CCP Oneiromancer
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Posted - 2008.08.12 17:57:00 -
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This is a FAQ thread to explain what, why, how and when of Singularity mirrors.
General information:
Q: What is a mirror?
A: A mirror is a copy of the database that is running on the Tranquility server. It includes account and character information, such as skills, assets, implants etc, as well as any other database information, such as contracts, starbases, outposts etc.
Q: What is it good for?
A: A mirror is used by both CCP's QA department and EVE players to conduct testing in an environment as close to the live environment as possible. This means that alterations to the mirror are kept to a minimum.
Q: When is a new mirror deployed on Singularity?
A: When the testing cycle requires a clean dataqbase copy. This usually happens prior to the release of patches and expansions, so that testers and players can run tests in an environment closest to what the live server would look like after the patch release. Another case when a fresh mirror is required is when major gameplay changes need to be playtested by a large number of users.
Q: How is a mirror made?
A: First, a copy of the Tranquility database is made by CCP's Operations department. This copy is then moved on the Singularity network, where QA Deployment will start customizing it for use on the test server (see below). The copying operation takes about 7 hours.
Q: How is a mirror on Singularity different from TQ?
A: The main differences are that all starbases are removed and moon mineral resources are scrambled, to prevent scouting on the test server of assets on the live server. Other differences and modifications are listed below:
* ETC accounts are edited so that they do not expire when the ETC payment runs out.
* All accounts are voice enabled.
* Agent memory is removed (standings and loyalty points).
* S&I jobs are removed (this is done in order to prevent starbase S&I jobs from being stuck when starbases are removed).
* The market is seeded so that all market items cost 100 ISK and are in plentiful supply. At least one station per constellation is market seeded like this.
* Other adjustments for our internal use.
This process can take at least half a day. The whole mirroring process can take up to 2 days.
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