Trap, it's not difficult, just takes money to invest in the hardware . . . when a web app system becomes sluggish, you need to plan and budget for the upgrade.  I've seen or participated on these upgrades many times here on the Federal contracts I've worked on.  Of course, Federal being the key word, money is no object . . .

We're putting in a fiber backbone now in/for a small Medicare web app/database Dev/Val (software development / validation) operation which will increase bandwidth exponentially, along with the other necessary components at each end to eliminate bottlenecks.  In this case, the servers (Sun SPARCs) are fine, the Ethernet (copper wire) is the bottleneck.  Fiber (optical - light vs electrons) is much faster.  One reason many opt for Verizon FIOS when its available -- the F = fiber.

In AA's case, then the servers themselves need to be either upgraded or time to start thinking about clustering (multiple servers), and start thinking about a fiber SAN (storage area network -- big box of drives connected thru/with fiber).  The servers do the thinking, the SAN holds the data / database.

The last thing is to get their ISP to provide the highest speed and largest bandwidth possible.  Again $$$.  But the difference would be like sending the same amount of water down a 1/2" pipe under its own power vs. a 3" pipe under pressure.

Now these are just my guesses, I have no idea of what AA infrastructure looks like, but I'm sure if the cash was there and it would provide ROI, they would invest in it.

. . . of course, I thought AA might appease everyopne and make the 10 minute rule an option too . . .

As i said before the way i sell the ten minute rule makes no difference to me.But i will say.personally  i'm against the optional 10 min rule theory,too much confusion,Basic,reserve,dutch,best offer-some with the ten minutes some without!!Make it too confusing and you drive away potential new customers. I personally want to see it either way a 10min rule or a no ten minute rule.Like-"deal or no deal"

What i would like to see if we are going to have the ten minute rule and a bid comes in say at four minutes then it resets to five minutes,then gradually goes down to a one minute until there are no more bids-if you are going to have it, at least make it different and  interesting.

I think the owner made it pretty clear that this was something they had to do to stay competitive in the market.Some will never see this until they own a business and are put in the same position.Complacency often kills a business,you must adapt to changing times to stay competitive and survive.

JMHO

Well said, Hartwell.  I just heard yesterday that Blockbuster Video has filed for bankruptcy.  Obviously, Netflix and others came up with better ideas and Blockbuster didn't adapt.

5th, They sure did. A months worth of movies for 9 bucks. Red box offers new releases for a buck. Blockbuster wants  four or five times that amount. You would think that business people would see the light. It isn't the ten minute rule that makes money it is a quality item at a fair price. Savage,Remington and winchester, the working mens rifles are now over 700.00 for a run of the mill factory gun. As much as I like Savage and Remington, I never saw  either one of them that was worth the price they sell for today. Hell, I just bought a Kimber for just over 8 bills. Remington hasn't changed a damn thing about their model 700 to justify the price increase and are pricing them selves out of the market. Marlins XS7 is comparable to the savage at 339.00 for rifle and scope combo. I bought just the rifle and scoped it myself. I was at the range today. 7mm-08 with  sierras 140gr BTSP, 46grs of IMR4350 sent five shots inside 3/4 inch at 100yds. Not a bad gun, a little heavy for my taste but for the price I can live with it. Times as they are, value is at the forefront.     Trapper

....we have returned every Kimber we have ever purchased. JohnT

I don't own any Kimbers but they obviously engender a love-hate relationship with their owners.  I've seen an awful lot of people who swear by them and just as many who swear at them.

....we received one about 6 years ago that would not even eject any type ammo (brand).....there was no way Jose it had passed any type quality control....then the crap we had to deal with before getting an RMA for return was rediculous. The second one was a Desert Warrior I wanted just because.....truly disappointed at the finish, slide action and jerky rough trigger pull. The third was one of their new Conceal .45's and the trigger vasilated sideways when touched. We then said the hell with it. JohnT

My Kimber reference was for a model 84 rifle. I am not a handgun man.    Trapper

'Twas the night before the 10 min rule, when all through AA's house

Not a buyer was complaining, everything was quiet as a mouse;

All proxy bids were all placed in the auctions with care,

In hopes that bigger bucks soon would be there;

The sellers were nestled all snug in their beds,

While visions of big sugar-coated  bids danced in their heads;

Hartwell you have way too much time on your hands. Batten down ,there's a storm coming.