>Instead of having 1 server and many local nodes to that server.. how about
>placing
>servers in different cities. This could solve the problem of large masses
>dialing
>into the single server, which must be deadly to the cpu. I know of 1
>company that is
>successfully running this type of service with a very popular direct dial
>gamming
>service.
There are 7 race servers for Hawaii (last time I talked to a Papyrus
engineer) as well as separate servers for the race scheduler and BBS. If
things get too busy, they can add more servers. At the moment, they are
controlling the number of new accounts to prevent the system from
overloading while they ramp up. I think the response to Hawaii surprised
even Papyrus. Just imagine what it's going to be like with NASCAR
sanctioning leagues. <g>
Dave "davids" Sparks
Sequoia Motorsports