[TASK]: Consistent public version of NOMAD

[emdiaz0031]

Set up and maintain a reliable, always-available public NOMAD instance (e.g., nomad.spidey.com) that:
Runs the current release build of NOMAD

• Is used for demos, testing, and sprint reviews
• Remains publicly reachable (may require authentication but not hidden behind internal-only infrastructure)
• Is independent of any agency’s production environment to avoid operational risk

Goals

• Give the team and partners a single, stable URL to access the latest released version of NOMAD.
• Ensure this instance is kept in sync with the latest release used for sprint demos.
• Host it on a VPS or similar provider, with CIFFC covering hosting costs, so it can stay up continuously.

[emdiaz0031]

Sysko is currently not working. We need a reliable, consistent public NOMAD instance (e.g., nomad.spidey.com) that always runs the current release build for demos and testing.

[emdiaz0031]

Franco will work with Manny to set up and host a public VPS instance of NOMAD.

• Franco will provide the current demo configuration and hosting details.
• CIFFC will arrange and fund the VPS so this public instance can stay online consistently.

[spydmobile]

Status update (2026-05-13): In progress. Franco and Manny are evaluating Canadian-based VPS providers to host the public demo instance. The Canadian-residency requirement is to keep hosting data inside Canada for partner agencies. Provider selection is the gating step before deployment.

Next:

• Shortlist + final pick of Canadian VPS provider
• Provision instance, point DNS, deploy current release
• Wire into the release pipeline so the public instance auto-updates with each stable release

[spydmobile]

Canadian VPS provider shortlist (if Manny doesn't already have a target):

• https://www.canspace.ca/
• https://whc.ca/
• https://www.fullhost.com/
• https://greenolivetreehosting.com/
• https://www.hostedbizz.com/
• https://www.cloudarion.com/

(HostPapa intentionally excluded — not recommended.)

[spydmobile]

Provider narrowed down to CanSpace. Advised Manny:

I have narrowed my choices down to 1, based on reputation, CDSS, price and compatibility.

CanSpace: https://www.canspace.ca/vps.html

CanSpace is full CDSS, a wee bit pricy, but that's because they don't offer any weak packages. I think we could get by with their bottom tier:

VPS-Ontario-A — I would suggest selecting an annual subscription (saves the setup fee) at ~$700 CAD/year for a single VPS. This would make a decent Nomad demo site. My Sisko was running on 2 CPUs, 8 GB RAM, 60 GB HD, so this would be a minor upgrade.

Selection rationale: reputation, full CDSS compliance, price, compatibility. HostPapa explicitly excluded earlier as not recommended.

Next: Manny's review/approval, then procurement.

[spydmobile]

Glossary: CDSS = Canadian Digital Sovereignty Safe.