Hardware Procurement: The licensee will require servers to host the web servers, gaming servers, control system servers, mail servers, database servers and other components.
iGamingServices can help the licensee choose the right hardware, and advise on scalability and reliability. Through its preferred partner status, Endeavour is also able to get hardware at greatly discounted prices.
Hardware cannot be rented; it must belong to the licensee. The LGA has the right of inspection on any hardware and can even confiscate hardware to prevent destruction of evidence. All hardware used by the licensee is sealed; Endeavour typically liaises with the LGA to arrange for the sealing of the servers.
The Key Official is responsible to report to the LGA any changes regarding servers, hard disks or other critical components.
The majority of the servers have to be hosted in Malta. This is required so that the bet transaction is legally taking place in Malta. In addition, the LGA requires that servers hosting databases (with their trace logs) or hosting the control system are kept in Malta where they can be inspected.
Server Installation and Preparation: iGamingServices can install operating systems on servers and configure the servers before deploying on the internet. The licensee IT staff can then remotely install the applications. Linux, Microsoft or Solaris can be installed.
Co-Location Services: Once the servers are in Malta, they need to be connected to the internet. In addition, as part of the contingency planning, very strict rules apply to the management of the servers. Some of these rules follow:
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Battery UPS, backed up with Generator for long term autonomy
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Fire and flood protection
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Burglar alarm
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Controlled access - biometrics or digital keys
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More than one international bandwidth provider
Because of these requirements and other economic considerations, servers are typically kept at an ISP - this is referred to as co-location:
iGamingServices can advise on selecting the right ISP and advise the licensee on the many things to watch out for.
ISPs in Malta: The three main telecoms companies in Malta are Maltacom, Vodafone and Melita Cable. These are traditionally the landline provider, the mobile phone operator and the cable operator in Malta although they all provide these services by now, directly or through strategic alliances. A number of smaller ISPs are also active in the industry, some having no clients outside the gaming industry.
Server Monitoring and Support: Co-located servers are typically left running unattended. It is important to be notified automatically should a server crash or other faults develop.
iGamingServices employs specialized tools for this purpose. It is recommended that the ISP is restricted only to power on/off reboots and not have internal access to the servers. In any case, Endeavour can also advise on how to reboot crashed servers without requiring ISP support.
