InAutoNews Moves to Dedicated Chicago Server to Support Growth
After rapid expansion, InAutoNews has shifted to a dedicated server in a downtown Chicago data centre, aiming to handle increased traffic and a large automotive image archive.
InAutoNews, an automotive news and image site, has experienced significant growth since its launch. Within just 11 months, the site’s visitor numbers and content library expanded far beyond the capabilities of its initial shared hosting solution. The archive now includes more than 10,000 high-resolution automotive images (each over 2,000 pixels wide) and an additional 50,000 medium-quality photos. This rapid increase in both traffic and data storage needs prompted a series of hosting upgrades, first to a grid service and now to a dedicated server.
Background: Growth and Hosting Challenges
Why InAutoNews Needed a Dedicated Server
The decision to move to a dedicated server was driven by several factors. The sheer volume of large image files required more bandwidth and storage than shared or grid hosting could reliably provide. High visitor numbers meant that server resources were frequently stretched, causing slow load times and occasional outages. These limitations made it clear that a more robust hosting environment was needed to support the site’s ambitions and to maintain a positive user experience.
The 427 LaSalle Data Centre: Features and Security
InAutoNews’ new server is housed in the 427 LaSalle data centre, a recently renovated facility located in downtown Chicago, adjacent to the Chicago Board of Trade. The data centre is SAS 70 certified, indicating that it meets rigorous standards for security and operational controls. Security is a priority, with 24-hour staffing, CCTV surveillance, biometric scanners, mantraps, and optical turnstiles at all entrances. These measures help ensure that only authorised personnel can access the servers.
- Three 3,000-amp, 480-volt, three-phase power feeds from multiple substations
- Three 2-megawatt electrical generators for backup power
- Four 500 kVA uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems
- Four 300-ton chillers for climate control
- Automatic logic monitoring of all critical systems
These features provide a stable environment for InAutoNews’ dedicated server, reducing the risk of downtime due to power failures or equipment issues. The facility’s infrastructure is designed to support high-density computing and large-scale data storage, which is essential for hosting extensive image archives and managing high traffic volumes.
Bandwidth and Connectivity
Reliable, high-speed connectivity is crucial for a site with a global audience and large media files. The 427 LaSalle data centre connects to several major Tier 1 bandwidth providers. These include Level(3), Sprint, Savvis, NTT Communications, and Cogent. Each provider is recognised for its extensive network reach and robust infrastructure.
- Level(3): Operates one of the world’s largest Tier 1 telecommunications networks and was recently named the top IP transit provider in North America and Europe by Renesys Corp.
- Sprint: Connects over 25% of the world’s internet traffic and has one of the most extensive IP backbones, with high-speed links up to OC-192/STM-64.
- Savvis: Runs a global Tier 1 network spanning 105 cities in 47 countries.
- NTT Communications and Cogent: Both offer high-speed, reliable connections to ensure stable access for users worldwide.
By partnering with multiple Tier 1 providers, InAutoNews benefits from redundancy and resilience. If one provider experiences issues, traffic can be rerouted through another, helping to maintain fast and stable access even during periods of peak demand or network disruption.
Implications for Users and Content Reliability
The move to a dedicated server brings several advantages for InAutoNews’ users. With increased bandwidth and server resources, pages and image galleries should load more quickly, even when traffic is high. The enhanced security and infrastructure of the 427 LaSalle facility also make the site more resilient against outages and data loss. For automotive enthusiasts, journalists, and industry professionals who rely on access to high-resolution images and up-to-date news, these improvements enhance the overall experience.
For InAutoNews, this investment in infrastructure lays the groundwork for future growth. The dedicated server can accommodate further expansion of the image library and increased traffic without the performance bottlenecks that affected previous hosting solutions. The site is now better positioned to continue delivering news, reviews, and photo galleries to a growing international audience.
Looking Ahead: Supporting Expansion
The transition to a dedicated server marks an important milestone for InAutoNews. As the site continues to expand its coverage and image archive, the robust infrastructure at 427 LaSalle provides a stable foundation. With reliable power, advanced security, and high-speed connectivity, InAutoNews is equipped to meet the needs of its users and support further growth in the coming years.
