Since August 2001 I’ve shared either a dedicated or co-located server with a friend to quench our hosting and online development needs. Overkill? At times probably (a good learning experience if nothing else).

Our latest hosting platform was a HP Proliant DL320 G2 (that is now for sale) that we bought back in May/June 2004. Quite imaginatively we nicknamed the box “hp”.

Back in June this year I decided to reduce my side work and claw back my free time as my own (aka get a life!). To start, close down the hosting service I was providing for friends.

Well yesterday I removed our server from Redbus where we were hosted by Blackcat Networks. I highly recommend these guys, they certainly know their stuff and are reasonably priced too!

My hosting requirements now-a-days are rather conservative; its been a while since I last shopped for shared hosting and was surprised how much it’s come down in price. Just £25 / year for hosting from Prime Hosting seems to fullfil my needs (includes RoR )

Next on my journey to freedom is to complete my outstanding programming commitments before I move on to certification.

Yesterday I accepted an offer for the position of Senior Analyst Programmer at River Island, woot! I start August 1st.

I also managed to sell my certification study guide for a small fortune.

Go me!