notebookreview: server optimization completed +

This was a long week. I worked with TechTarget several days to upgrade and optimize their servers and the NotebookReview forums. I’m very pleased with the results, even if we did not finished everything what I had in my books.

Basically, we completely removed Apache, it was eating memory like an elephant. I used my own Nginx and PHP custom RPM’s, enhanced for performance. I still wait for their authorization to optimize also the MySQL software, it needs some tweaking.

Once the job done in the kitchen, I attacked the main issues vBulletin is struggling with under heavy load: search engine and data cache optimization. For now, only my cache product was installed. It produces the expected results. Some PHP code modifications were performed to enhance further more the vBulletin software. All I have left to do is install the Sphinx product, then the forums will be properly optimized.

Overall, there is a 320% performance increase, compared to old setup. In one week I should have everything completed related to vBulletin and users will be able to take advantage fully of the new revamped forum software.

Feel free to read what the web site users are saying, after the upgrade…

I must say that TechTarget are very professional people.
Jeff Tillotson stood by me all those long nights and did exactly what I was telling him to do. He deserves a raise, for sure. I also want to thank Andrew Baxter who offered excellent forum side support.