Cloud Server - does this exist?
#1
Original Poster
Ambassador: Emirates Airlines
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Manchester, UK
Posts: 19,794
Cloud Server - does this exist?
I have a small server at home that hosts a few VMs that I fire up infrequently. It currently spends most of its time switched off.
So, I've been looking moving the VMs to a cloud provider, but I'm struggling to find a product that will do what I want.
Most providers offer "pay as you go" pricing for servers, but the server is deleted when you switch it off.
What I want is :-
Thanks!
So, I've been looking moving the VMs to a cloud provider, but I'm struggling to find a product that will do what I want.
Most providers offer "pay as you go" pricing for servers, but the server is deleted when you switch it off.
What I want is :-
- The VM is persistent (they are around 60GB Linux servers)
- I only get charged when it's switched on (maybe a couple of hours a month)
- I can upload my current VMs (VMWare) with minimal fuss
Thanks!
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist



Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: ORD
Posts: 14,771
I can only speak to AWS. As long as you dont delete the instance (terminate) it can stick around indefinitely in a shut down state.
If you are using ephemeral storage for it (not the default, I dont think ) then the storage will be deleted when you turn it off. But a standard block storage device should be fine.
If you are using ephemeral storage for it (not the default, I dont think ) then the storage will be deleted when you turn it off. But a standard block storage device should be fine.
#3
Original Poster
Ambassador: Emirates Airlines
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Manchester, UK
Posts: 19,794
I can only speak to AWS. As long as you dont delete the instance (terminate) it can stick around indefinitely in a shut down state.
If you are using ephemeral storage for it (not the default, I dont think ) then the storage will be deleted when you turn it off. But a standard block storage device should be fine.
If you are using ephemeral storage for it (not the default, I dont think ) then the storage will be deleted when you turn it off. But a standard block storage device should be fine.
#4


Join Date: Dec 2001
Posts: 399
I think most cloud providers will have some sort of charge just for the server to exist, whether or not it's running.
However, depending on what you're doing, a dedicated VM might suit for a lower cost than AWS/Azure/etc.
Many of the suppliers have compelling sales from time to time, and nothing says you have to keep the server on/running, but that doesn't help with the cost.
This is one I've used ( I'm not affiliated) https://oplink.net/virtual-private-servers/
Godaddy and most of the other big hosting providers will also have similar plans.
I doubt anyone will allow you to upload an existing VM image (think security).
However, depending on what you're doing, a dedicated VM might suit for a lower cost than AWS/Azure/etc.
Many of the suppliers have compelling sales from time to time, and nothing says you have to keep the server on/running, but that doesn't help with the cost.
This is one I've used ( I'm not affiliated) https://oplink.net/virtual-private-servers/
Godaddy and most of the other big hosting providers will also have similar plans.
I doubt anyone will allow you to upload an existing VM image (think security).
#5



Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,696
https://www.hetzner.com/cloud
try this?
not entirely sure about vmware migration. maybe check with other sites like lowendtalk.com
I just keep a couple of cheap lowend boxes around 24/7 (from $10-20/year for ssd-backed, to $30/year for 0.5-1TB hdd-RAID-? storage boxes)
try this?
With our Snapshot feature, you can make manual backups of your servers. You can use our Snapshots to restore your server to a saved image, use saved images to create new cloud servers, or transfer images during a project.
0.0100/GB per month
0.0100/GB per month
I just keep a couple of cheap lowend boxes around 24/7 (from $10-20/year for ssd-backed, to $30/year for 0.5-1TB hdd-RAID-? storage boxes)
#6

Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 3,734
As you are consuming resources (even powered off), you will get billed for it, but some of the more affordable sites you might look at.... Linode, vultr or digital ocean... One of them might fit you better...
#7
Original Poster
Ambassador: Emirates Airlines
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Manchester, UK
Posts: 19,794

I can actually just rebuild my server if I can't upload the VM. I'll have a play around.
Thanks.
#8



Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,696
https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/new...-compensation/
(and even AWS can encounter data loss)
https://www.virtualizationhowto.com/...s-are-crucial/
backups & redundancy
#9
Original Poster
Ambassador: Emirates Airlines
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Manchester, UK
Posts: 19,794
Thanks!

