Hey ISH Community,
Big changes are coming to Indigo Server Hosting! As our platform has grown, we’ve run into limitations with our current infrastructure that are holding us back. To address these challenges and prepare for an exciting future, we’ll be performing a major system overhaul on December 12th and 13th.
This overhaul sets the stage for a host of new features and improvements that will be rolling out through Q1 and Q2 of 2025. Let’s dive into the details.
Maintenance Overview: December 12th-13th
Why the Overhaul Is Necessary
When ISH first launched, our infrastructure (powered by Pterodactyl) worked perfectly for our needs. However, as we’ve expanded, we’ve encountered several challenges:
- Manual Server Provisioning
Adding new nodes requires manual configuration, which slows us down and increases the chance of errors. - Finite Scalability
Our current database design has a hard limit on the number of nodes we can support. This has become a major roadblock as our community grows. - Growing Pains
The way our system was originally set up simply can’t handle our current scale or the features we want to introduce.
What’s Changing?
Most changes will happen behind the scenes, but here’s what the overhaul will include:
- Backend Redesign
A fully dynamic system will replace manual provisioning, allowing us to scale efficiently and securely. - Database Overhaul
A new, scalable database will eliminate bottlenecks and prepare us for future growth. - MyPortal Revamp
While the backend fixes will go live immediately, a redesigned and user-friendly MyPortal will be rolled out in 2025.
What You Need to Do
To prepare for this maintenance:
- Backup Your Data
All existing data stored on our servers will be wiped. Save important files or configurations locally before December 12th. - Prepare for Downtime
The portal will be offline for approximately 1-2 days. After we’re back online, you’ll need to re-upload your data to the new system. - Reset Your Login
All login credentials will be reset to comply with UK GDPR. You’ll need to reapply for access via our ticket system.
Roadmap for Q1-Q2 2025: New Features
Once the overhaul is complete, we’ll be rolling out new features gradually through Q1 and Q2 of 2025. Here’s what’s coming and when you can expect it:
January 2025
- Minecraft Modpack & Plugin Support
- Discord Signup & Integration
- Includes free trial server browsing and claiming (trial servers go live in Q2).
- Staff Permissions & Management
- Dynamic Email Updates
- Timeline:
- Early January: Development and internal testing.
- Mid-January: Features rolled out to all users.
February 2025
- Live Chat Support
- On-Demand Staff Support
- Improved Cron Jobs
- Timeline:
- Early February: Development and internal testing.
- Mid-February: Beta testing with select users.
- End of February: Features go live for all users.
Late Q2 2025
- Game Switching Made Easy
- Allows users to change their game server type directly through the portal.
Free Trial Servers (via Discord Integration)
- New users can claim limited-performance trial servers for 1-2 days. These servers are designed as a “taster” before upgrading to fully tailored servers.
- Timeline:
- Development Begins: Late Q1 2025.
- Testing: Early Q2 2025.
- Go Live: Late Q2 2025.
Why the Staggered Rollout?
We’d rather release features gradually than open the floodgates and end up with one buggy mess. By dripping out updates, we can thoroughly test each feature and ensure a smooth experience for everyone. This approach lets us catch issues early and provide reliable new tools without compromising your experience.
Why Free Trial Servers?
We’re introducing free trial servers to make it easier for new users to explore what ISH has to offer. Here’s how it works:
- Quick Signup: Register using your Discord account to instantly claim a free server.
- Trial Period: These servers will last for 1-2 days and come with limited performance.
- Upgrade Path: If you’re happy with the experience, you can submit a ticket for a fully tailored server.
These trial servers aren’t meant to replace our main offerings, but they do give users a chance to explore ISH without committing immediately. They also help us filter out casual users who might only stick around for a few days.
Why This Overhaul Matters
This overhaul and the features it enables represent a huge leap forward for ISH. Not only are we solving critical scalability issues, but we’re also laying the groundwork for a platform that’s more powerful, flexible, and user-friendly.
The fact that we even need this overhaul is a testament to our growth as a community—and we couldn’t have done it without your support.
Thank You for Your Support
We know downtime and big changes can be inconvenient, but these upgrades are essential for ensuring ISH is ready for the future. Your patience and feedback have been invaluable, and we’re committed to delivering a platform that exceeds your expectations.
Stay tuned for updates as we move through each phase of this exciting journey!
Cheers,
The ISH Team
