DotCloud vs Heroku
Can DotCloud dethrone Heroku? It is getting more and more common for web applications to use more than one type of technology. For example I have rolled out apps recently that incorporate some real-time updates powered by socket.io which runs on node.js. I also have been using mongodb from the get-go on all my projects and skipping mysql/postgres altogether. So, I was extremely impressed with how easy it was to setup an app on dotcloud. Mongodb instance - done. Ruby app - done. Node.js app - done. On Heroku this would have been impossible, or required some expensive 3rd party addons.
Here's the rundown of what I love about dotcloud.
- It is very easy to mix and match your own technology stack
- No git, no problem : I deployed my app from a dropbox folder!
- Independence : I wanted to make sure my mongodb database was getting backed up - on my own terms. This was easy to do on dotcloud : http://snipplr.com/view/54805/dotcloud-mongodb-backup-script/
- Quick support
However there are a few unknowns about dotcloud:
- Reliability : I had a few issues getting my app running on ruby 1.8.7 as well as using a custom nginix.conf file. With the broad array of technologies that dotcloud supports will they be able to make them all run smooth all the time?
- Cost : It seems impossible to find out how much things are going to cost.
And here's why I love Heroku (my critical Ruby apps are going to stay there for the time being)
- It's reliable. I have never had a push to heroku blow up for reasons that weren't my fault.
- It's simple. Heroku does one (two if you count node.js) thing very well and that is host rails apps.
What I don't like about Heroku is how they push Add-Ons. You always need an add-on ($$$). I like to have a little more control over my app. With dotcloud I feel like I have that control with the same simplicity of use and a whole lot more possibilities.
Watch out Heroku!
Copyright © 2011, Aaron Blondeau
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