Linode

Linode (an abbreviation for Linux Node ) is a web application hosting and cloud computing provider based in Galloway Township, New Jersey. Linode allows system administrators and software developers to rent virtual servers on which to run their own computer applications. Linode allows scalable deployment of applications by providing a Web service through which a user can boot a virtual machine, that Linode calls an "node" or "Linode", and load/run any software desired.

A user can create, deploy, and terminate server instances as needed - paying by the month, but prorated to the day for active server instances. Linode provides users with control over the geographical location (i.e. London, UK, Newark, NJ, Atlanta, GA, Dallas, TX, Fremont, CA, and Tokyo, JP), which allows for greater availability and fault tolerance.

History
Christopher Aker developed the Linode platform in late 2002 out of his Nashville, Tennessee apartment as its sole employee. After several months of development, Linode opened for business and offered its first server instances to the public on June 16, 2003.

On March 28, 2008, Linode transitioned from User-mode Linux (UML) to Xen virtualization. Prior to March 2008, Linode made substantial contributions to the User-mode Linux community and used the technology to allow multiple guests to run on a single physical server.

Virtual Machines
Linode uses Xen virtualization. Each virtual machine, called a "Linode", functions as a virtual private server. Linode's virtual machines are sized and priced by the amount of resources they include.

Linode Manager
The Linode Manager is a proprietary, browser-based interface that allows users to manage multiple virtual servers as well as other products (e.g. backups and load balancers) that apply to their account. The control panel is also home to the billing and reporting functions and provides access to 24/7 support as well as developer resources and the Linode Library.

StackScripts
StackScripts provide a flexible way to customize Linode distribution templates to make deployment easier for system administrators. They provide a seamless process to get a LAMP stack up and running so it is automatically tuned, tweaked and optimized.

NodeBalancers
Linode offers load balancers, known as NodeBalancers, which distribute connections across multiple virtual machines to achieve greater availability and fault tolerance.

API
The Linode API is a programmatic interface to many of the Linode Manager's features. The Linode API includes functions for working with DNS, StackScripts, NodeBalancers, as well as server instance creation, control, and deletion.

Backup Service
The Linode Backup Service is a storage system in which data is accessible to Linode instances over the network. Linode does not charge for the bandwidth for communications between Linode instances and the Backup Service. There are four backup slots. Three of the slots are executed and rotated automatically: a daily backup, a 2-7 day old backup, and an 8-14 day old backup. The fourth backup slot is a user-initiated snapshot and remains in place until another user-initiated snapshot is taken.

Sponsorships
Linode is a long-standing infrastructure sponsor for Rails Rumble and YCombinator.

WikiQueer hosting
WikiQueer was hosted on Linode since January 22, 2012, just prior to WikiQueer's Inauguration. The selection of Linode as WikiQueer's host was based, in part, on:
 * Positive reputation within the MediaWiki developer community
 * Improved page load times
 * Improved ability to manage WikiQueer's server
 * Decrease in monthly costs by 40%
 * Green web hosting compatible with WikiQueer's green initiative
 * Compliance with WikiQueer's vendor policy
 * A commitment to standing by WikiQueer and its mission should the site ever come under attack
 * Ability to run WikiQueer on a nginx server with root access
 * LGBT friendly reputation
 * Financially supportive of nonprofits
 * USA based server