Hosted Server Options
ITS can provide options for server access to serve pedagogical needs. Below are the alternatives for this service. An ITS Academic Computing Manager will meet with the faculty to discuss and determine the best option. Once decided, ITS will develop a one page summary (Memorandum of Understanding) that will outline specifics of the arrangement.
Virtual server with full administrative/root privileges (cloud)
Use case:
This kind of server would allow faculty and students the ability to install applications on the server. While there is considerable flexibility with this option, any usage that would result third party blacklisting of the Wesleyan domain is not allowed.
Platform and Ownership:
Academic computing provisions this in a cloud service (such as Amazon EC2 or Digital Ocean) and work with the faculty to set up a hostname (DNS) as desired. This can be either a new registered name or a Wesleyan domain name. Domains outside of Wesleyan (non wesleyan.edu) should be registered through third party domain hosting.
Limitations:
ITS does not provide backup on campus. Failover exists only if configured in the cloud as needed. Off-hours support from ITS is not available. The fees associated with this service will be discussed on a case-by-case basis. Network access will be determined by need and in accordance with security requirements.
Operating system patches and updates are the responsibility of the faculty/students.
Pre-configured virtual server with no root/administrative access (data center)
Use case:
Omeka server instances; LAMP servers; Windows servers for specific applications. Faculty have restricted access and configuration of the server would be in accordance with security requirements of the University.
Platform and Ownership:
Academic computing works with TSS to provision in our data center and work with the faculty to set up a hostname (DNS) as desired. This could be either a new registered name or a Wesleyan domain name. Domains outside of Wesleyan (non wesleyan.edu) should be registered through third party domain hosting. Backup and failover are provided in accordance with the project need. Off-hours support is available for the server operating system but not available for custom applications and software. ITS is responsible for patches and updates to the underlying operating system. Network access will be determined by need and in accordance with security requirements.
Limitations:
Faculty will not have complete control of the entire server, but will have administrative control of the application.
Vendor-provided hardware
Use case:
ITS can host servers provided as part of an application by an outside vendor. In this case, ITS has no access and no configuration or security oversight. Also, services and applications where the vendor provides configuration and ongoing support, usually remotely.
Platform and Ownership:
The department or Academic Computing works with TSS and the vendor to provision in our data center and to set up a hostname (DNS) as desired. Domains outside of Wesleyan (non wesleyan.edu) should be registered through third party domain hosting. All backup and maintenance are provided by the vendor. Network access will be determined by need and in accordance with security requirements.
Limitations:
ITS has no access and provides no support.
Department/Faculty provided hardware
Use Case
ITS will host servers on hardware provided by the faculty member or department to provide an environmentally appropriate space. Unlike vendor provided hardware, the faculty member wants and assumes responsibility for the configuration and maintenance of the system. Often, faculty will assign this responsibility to a graduate student who has root access to the system. ITS will provide technical consultation, first time OS installation, first time software installation or other expertise upon request but does not have any responsibility for ongoing maintenance, updates and support.
Platform and Ownership:
The department or Academic Computing works with TSS to provision in our data center and to set up a hostname (DNS) as desired. Domains outside of Wesleyan (non wesleyan.edu) should be registered through third party domain hosting. ITS does not provide off-hours support. Network access will be determined by need and in accordance with security requirements. Physical access to the hardware is limited to business hours and requires being accompanied by and Technical Support Services staff person.
Limitations
No failover is provided unless hardware is provided. Backup is not automatically provided with this option, but backup needs may be discussed if required. The fees associated with this service will be discussed on a case-by-case basis.
Ongoing maintenance and patching is the responsibility of the faculty/department owner or designated administrator.