Robust.exe Services Running OpenSim in Grid mode

http://opensimulator.org/wiki/Configuration

I've recently been wondering how to run multiple Opensim instances at the same time...and how to implement some of the optional modules like Voice and offline services for email IMs etc....Robust Services seems to offer the solution. but requires substantial follow-up research before implementation.

Why Robust Services for Opensim?

Robust.exe allows running of  multiple instances of Opensim.exe simultaneously.  If your hardware is powerful enough (and your user, prim, script and region) demands are minimal enough then these can all run on the same machine. If not, then loads can be balanced across multiple computer servers using Robust.exe.




So, what might Robust look like?

Here is one scenario: 

[1]  Run a Diva distro Hypergirid enabled instance of Opensim.  Keep this mostly plain vanilla (per the Diva binary download version) and always be able to use Diva's Update.exe for upgrades and upgrading.

1.  Purpose is Friends and Family, HG access and Private Workshops. 
2. Configuration is Walled Garden with Hypergrid enabled.
3. Regions:  the standard Diva 4-region Mega, plus three more single regions. Total regions = 7
4. No public access.
5. uses Diva's WiFi
6. Uses Cross-Grid Groups, Friends, and IMs
7. Uses Offline messaging.
8. Voice-enabled.
9.  ?

[2]  Run an OSGrid attached instance of Opensim.exe. One region only, Hypergrid enabled.   Keep this mostly plain vanilla (per the OSGrid binary download version) and always be able to use OSGrid's downnloads for upgrades and upgrading. Uses Cross-Grid Groups, Friends, and IMs -but not many other modules nor addons.

1.  Purpose is to Offer Freebies, have a Hypergate, and also build a small private meeting space for use with business prospects, partners, the general public and acquaintances.
2. Configuration is OSGrid attached default, Hypergrid enabled.
3. Regions:  One region only.
4. Yes, public access.
5. Uses Cross-Grid Groups, Friends, and IMs
6. Uses Offline messaging.
7. Voice-enabled.
8.  ?

[3]  Run a one-region instance of Opensim.exe solely for Business, Commercial selling and Marketing purposes, . Use the default binary available on opensimulator.org.  Hypergrid enabled, Paypal and at least one additional currency. Cross-Grid Groups, Friends, and IMs -but not many other modules nor addons.

1.  Purpose is retail storefront, have a Hypergate, and also build a small private meeting space for use with business prospects, partners, the general public and acquaintances.
2. Configuration is Maybe an Opensimulator.org binary.
3. Regions:  One region only.
4. Yes, public access.
5. Uses Cross-Grid Groups, Friends, and IMs
6. Uses Offline messaging.
7. Uses Pay-Pal.
8. MAP shows hard-linked OSGrid region (above). 
9. Uses one other Metaverse currency (Vioxx? or others?). 
10. Voice-enabled.
11. NPC?
12.  ?

[4]  Run a Sandbox instance of Opensim.exe - Usually not online.  This instance is for temporary testing and configruation. Only running while testing occurs.

...hmmm things to think about...

Next?

Researching Robust installation, configuration, and administration with Opensim.exe.
Distill findings into a  written "How To" process.
Determine costs/benefits.
Determine if goals can be met with Fewer instances of Opensim.exe.
Determine TimeLines.
Decide:  Go or NoGo

LBSA Plaza Skating Rink for the Holidays

Flash!  New Ice just installed in Lbsa Plaza, OSGrid

..

Diva Hypergrid Opensim using Windows VPS

Installing the DIVA distro onto a VPS was almost as easy as installing the OSGrid attached binaries. Almost, but not quite.  Had to create a MySQL database, the user for it and grant correct rights for the Diva install to use.  This was already done in the OSGrid install because that one attaches to OSGrid and uses some of the OSGrid databases; while this DIVA distro is a private grid with its own set of databases (both are Hypergird enabled).

Fortunately, Diva's instructions for mySQL were clearly written (completing similar steps for WordPress installs all last year helped too).

The Diva Opensim instance loaded flawlessly (oops- forgot to open those firewall ports...ok, now that's done (Thanks Dan))...loaded flawlessly after the firewall port entries were made.

Yea!  Now using my VPS, I can run either the OSGrid attached instance of opensim or the Diva four (mega)region version of Opensim...So, that's nice and kept me happy for a week or so....

Next Target:  Figure how to use ROBUST so they can both run at the same time??  The osg forums and wiki as well as the opensimulator.org info on robust are - well ummm not quite clear enough to me - not yet.  More on this later...

So, I'm going to take an expert's advice and spend some time reading the comments from git..
Wait!  I don't have a clue How to do thaT!


BAck to Lbsa Plaza in hopes some wizard will have suggestions for this noob  :)