Server Management

Virtual Servers

Virtual server hosting uses technology that makes one server appear to mimic multiple servers running at one time. This hosting is more efficient in server capacity, hardware, and energy usage.

MSU IT provides enterprise-level virtual server hosting to departments. The service offers access to the same high-performance, high-availability hardware, and security features that MSU uses to deliver mission-critical applications and systems.

Benefits of virtualization:

  • Reduced overall cost of hardware including server and cooling system
  • Increased energy savings in terms of server energy and cooling
  • Added opportunity for IT service continuity in the event of a disaster
  • Improved security of university data and IT assets
  • Enhanced physical protection through video surveillance and restricted access to the data center environment
  • Optional central backup for off-site storage of valuable information

Options

MSU IT offers both self-managed (you maintain the operating system and applications) and managed (we maintain the operating system and middleware for you) virtualization services.

Self-Managed Virtual Servers

Managed Virtual Servers
  • Server with guest operating system
  • Self-management console
  • Self-service snapshots or recovery points
  • Performance monitoring data
  • Dedicated VLAN
  • Optional file-level backup
  • Optional firewall
  • Server with guest operating system
  • Windows or Red Hat install
  • Meets baseline security standards
  • Antivirus installation
  • Monthly OS patching
  • Life-cycle management
  • 24/7 on-call system administration support
  • Assistance with:
    • Firewall administration
    • Backup administration (separate fee, see below)
    • Monitoring setup

Service Rates

Current rates are provided below.

  • $3.50 CPU/mo.
  • $1.25 GB/mo. for memory
  • $0.20 GB/mo. for enterprise storage (operating system and performant data volume)
  • $77/mo. per managed virtual server
  • $0.08 GB/mo. for backup and recovery
  • $3.75 TB/mo. for elastic storage data volume in NFS or SMB

Request your server today or call (517) 432-6200 to request self-managed or managed virtual servers.

Colocation

Colocation allows departments to place their existing servers in an enterprise university data center where other university applications, systems, and servers are housed.

Colocation provides a high level of security for university data and IT assets, and it can optimize server storage and overhead costs for departments and the university. Colocation is available at competitive rates that are charged to a departmental account on a monthly basis.

An enterprise university data center offers a secure, temperature-controlled environment with house and UPS-backed power.

Benefits of Colocation:

  • Reduced overall cost of localized data center space and cooling systems.
  • Increased energy savings in terms of cooling.
  • Servers are located in a monitored temperature-controlled environment.
  • Power reliability and redundancy are achieved with both house and UPS power sources.
  • Critical information is protected with video surveillance and restricted access to the data center.
  • Multiple server and rack rates provide flexible options.

For colocation consultation or to request the service, fill out the online Data Services form or call (517) 432-6200.