I am familiar with the requirements for small video storage and hosting. The key question pertains to the server capacity and the necessary software for this purpose.

Currently, there is a need to upload video files onto the server and embed the video code into an external service (page builder) to enable smooth viewing by a large audience. The existing platforms like YouTube and Vimeo are not meeting the requirements due to various reasons.

The current server setup includes a 2 core processor (possibly Xeon Silver 4110 at 2.1 GHz each core), SSD, and 4 GB of RAM. The server is running on linux Debian 9 with a standard server set comprising apache2 + nginx. It likely uses PHP version 7 or higher.

The website has a PHP script that generates a link to the video and plays it using a class, similar to the one available at http://codesamplez.com/programming/php-html5-video-streaming-tutorial. However, it currently experiences 100% processor load and approximately 3.4 GB of RAM usage with about 10 simultaneous visitors. The peak load over the past two weeks has been around 30-40 simultaneous visitors, which is steadily increasing. On a global scale, there are around 4,000 unique users and 11,558 landing page views per day.

Now, let's address the questions:

1) Are these indicators normal? That is, do 10 people really load 2 cores?
2) Is there any way to optimize the script?
3) How can I optimize the server to reduce the cost to $200?
4) Alternative suggestions for improvement are welcome.
5) We are open to considering collaboration to resolve this issue.

Let's address your questions one by one.

1) The current server setup with 2 core processor and 4 GB of RAM seems to be struggling to handle the load. A 100% processor load and 3.4 GB of RAM usage with just 10 simultaneous visitors indicate that the server resources are being heavily taxed. This suggests that the current setup is not able to efficiently handle the demand, and optimization is necessary.

2) To optimize the script, you can start by analyzing the PHP script that generates the link to the video and plays it using a class. It's essential to identify any inefficiencies or bottlenecks in the script that are causing excessive resource usage. This could involve optimizing the code for better performance, implementing caching mechanisms, or offloading some processing to client-side technologies like JavaScript. Additionally, considering a more efficient method for video streaming, such as leveraging HTML5 video streaming techniques, could also help in reducing server load.

3) Optimizing the server to reduce the cost to $200 is achievable with the right approach. One way to achieve this is by upgrading the server hardware to better accommodate the increasing load. For example, upgrading to a higher core processor, increasing RAM capacity, and utilizing faster storage solutions like NVMe SSDs can significantly improve server performance. Another approach would be to implement load balancing and CDN (Content Delivery Network) services to distribute the load and deliver content more efficiently.

4) Alternative suggestions for improvement could include exploring dedicated video hosting platforms that specialize in high-volume video delivery. These platforms often have specialized infrastructure and content delivery networks optimized for video streaming, which can alleviate the strain on your server and provide a smoother experience for users. Additionally, considering containerization technologies like Docker could offer scalability and cost-efficiency by allowing for flexible resource allocation based on demand.

5) Collaboration in resolving this issue could involve seeking assistance from experienced system administrators, developers, or cloud service providers who specialize in optimizing video hosting infrastructures. Engaging in collaboration with experts in the field can provide valuable insights and solutions tailored to your specific requirements.

Addressing the challenges of video storage and hosting requires a comprehensive approach that encompasses script optimization, server hardware upgrades, consideration of alternative hosting solutions, and potential collaboration with industry professionals. By carefully evaluating each aspect and implementing strategic improvements, it's possible to achieve a more cost-effective and efficient video hosting solution.

PHP is no longer a necessity for video streaming. It seems that when I initially made this decision, the client was using very outdated hosting services. Nowadays, modern hosting and web browsers have built-in support for video streaming, making PHP obsolete in this context. By abandoning PHP, we can significantly reduce the server load, although in my specific case, this means losing the ability to protect downloads.

A great alternative to consider is using a CDN (Content Delivery Network) with HLS (HTTP Live Streaming) support. I have yet to determine which option is more cost-effective: using a CDN or simply hosting the videos on a VPS (Virtual Private Server). Additionally, without the right tools, downloading from a CDN can be challenging, and I have not personally found a suitable solution for this.

In terms of server capacity, it's important to have sufficient storage space to accommodate the video content. Video files can be quite large, so having ample disk space is crucial. The server should also have robust processing power to handle the transcoding of videos into different formats and resolutions to ensure smooth playback on various devices.
In addition, considering the potential for high traffic and concurrent video streams, it's important to have a server with adequate bandwidth to support seamless streaming without buffering or interruptions. This may involve selecting a hosting provider with scalable bandwidth options or even considering a content delivery network (CDN) to enhance the distribution of video content to users across different geographical locations.

From a software perspective, the choice of video hosting platform is critical. There are various options available, each with its own set of features and requirements. For instance, some popular video hosting platforms include open-source solutions like FFmpeg and Video.js, as well as commercial platforms like Brightcove and Wistia. The chosen platform should support video encoding, streaming, and delivery, as well as offer customization options for player design and user experience.
The software stack on the server should include necessary components for efficient video processing, such as codecs for encoding and decoding, streaming protocols (e.g., HLS, DASH), and potential security measures like digital rights management (DRM) for protecting copyrighted content.

Are you comfortable managing servers and software yourself, or do you need a managed solution?

Small video hosting requires robust server capacity and specialized software to manage uploads, encoding, storage, and streaming. Adequate hardware and software ensure seamless playback and scalability for growing demands.

For small-scale video hosting, server capacity and software requirements are crucial for performance and scalability:

Server Hardware: A robust server with a multi-core processor, at least 16GB of RAM, and substantial storage space (multiple terabytes), preferably SSDs for faster data access.
Bandwidth: Adequate bandwidth is vital, as video streaming consumes significant amounts. Consider a dedicated internet connection with high upload and download speeds.
Software: Utilize video hosting software like Wowza Streaming Engine or Red5 Pro for streaming capabilities, alongside a content management system (CMS) that supports video like WordPress with appropriate plugins.
Database Management: A reliable database system such as MySQL or MongoDB to handle user data and video metadata efficiently.
Security Measures: Implement security protocols like SSL for encryption, configure firewalls, and regularly update software to protect against vulnerabilities.

Your PHP script is a resource hog. Here's why:

Video Streaming: Streaming videos directly from your server is resource-intensive. Consider using a CDN like Cloudflare or Amazon CloudFront.
Unoptimized Code: Your PHP script likely has bottlenecks and inefficiencies. Profile it using tools like Xdebug and Blackfire to identify and fix performance issues.
Database Calls: Ensure your script isn't making excessive database calls. Use pagination, caching, and efficient queries.

Your current setup is like trying to run a marathon with a broken leg. You need to fix your script and use proper video hosting solutions.

It's best to host small videos on a VPS or cloud server (at least 2-4GB RAM), with SSD storage, good bandwidth, and software like Nginx and FFmpeg.