Data Center Services

Data Center Services

Data center services include virtual servers (self-managed and managed), colocated servers, and cloud services (Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure).

MSU departments using data center services will be hosted in the university’s enterprise-level data center which provides:

  • Reduced overall cost of hardware including server and cooling systems.
  • Increased energy savings and efficiency by using a monitored, temperature-controlled environment.
  • Added IT service continuity in the event of a disaster.
  • Power reliability and redundancy are achieved with both house and UPS power sources.
  • Improved security of university data and IT assets.
  • Enhanced physical protection through video surveillance and restricted access to the data center environment.

Virtual Servers

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. This hosting is more efficient in server capacity, hardware, and energy usage.

Optional central backup for off-site storage of valuable information is also available.

Self-Managed Virtual Servers

Self-managed virtualization includes:

  • Virtual container for guest operating system
  • Self-management console
  • Dedicated VLAN
  • À la carte pricing
  • Optional file level backup
  • Optional firewall

Managed Virtual Servers

Managed virtualization includes:

  • Virtual container for guest operating system
  • Pricing dependent on department needs
  • Managed virtual servers provide:
    • Windows or Red Hat install
    • System administration
    • Firewall
    • Antivirus installation
    • Patching
    • Intrusion detection
    • Backup
    • Monitoring

Fill out the online Virtual Server form or call (517) 432-6200 to request self-managed or managed virtual servers.

Colocation

Colocation allows departments to place existing servers in the 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, cooling, and overhead costs for departments and MSU.

Colocation is available at competitive rates that are charged to a departmental account on a monthly basis, and 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.

Cloud Services

Michigan State has a university-wide agreement for self-managed cloud services for Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure. These agreements provide the MSU community with discounted rates, enhanced security, and improved terms and conditions for faculty, staff, and departmental use. To begin using these services, fill out an online Cloud Services form.

These cloud services offer exceptional compute power, database storage, content delivery, and other functionality for scalability and growth. Solutions include high reliability, low-cost, Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) and Platform-as-a-Service (Paas) to fill a range of needs including basic servers, long-term data storage, mobile application development, and storing and analyzing large volumes of data. Benefits include:

  • Enterprise agreements providing optimized terms and protections, accessibility, and performance standards.
  • Simple and efficient enterprise control framework to ease user and department account provisioning.
  • Substantial improvements to data transfer and access with no costs for inbound data.
  • Seamless single sign-on with MSU NetID credentials.
  • A direct connection providing advanced capabilities for direct data transfer to the cloud.
  • Discount thresholds automatically provided.

Amazon Web Services (AWS)

AWS includes enhancements to support enterprise usage and broad adoption across campus and provides significant technical and procurement benefits. Features included:

  • Increasing discounts of 3-5%, based on community usage.
  • Detailed and granular billing with a variety of payment options provides visibility to campus AWS usage.
  • 100Gb/s of privately peered capacity.
  • Use of InCommon credentials with the DLT Portal to request and transfer AWS accounts.

Microsoft Azure (MS Azure)

MS Azure is ideal for departments and units primarily using Microsoft products and offers connection via MSU’s CampusAD.