Collocated Server Hosting: A Secure and Reliable Solution for Faculty
As faculty members and departments rely increasingly on server-based resources, it is essential to ensure that your servers are housed in secure, reliable, and professionally managed environments. The Office of Academic Computing Services (OACS) offers several collocation options to support your server hosting needs, ensuring uninterrupted service, high levels of security, and compliance with best practices for IT infrastructure.
Why Move Servers to a Data Center?
Hosting servers in non-designated or office spaces may expose your equipment to a range of potential issues, including power interruptions, environmental factors, physical security risks, and challenges with network connectivity. In contrast, data centers provide a controlled environment, with features like:
- Power Redundancy: Both our LeFrak data center and the off-site Cherry Hill facility are equipped with generator backups, ensuring continuous power even during outages.
- Physical Security: Data centers have high-level security measures such as surveillance, restricted access, and on-site personnel available to provide assistance, which are often lacking in non-sanctioned office spaces.
- Optimal Environmental Conditions: Data centers maintain temperature and humidity control, reducing the risk of hardware failure.
- Improved Network Connectivity: Data centers offer high-speed, reliable internet connectivity with redundant paths, which is not always available in office-based setups.
Hosting Options Available:
- LeFrak Data Center (Managed by OACS)
Located within the campus, the LeFrak facility is a professionally managed data center, designed to support faculty and departmental needs. It offers generator backup, networking, and security protocols, all at no cost to your department. - Cherry Hill Data Center (BSOS Maintains Rack Space)
For those interested in a corporate and/or off-campus hosting model, the Cherry Hill facility offers the same level of reliability and backup power, and is available to departments at no cost. Our footprint in this facility is maintained by the University of Maryland’s Department of Information Technology (DiT) and support for servers within our rack space is provided by the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences (BSOS) IT team. - AV Williams Data Center (Managed by DiT)
Additionally, the Division of Information Technology (DiT) has rack space available at the AV Williams data center. While this option provides reliable service, it is important to note that this facility does not include generator backup.
Benefits of Moving Servers to a Data Center:
- Operational Reliability: With redundant power, network, and cooling systems, data centers minimize the risk of downtime and data loss.
- Cost-Free Hosting: Both the LeFrak and Cherry Hill data centers are offered at no charge to departments, providing a cost-effective solution for faculty and staff.
- Scalability and Support: Data centers offer scalable options for future growth, and OACS provides the technical support necessary to maintain server operations and address any issues quickly.
Take Action
If you're currently hosting your servers in an office or non-designated space, consider the advantages of moving to a professionally managed data center. For more information or to arrange the relocation of your server to a supported data center, please submit a work order with the Office of Academic Computing Services (OACS).
