Tenant Server Hosting: Roles & Responsibilities

The data center is a restricted area requiring a much higher level of security than other University facilities. Security regulations and procedures are set by the Data Center Management Team, an oversight group consisting of an OIT Senior Director, Operations Senior Manager, and the Data Center Support Supervisor.

Data Center Operations Services (DCOS) Responsibilities

Consultation

Data Center Operations Services (DCOS) will provide an orientation to tenants about tenant server hosting, procedures, and policies. Data Center Operations Services (DCOS) will also consult with tenants about their needs and requirements and make recommendations about appropriate services and hardware options.

Hardware Location

Data Center Operations Services (DCOS) will determine the location within the data center to place the new hardware. Efforts will be made to keep all of a tenants hardware in close proximity. Data Center Operations Services (DCOS) will provide standard cabinets.

Power

Data Center Operations Services (DCOS) will order electrical connections for the installation. Each cabinet will have power from two power distribution units (PDU) but only one uninterruptable power supply (UPS).

Network

Data Center Operations Services (DCOS) will order network services to establish data center network connectivity for the tenants hardware. This includes establishing Service Gateway management IDs, setting up VLANs, and activating network jacks as required.

Storage Area Network

When required, Data Center Operations Services (DCOS) will work with the tenant to establish data center connectivity to the storage area network (SAN) for their hardware.

Equipment Delivery

Data Center Operations Services (DCOS) will take delivery of the tenants hardware, provided they have given advance notification via the  DCOS Standard Service Request Form.  This form includes type and amount of equipment, vendor  and anticipated delivery date. Upon receipt of equipment, Data Center Operations Services (DCOS) will note any apparent damage and notify the tenant.

Equipment Installation

Once equipment arrives from either the tenant or directly from a vendor, Data Center Operations Services (DCOS) will install the equipment in the cabinet, ensure all network and power are ready, and then notify tenant that they will be able to complete the installation of their operating system and applications.

Equipment Disposal

Data Center Operations Services (DCOS) will securely dispose of equipment once tenant has forwarded a copy of their completed and signed asset disposal form to [email protected] and submitted a Data Center Standard Request form.

Data Center Monitoring

Data Center Operations Services (DCOS) staff will monitor power, cooling, and access with automated tools. Monitoring staff is present in the data center 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This service enhances security and provides an avenue to escalate facility problems within the data center.

Tenant Responsibilities

Data center tenants are responsible for the following.

  • Review and adhere to the Safety and Security Regulations and Procedures. To request a copy, send an email to [email protected].
    • Everyone will be escorted in the data center.
    • No photos, videos, or unauthorized tours are allowed.
    • No food or drink is allowed.
    • Proper attire is required (no open toed shoes, shorts, etc)  
  • Inform Data Center Operations Services (DCOS) of outage concerns related to the tenants systems.
  • Report data center incidents by sending an email to [email protected].
  • Provide input on the quality and timeliness of service.
  • Provide server hardware and software support – security patching, maintenance, apps, repairs, etc.
  • Provide server backups.
  • Manage log files.
  • Monitor server hardware and software.
  • Develop server disaster recovery plans.
  • Store supplies outside of the OIT Data Center (OIT does not provide storage for supplies in data centers).
  • Ensure equipment complies with OIT Equipment Standards.
  • Complete Data Center Standard Request form for new equipment, moves, changes, deliveries, and decommissions.
  • Complete Data Center Urgent Request form for urgent hands-on help (reboots, power downs, vendor escorts, etc).
  • Provide notification of deliveries no less than 24 hours prior to delivery date.
  • Verify contents of deliveries and resolve damage and shipping claims.
  • Clean up all packaging and materials from the data center floor and cabinet. Data cabinets are NOT to be used for storing spare parts, tools, boxes etc.
  • Data Center Operations Services (DCOS) staff will remove all non-data center related hardware found therein
  • Notify Data Center Operations Services (DCOS) when the installation of software on a server is complete during a server installation.
  • Notify Data Center Operations Services (DCOS) when system administrators with data center access terminate employment with their unit or the University.

 

Intended Audiences

Staff & Departments
IT Staff and Partners