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<div class="moz-cite-prefix">On 9/27/13 8:56 AM, Sumana
Harihareswara wrote:<br>
</div>
<blockquote cite="mid:52458E77.10800@wikimedia.org" type="cite">
<pre wrap="">Stephen, I just wanted to check in -- how is Tool Labs and Wikimedia
Labs in general for you? I'd love to hear from you about good bits and
not-so-great bits -- please reply to <a class="moz-txt-link-abbreviated" href="mailto:labs-l@lists.wikimedia.org">labs-l@lists.wikimedia.org</a> so
everyone can hear. Thanks!
</pre>
</blockquote>
<br>
Hi Sumana,<br>
<br>
I have heard a lot about Tool Labs but do not use their
infrastructure. I follow their reports on the labs-l list. In the
future, I may want to move one of my instances to the Tool Labs. If
I ever have to rebuild the server, I'll consider it.<br>
<br>
I joined Labs early and SignWriting has an open ended project on
Wikimedia Labs. SignWriting is a universal script for all sign
languages. Before the incubator could support sign languages, Labs
made the tools available so that we could develop and mature.<br>
<a class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="https://wikitech.wikimedia.org/wiki/Nova_Resource:Signwriting">https://wikitech.wikimedia.org/wiki/Nova_Resource:Signwriting</a><br>
<br>
The support of Wikimedia Labs has been great for SignWriting. There
have been a few hick-ups and frustrations, but I love Labs and
really appreciate the community and the foundation support.<br>
<br>
Two instances are currently running as part of the SignWriting
infrastructure. I monitor them daily, but I don't spend a lot of
time administering them. I am happy that they keep running. I
accept that either instance could disappear or become corrupted. I
have recovery plans for each instance.<br>
<br>
The first instance is the general purpose SignWriting Icon Server.
This server is running software available on Github. It serves the
SignWriting images in SVG. This service is needed until the
TrueType font is perfected. It additionally offers text processing
and searching unique for SignWriting.<br>
<a class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="http://swis.wmflabs.org">http://swis.wmflabs.org</a><br>
<br>
This instance is critical for the open test wiki of American Sign
Language on Incubator and can be used for any sign language project.<br>
<a class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="http://incubator.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wp/ase">http://incubator.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wp/ase</a><br>
<br>
<img src="cid:part1.03030701.07020706@signpuddle.net" alt=""><br>
<br>
<br>
The second instance on Wikimedia Labs is the ASL Wikipedia Project
demo with 22 articles running a custom MediaWiki install. I have
automated backups so I can rebuild the server if necessary. Once we
move the articles from this instance to Incubator, we will no longer
need this instance and the url will function as a redirect to the
Incubator.<br>
<a class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="http://ase.wikipedia.wmflabs.org">http://ase.wikipedia.wmflabs.org</a><br>
<br>
In general, Labs and the people involved provide the support I
need. The online tools, chat, and email discussion is always
interesting and productive.<br>
<br>
The not-so-great parts? Nothing really. I think I have reasonable
expectations and Labs provides an excellent service. Things break
every once in a while. Sometimes the fix is easy and other times it
is more involved. Over time, I've noticed the stability increase
and the documentation expand. Labs keeps getting better.<br>
<br>
Regards,<br>
∼Steve
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