1. We support manifest files (in private beta now) to allow you just that.
2. Yes. Both on the server (as you would do normally on any linux box) and through our CRON app.
3. We provide minimal vital signs for all the servers: memory, disk and CPU.
4. MySql and PostgreSQL are supported. Redis is coming soon. Memcache is after that.
However, it is always good to remember, all the boxes are yours and you have shell root access to them. So if we don't support something right now, you can always jump on the box and do it yourself the the Pro way!
Sounds great. The problem with dropping in via shell is that, launching servers become much problematic. I think if you can run custom chef/puppet scripts, that will solve this issue.
2. Can I choose the linux distribution?
3. Can cron jobs be set up?
4. What about stuff like scout/monit etc ?
5. What about redis/memcaches/mysql/postgres?