Why we use our own hardware (fastmail.com)

Article summary

Fastmail, an email service provider, has chosen to use its own hardware instead of cloud services due to better cost optimization and control over their systems. They have over two decades of experience running and optimizing their systems on bare metal servers, allowing them to plan hardware purchases and usage efficiently. This approach has resulted in significant cost savings and improved reliability. Fastmail has also successfully transitioned to using NVMe SSDs with ZFS, which has provided better performance and reliability compared to traditional HDDs.

Main themes

• Cloud vs On-Premises Infrastructure
• Cost Optimization
• Hardware Reliability
• Data Storage Solutions
• System Administration

What commenters say

• Using cloud services can be more expensive and less reliable than running one's own hardware, especially for companies with predictable usage patterns and in-house operations experience.
• The cloud can provide easier scalability and reduced technical debt, but may also lead to increased costs and vendor lock-in as the company grows.
• Managed cloud services can make it easier to set up and manage infrastructure, but may also introduce new complexities and limitations, such as vendor-specific skill sets and potential security risks.
• On-premises infrastructure can provide better control and reliability, but requires significant expertise and resources to manage and maintain, and may not be suitable for all companies or use cases.
• The choice between cloud and on-premises infrastructure depends on various factors, including company size, growth prospects, technical expertise, and specific needs, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution.
• Some commenters argue that the cloud is not always the most cost-effective or efficient option, and that on-premises infrastructure can be more reliable and secure, while others point out the benefits of cloud scalability and reduced administrative burden.