone through the whole startup process ourselves, we are keenly aware of the unique challenges and needs of any burgeoning IT company and are excited to partner with whomever this years MidVentures 25 winner is with a full year of hosting and management solutions.

One of the things that our startup clients always thank us for is our personal focus on each clients unique needs. This starts from every client having their very own Account Executive whom they can bounce ideas with and choose the perfect hosting setup to the multitude of options such as our backup services along with our Leap technologies that give clients the opportunity to control every aspect of their server remotely make SingleHop the perfect choice for a company on the move.  When we see clients of ours taking off we are proud of them and like to feel that we helped a bit in their success, dont go alone take the first hop to success with SingleHop.

There used to be a time when auto insurance was not mandatory:  some people would get it and others would not. When someone had an accident and they did not have insurance, that was when they would run out and purchase a little more. Yes, a bit chaotic, but oddly enough the idea of a solid dedicated server backup is too often viewed the same way.  Only after you have a disaster do you earnestly start looking at solutions, such as the R1soft backup system available at SingleHop.  You can roll the dice and go with an inferior free product, but why roll that dice when you can really have your cake and eat it too?  The R1soft Automatic back-up SingleHop solution has no monthly fees, just the charges for storage used.  Yes, with SingleHop you get Free R1soft!

I cannot think of a single reason why anyone with business data would not want backup services.  Heck, at home we make sure all of our pictures and important documents are stored off site, and this is not even mission-critical data!  Its loss would be sad for the Tremmel household, but this data will not impact an entire company.  Each one of us, companies and individuals, ought to do a self-evaluation on what would happen if we could not access critical data.  Go ahead, make a checklist of what info you simply cannot live without.  Once you are done, I think you will quickly accept that you need a powerful, solid, and thorough data backup solution.  And with Free R1Soft backup solutions, individual files, databases, database tables, directories, or even past versions of files can be restored at the click of a link inside of LEAP.  The easy access restoration system enables rapid replacement of lost or deleted files.  R1Soft’s automatic backup approach, which works seamless with the SingleHop LEAP systems, is what makes it the easiest, hassle-free software choice for this crucial data operation.

Today, do me a favor and think of the last time you did a backup or the times when you missed your backups, and if you really think hard you will come to the realization that it is time for a solid backup strategy. In fact, you are not doing me a favor, you are doing one for yourself by protecting your data with an easy-to-use automatic backup process.

Even with reliable software and competent users, there are still countless ways to lose or corrupt your MySQL data from your database server.  Fortunately, recovery is actually a straightforward process when you have reliable backups.

InnoDB has an automatic internal recovery system, which much of the time operates transparently.  In the case of database hosting failure, InnoDB attempts to fix it by running the log file from the last timestamp.  In many cases, it succeeds—during power failure or an operating system crash, for example, InnoDB itself takes care of recovering all the data.   But when InnoDB fails this automatic repair process, the entire database will not start.

It is important to schedule regular backups of your database.  The mysqldump utility is a helpful tool to make a backup of your data as a snapshot in a point of time.  Use this command to create a “dump file” of your MySQL database.

shell>  mysqldump --single-transaction --flush-logs --master data=2 \

            --all-databases > dump.sql

You can name the output file anything you want – here, it is dump.sql.  This file consists of the data, tables, and structures of all databases backed up into a SQL text file, dump.sql.

The option “–single-transaction” in the command above is specifically for InnoDB tables; it performs an online backup that takes no locks on tables.

To make incremental backups, however, you need to save incremental changes, a process best accomplished using the binary logs.  MySQL should always be started with the –log-bin option to enable that binary log.  In the mysqldump command above, the “–flush-logs” option causes the server to flush its logs.  You can flush the logs incrementally between dump backups to contain all the data changes made since that backup.

Now, suppose your database has a catastrophic crash.  It is simple to restore when you have regular backups as well as binary logs.  First, restore to the last full backup that you have.

shell>  mysql < dump.sql

The data is restored to the state that it was at your last mysqldump backup.  To restore the changes since then, use the incremental backups, from the binary log files which will be listed in the data directory of your MySQL server (here, logfilename-bin.000001 and logfilename-bin.000002).

shell>  mysqlbinlog logfilename-bin.000001 logfilename-bin.000002 | mysql

Yesterday we announced our exceptional server move-in special for reseller clients. Tandem since its launch has been a great success as it focused on helping resellers have more control, sell more servers, and make better margins. However even if the grass is greener on the other side we understand that moving servers from where you are to SingleHop is no easy task.

So, to lend server resellers everywhere a hand we came up with a promotion that offers any client who RSVP’d to our Tandem program $250 for each server they move in. For the rest of you we announced a $100 per server credit that we are officially increasing to $150! This means that for every server that you move into SingleHop we will provide you with a $150 credit and we will help you migrate the data for free. If you like Tandem and want to enjoy its advantages but are unsure about making the move, we made this deal especially for you.

