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.
Virtual Server Options
MSU IT offers both self-managed and managed virtualization service models to departments at MSU.
Self-Managed Virtual Servers
- Virtual container for guest operating system
- Self-management console
- Dedicated VLAN
- À la carte pricing
- Optional file level backup
- Optional firewall
Pricing
- Virtual host CPU – $3.50/CPU/month
- Virtual host memory (RAM) – $1.25/GB/month
- Virtual storage – $0.20/GB/month
Managed Virtual Servers
- Virtual container for guest operating system
- Pricing dependent on department needs
- Managed guests include:
- 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 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 both 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.
Find out more about colocation pricing information and configuration options.
