It’s been a few weeks since we signed up for Tealeaf and I wanted to give you all an update.  Here’s the situation.  In our environment, we require three new servers to make it work.  We need one server to collect the data on our Linux server, one to collect the data on our Windows server (for Endeca), and one to compile and serve the data so we can read it.

Our servers are actually in two different locations.  Our Linux servers are in Connecticut and our Windows server is at Rackspace.  So we physically must install new servers at both locations.  Well, Rackspace has been great.  They are a traditional co-location facility.  We’ve arranged to have our servers sent there and installed.

Unfortunately, our Connecticut host is not as hospitable.  They’re paranoid about allowing in foreign servers.  They only offer about 4 different configurations and everything must be purchased and installed through them.  If you are simply running a website and don’t need special hardware, that’s great; however, if you need a special configuration such as a special router or firewall, you’ve got issues. 

Moving out of Connecticut is not a simple option.  They are the most reliable hosts and experts for our shopping cart.  If we move from them, we’d need to bring in extra expertise to keep our shopping cart running.  Granted, we are in the process of changing our shopping cart and moving to windows, but that won’t be ready for at least 6 more months.

So what to do?  We are currently working with our hosts to see if they can come up with a solution.  I’d hate to delay our tealeaf implementation because of this.