At SingleHop it pays to RSVP, it gives you insider information on new products and services and allows you to take advantage of exceptional offers like our $250 Tandem RSVP offer. Although SingleHop’s RSVP for Tandem has ended, we have alot of new and exciting products coming down the line and you can reserve your place by RSVP’ing to Sales@singlehop.com and having your email added to our upcoming product RSVP list.

For more info on SingleHop’s Tandem Server Reseller System go to: Http://Tandem.SingleHop.com

Greetings Singlehop Fans and Clients!  The new reseller hosting program is finally here and in full swing.  We’re all excited about the new launch of the Tandem Reseller program, but you might still have some questions— so I have created what I believe are the TOP TEN things to know about Tandem.  Please use this as a guide when signing up for the program.

1.)   You do not have to have a minimum number of dedicated servers to be a part of the program, or a to meet a specific quota each month.  The system is completely free for any reseller.

2.)   Just for signing up as a Tandem reseller, you are entitled to the following perks:

•Free Set of Demo Wolf Tutorials (Must contact Account Executive)
•Free Unlimited GlobalSign SSL Certificates (These are unlimited ALPHA SSL’s that will need to bound to the IP/s of the servers of your choice within your account.  This can be generated by you manually via your LEAP account or manually by your Account Executive)
•Free banner ad set (must have at least 1 paid server).  Sizes include 468×60, 160×600, 728×90, 120×60 and 234×60.  (Must Contact your Account Executive)
•Free Toll Free Forwarding Phone Number Service (Trail Service that provides a number of free minutes based on your location, contact an Account Executive for more details)
•eFax Trial Links (30 Day Trial and 180 Day Trial)
•MySpace $50 in Free Ad Clicks (Must Contact your Account Executive)
•Custom Tandem-front-end user guide, branded with your logo and style
•Free R1 Soft Agent Details.  (Must add R1 Soft via Account Executive and must pay $1.50 per GB of stored data including OS data.  Backups are billed on actual usage at peak time during the month Since R1 Soft backups are based on the hard drives used partitioned data.)

3.)    Some additional benefits that are standard for all reseller accounts can be seen in our tier discount levels:

•5% discount with 3-5 dedicated servers
•8% discount with 6-11 dedicated servers
•10% discount with 12-20 dedicated servers
•12% discount with 21-40 dedicated servers
•15% discount with 41+ dedicated servers

We are also, for a limited time, offering two new server Intel packages to get you and your business started:

i.)   Nehalem 5520 Intel Xeon Quad Core 2.26GHz 8MB cache (Second processor can be added for just $40/mo)

•12 GB of RAM
•1 TB Drive (can hold up to 4 hard drives in a Raid configuration)
•5 TB Bandwidth on a 100Mbps port
•CentOS 5.x 64-bit
•Unmanaged

Monthly cost:  $179/mo!!

ii.)    Xeon E3110 Intel Xeon Dual Core 3.0Ghz w/6MB l2 cache

•6 GB RAM
•500 GB Drive (holds up to 2 hard drives in a Raid configuration)
•5 TB Bandwidth on a 100 Mbps port
•CentOS 5.x 64-bit
•Unmanaged

Monthly Cost:  $119/mo!!!

Our management services are priced as follow on a per server basis:

•Take 2 Management Services: $49.95/mo
•Take 4 Management Services: $99.95/mo
•Take All Management Services: $139.95/mo

Management selections:  http://www.singlehop.com/managed/fully-managed.php

4.)   To sign up as a Tandem reseller and access all the Tandem user offers, use the following link:

https://www.singlehop.com/tandem/signup

5.)   Please note that upon signing up, you should use our default (totalservercontrol.com) as the base hostname to your Reseller URL.  This means that your Tandem hostname would be (your company name).totalservercontrol.com.  This will allow us to create the SSL certificate for that URL and cut time in getting you set up as a Reseller with your own White Label program in Tandem.

Login Screen. Your logo goes where the "Total Server Control" text is located.

Please note that, if you wish to use your own URL, you must use a sub-domain of your existing registered domain that does not have a website or SSL assigned to it.  An example of this would be “reseller.yourdomain.com.”  If you choose to utilize this URL form for your Tandem program, we will still supply the SSL free, but will need to create a custom IP for you to point the A record of your domain to, as well as generate an SSL certificate, which will then need to be confirmed and verified through an admin@ email for the domain you intend to have your sub-domain URL based on (any questions, contact a sales associate).

Tandem Control Panel- What your customers use.

