[NTLUG:Discuss] webserver scalability

[Mark Vaughn]

This is a message for the web architects out there. I work in a shop
that provides web services for a large corporation. We constantly have
new web-based projects coming along. I am recommending we go with web
servers that are small to mid-range (Sun Ultra 5 to E450) boxes. We use
load balancing switches, and I recommend multiple less expensive boxes
that are maxed out on RAM. That will allow us to add boxes as needs
dictate, with little effort or out-of-pocket expenses. Giving us
flexibility and horizontal scalability. 

I work in an environment used to mainframe and Oracle database
architecture. I am getting pressured to move the web servers to Sun
E4500-6500's and possibly to a new E10000 being brought in for the
databases. I see this as extreme overkill, not to mention expensive. If
every new server is going to cost me $60k-$100k to bring up, I  am
afraid I will get stuck loading up servers with large numbers of sites
that have drastically different needs and requirements (horizontal
scaling). I see this hardware as ideal for our database needs or even
large website, but not our web needs of running several small and very
different sites.

I am looking for some resources to use in my fight. If a new project
comes down the pipe with a drastically different set of requirements, I
want the flexibility to bring up a  new pair of web servers that are
load balanced and isolated. Keeping their poor coding or project design
from jeopardizing mission critical sites. I may have to take this to the
senior VP, so I need more than just "I know alot of people that
recommend this". I am looking for some journal articles or technical
sites, some stuff with substance. I've hit several dead ends trying to
find GOOD articles on such a specific topic. I'm hoping the ISP and
architectural base of NTLUG can help me out here.

Thanks,
djmv