Go Back  FlyerTalk Forums > Travel&Dining > Travel Technology
Reload this Page >

Cloud Server - does this exist?

Community
Wiki Posts
Search

Cloud Server - does this exist?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Aug 27, 2022 | 3:15 am
  #1  
Original Poster
Ambassador: Emirates Airlines
 
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Manchester, UK
Posts: 19,793
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 :-
  • 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
Does this type of product exist?

Thanks!
DYKWIA is offline  
Old Aug 27, 2022 | 10:09 am
  #2  
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Conversation Starter
All eyes on you!
20 Years on Site
 
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.
gfunkdave is offline  
Old Aug 28, 2022 | 3:29 am
  #3  
Original Poster
Ambassador: Emirates Airlines
 
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Manchester, UK
Posts: 19,793
Originally Posted by gfunkdave
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.
Thanks. The problem with AWS is that it's not fully 'pay-as-you-go'. I previously tried AWS, but was getting charged around $30 a month (for the 60GB storage).
DYKWIA is offline  
Old Aug 28, 2022 | 7:36 am
  #4  
All eyes on you!
20 Years on Site
 
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).
The_Diamond_Z is offline  
Old Aug 28, 2022 | 3:09 pm
  #5  
10 Countries Visited
All eyes on you!
10 Years on Site
 
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,696
https://www.hetzner.com/cloud

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
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)
paperwastage is offline  
Old Aug 28, 2022 | 6:10 pm
  #6  
All eyes on you!
 
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 3,734
Originally Posted by DYKWIA
Thanks. The problem with AWS is that it's not fully 'pay-as-you-go'. I previously tried AWS, but was getting charged around $30 a month (for the 60GB storage).
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...
StuckInYYZ is offline  
Old Aug 29, 2022 | 5:26 am
  #7  
Original Poster
Ambassador: Emirates Airlines
 
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Manchester, UK
Posts: 19,793
Originally Posted by paperwastage
Thanks... that looks quite reasonable. I can live with 10 per month

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

Thanks.
DYKWIA is offline  
Old Aug 29, 2022 | 5:37 pm
  #8  
10 Countries Visited
All eyes on you!
10 Years on Site
 
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,696
Originally Posted by DYKWIA
Thanks... that looks quite reasonable. I can live with 10 per month

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

Thanks.
just note that you're not paying AWS level of service
https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/new...-compensation/

(and even AWS can encounter data loss)
https://www.virtualizationhowto.com/...s-are-crucial/

backups & redundancy
gfunkdave likes this.
paperwastage is offline  
Old Sep 7, 2022 | 1:27 am
  #9  
Original Poster
Ambassador: Emirates Airlines
 
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Manchester, UK
Posts: 19,793
Originally Posted by paperwastage
Just for completeness, I eventually fired up a Centos8 box from the above, and rebuilt my server. It only took a couple of days, and it's only around 10 a month for the size I needed.

Thanks!
DYKWIA is offline  


Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

This site is owned, operated, and maintained by MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Designated trademarks are the property of their respective owners.