multiple database: one vs multiple mongrel + rails processes ?

Hello everybody,

I'm creating an application where I would like every customer to have it's own database, for privacy reason. Each customer will access the application using a wildcard virtual host like customer- name.domain.tld .

I'm wondering if I should 1. use multiple instance of mongrel, each running against one database or 2. use one instance of mongrel connecting agains multiple database.

At first glance, here are my thought:

solution 1., pros: - least intrusive in regards to rails - allows caching of queries

solution 1. cons: - need one instance of mongrel + rails per customer, which means lots of memory. - harder maintenance

solution 2., pros: - 1 mongrel instance, easier maintenance - smaller memory foot print

solution 2. cons: - no caching of sql queries, or I need database connection pooling ? - need to hack in the heart of rails/mongrel_rails

What are you thought and advices on this matter ?

The access by each customer should be fairly low, maybe 100 hits a day.

Thank you very much,