6.)   Once you have completed the process, you will receive SingleHop LEAP account login credentials along with a Tandem email providing you with your URL.  The LEAP account is your control panel with us, which allows you to directly perform upgrades, downgrades, review invoices, and open sales or support tickets.  You may also access LEAP from your mobile device by going to singlehop.mobi from your cell phone’s browser.

7.)   Upon logging in you may see your Tandem Reseller account in the bottom left hand corner of the screen, this is where you will go to setup your clients under the User section of your account.

Please note that your account executive, once assigned, will have their contact information listed on the first Welcome Tab of the Tandem account.

8.)   Once you have signed up, you should contact our sales team to speak with your current Account Executive, or be assigned one if you have not had any correspondence with our sales team members. MVillegas@Singlehop.com; CLarkin@Singlehop.com; KKinder@Singlehop.com

9.)   Remember, this program is to provide a white label reseller account for you to assist your company in reselling Singlehop.Com dedicated servers.  You should have a billing system or your own website in place, and use Tandem as an addition to manage your clients’ server experience.  We do not offer website design, but have many resources and vendors that can assist with ensuring that your company, no matter how small or large, will have a successful partnership with SingleHop.

10.)  Please note that if you are selecting an unmanaged solution, then you will be assuming full admin responsibility for the server so you should be capable of handling all troubleshooting aspects of the system for your client.  But if you do wish for our tech support team’s assistance, we provide a “LET SINGLEHOP SUPPORT HANDLE IT” feature in your Tandem account at just $10 per issue that you wish to have our support members assist you with.

The goal of this program is to ensure that you are able to run a successful reseller business with Tandem  “Sell more servers, have more control, make better margins” isn’t just a slogan, it’s the principle around which the program features were designed—a service that we’re committed to providing for you.  I would certainly encourage all clients and potential clients alike to check out the saving we are offering with the program and reach out to myself or one of my colleagues with further questions.  Because at Singlehop.com, we manage dedicated solutions differently, and your input is always priority number one with us. Start reselling dedicated servers today!

Miguel Villegas
Account Executive
SingleHop, Inc.
Phone: 1-866-817-2811 ext. 104

My co-workers know this already, but I figured I’d share it here anyway. I’m a bit like a ‘kid on Christmas’ when the mail comes—I always run down to the mailbox and pick it up and then sort through it myself. Oh well, we all have our idiosyncratic little tendencies and this one is one of mine. Any way, every so often, I get a letter from the BBB in the mail. I don’t know why they don’t switch to E-mail, but that is neither here nor there. Their letters could be a number of things, like an advertisement from a fellow member company, our annual membership dues, or it could be a complaint from a customer.

Last February (2009) I got a letter from our local BBB chapter, which came at an odd time, and wasn’t a complaint, bill or ad. It was a certificate, made out to SingleHop. We were being honored by the BBB for a full calendar year (2008) without them receiving as much as a single customer complaint about us. Naturally, I was ecstatic about the certificate, and ran to my keyboard to post about it on this Blog. Then, I hung it proudly on the wall by the entrance to our office, front and center.

I’m very happy to announce that it happened again for ‘09, and now there are two certificates hanging on the wall. SingleHop has not been the subject to even so much as one BBB complaint in both 2008 and 2009, and that’s something that most web hosts, including almost all of our competitors, can’t claim.

Hello All,

Allow me to introduce myself, I am Kyle Kinder, and I am the newest member of SingleHop’s Sales Team.  I’m extremely excited to be working with such a talented and professional team here at SingleHop.  SingleHop has introduced me to a work environment that I have never been a part of.  Energetic, motivated, friendly, and knowledgeable are just a few of the adjectives to describe SingleHop’s staff, since day one I have been treated very well by the entire team!

I am a proud alumni of Purdue University where I earned my Bachelors Degree in Computer Information Technology.  Before coming to SingleHop, I worked as IT Manager and Internet Sales Manger for a RV Wholesaler in the RV Capital of the World, Elkhart, IN.  I also worked as a Technician Supervisor for a cable contractor in Lafayette, IN.

I have recently moved to a suburb of Chicago, and ride the Metra to and from work every day.  This peaceful train ride allows me to put my headphones on, throw on some Pearl Jam, relax, and prepare myself for a day full of supporting SingleHop’s greatest assets, its clients.  I can’t imagine another dedicated server company treating its employees and its customers as well as SingleHop’s support and sales team treats its current and future clients.  I feel honored to be working for a company such as SingleHop and I am proud to be selling their servers and services.

That’s all for now, I look forward to many blog posts to come.  And I look forward to serving all of your dedicated server needs!

