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Behind the Scenes At Sony's NOC
VonGuard writes "Earlier this year, I spoke to Mark Rizzo, the man who manages the people who run Sony's online game servers. Rizzo learned the ropes of MMO hosting back on Ultima Online, and we chatted about where the tough problems were then versus now. Rizzo compares the operation to a 24/7 scientific simulation, albeit with some sassier and more involved end-users. His favorite innovation since those early days? Rapidly provisioning and deploying Linux installations tailor-made to their purposes. Here's my article on Rizzo and his band of 50-some-odd sysadmin-cum-dungeon-masters, written for the new newspaper The Systems Management News."
So to sum up, they have lots of programs that are constantly watched by scripts. They get to heave server machines around to expand certain areas and replace old servers. Their lives are mostly taken up with making sure that the backups are properly done on time each day and that no one accidentally steps on the power cord.
Fascinating!
Anyone else have images of S&M runnin through their minds?