Kyle Kinder

Account Executive

SingleHop, Inc. – Chicago

Office: 1-866-817-2811 x[106]

Local: 1-312-447-2580 x[106]

Fax: 1-773-305-1666

MSN, AIM, GTALK, Yahoo: SingleHopKyle

Here at SingleHop we deal with a lot of sites that are heavy in MySQL database usage and over time the dedicated servers end up with so much traffic that their MySQL service gets overloaded. There are many options we here at SingleHop utilize to expand their MySQL service and I’d like to go over the most common ones with you.
The first solution most customers will do is upgrade the processor, ram and hard drives on their dedicated server. There are many processors you can upgrade to which provide more speed and an upgrade from sata hard drives to SAS hard drives provides a significant increase in IO. The problem with these upgrades is that bleeding edge processors can be expensive and SAS hard drives are way more expensive than SATA.
The easiest way we have found at SingleHop to expand capability of a site is to use slave replication. Slave replication is where you have your old dedicated server which is deemed a master. All updates, inserts and deletes are replicated to the slave dedicated server so you have a 1:1 copy. You can then perform all selects on the slave dedicated server which reduces the amount of table locks you incur from traffic on your site due to select and database modification queries.
There are other methods like switching to a clustering storage engine but they don’t have the functionality that the two main storage engines have. If after you add a slave dedicated server you’re still having performance issues you should look into hiring a database architect to go over your database schema and work on improving the layout so it is as optimized as possible.

While not a common necessity, I thought it would be a good idea to bring up the availability of clustering in Microsoft’s SQL Server with Singlehop. This is a technology that is available from us for both SQL Server 2005 and 2008 and is an excellent way to ensure near 100% uptime for your database back-end.

The base of something like this requires at least two dedicated servers running Windows Server 2003 or 2008 Enterprise edition, and a SAN device of some sort to store the hosted databases on. The reason the Enterprise edition of Windows is required is due to the underlying clustering software that is included with the operating system, which is not available in the Standard or Web editions. It will also require an Active Directory, which needs to be hosted on a server that is not going to be used as a node in the cluster. This machine can be Standard edition, as it will only serve as a domain controller.

After setting up the clustering service in Windows, the SQL installation can begin. It will check both servers at the same time to ensure the needed requirements are there, and it will actually install most of the database engine to the shared SAN storage. Once everything is installed, the SQL server will actually operate on a virtual ip address, which is automatically routed to the active SQL server. The SQL servers will keep in contact with each other, and if the active server stops responding, the clustering tech automatically kicks in, the san storage is brought online on the secondary server, and then SQL is fired up. Usually the transition will take no more then 5 seconds, making actual downtime nearly unnoticeable. This allows a technician to work on the server with issues without causing any problems with the databases, and makes it very easy to run things like Windows updates without worrying about downtime while the servers reboot, as you can do them one at a time.

While it may seem like a lot of servers, it is important to take these types of things into consideration when looking into SQL hosting, and hosting your entire environment as a whole. We at Singlehop feel that moving forward with a clustered MS SQL hosting platform such as this is absolutely essential to ensuring your application is always online and stable.

If this seems like something that you might need, feel free to contact your account executive with any further questions or inquiries!

Ladies and Gentleman,
I wanted to take a few minutes and give you a brief introduction to our new, completely revolutionary, reseller hosting control panel that we lovingly call Tandem in light of our recent company skydiving experience and in the spirit of working together with our resellers. The program is currently undergoing beta testing and as soon as we work out the bugs, we are looking forward to releasing it to everyone.

Tandem works on two levels, first to our direct clients you get an amazing interface that lets you customize what your clients see when they login, it can be skinned with your company logo, so it is completely white label, and also allows our resellers to provide a ticketing system that is tied in with ours so if there is an issue that you want to pass to us to resolve, it can be done with the click of a button.

The other great feature that Tandem gives our resellers is the ability to order new servers 24/7, at their current reseller pricing tier, then, once the order is placed, the server is automatically provisioned. Our support team only has a hand in it if hardware upgrades need to be made! The pricing tiers also adjust automatically, and as the discount increases, it is also applied to all of the servers, not just new ones going forward.

The second level is that Tandem allows our resellers to leverage SingleHop’s size, buying power, and R&D budget. For example, our clients can give their clients the ability to see bandwidth graphs, hardware configurations, and also access to our mobile management platform via leap.singlehop.com and singlehop.mobi. This platform has been developed in house over the last few years, and we are continually adding new features. This is in addition to the many management features and partnerships that SingleHop has made, like re-bootless Kernel and OS security updates via Ksplice and design services from Despark.com amongst many others.

Shown below, for your customers use: 1) Tandem panel for Blackberry and iPhone; 2) Tandem web panel; For reseller use: 3) LEAP toolbar; 4) LEAP webtop; 5) LEAP widget; 6) LEAP mobile

Tandem is a truly revolutionary and SingleHop is very excited to be the first to offer such an innovative platform. Keep an eye out for a post from Miguel in the very near future with a more detailed run down of all that Tandem has to offer. Start reselling dedicated servers today!