Data centre hosting
This service allows University staff to request space in one of our secure University data centres to house rack-mountable IT hardware such as servers and other equipment. This ensures it is secure and protected by redundant power, cooling and networking.
The data centre resource is now available solely to University staff, we are not accepting new requests from external organisations.
Key features
- Audited data centre entry and exit.
- Full 24 hour recorded HD CCTV coverage.
- Fully managed and switched (to outlet level) PDUs provided.
- UPS power supply with diesel generator backup.
- Consultation on colocation and cloud migrations.
- Netbox software available to show cable traces and inventory of racks.
- Rack dimensions are 47U, W600 x D1200.
- Each rack has two 32amp feeds.
Access instructions
All standard requests should be made via our data centre request forms on the wiki (login required).
For other requests, email the Data Centre team at dcg
Available to staff (restrictions apply)
Staff are required to complete training and follow the data centre working procedures.
Funded by the University
There isn’t a cost to you for standard use.
Additional information
| Request | Estimated completion time |
|---|---|
| Installation of a new piece of equipment | Two weeks |
| Cable change | One week |
| Remote hands request | One week |
| Networking configuration change | Two working days |
| Equipment secure wipe and removal and destruction | One week |
| Server component installation | 1 week |
| Power control amendments | Three working days |
| KVM, serial remote control amendments | Three working days |
| Telco access requests | One weeks' notice |
| Building maintenance request | One working day to one week (depending on the severity of the issue) |
| New authorised data centre user access | One week from completion of online training |
Access instructions
All standard requests should be made via our data centre request forms on the wiki (login required).
For other requests, email the Data Centre team at dcg
Contact for support
If you're experiencing technical issues and need advice, please contact IT Services or email dcg
Service commitments
- Ensure you and your staff attend any required training before working in the data centres.
- All staff with data centre access must re-commit yearly to the data centre working procedures.
- You will inform us immediately of any service failures.
- You will inform us of all changes in contact information.
- You will adhere to the information security protocols and procedures.
The following policies apply to all IT services provided by the University.
Availability
- This is a live service, available during office hours (unless otherwise agreed, in advance).
- Data centres are accessible to authorised University staff 24/7.
- Out-of hours access may be arranged as part of hosting contracts with external bodies.
- We endeavour to provide 99.9% uptime of the data centre. This excludes any planned or agreed outages or outages that occur from life-safety reasons or extraordinary circumstances beyond our control. The availability figure will be calculated monthly.
- View the data centre planned works calendar.
Support
- This service is managed by IT Services.
- We are responsible for monitoring, identifying and fixing faults.
- Support is available during our opening hours.
Standards
- Our service performance and standards have been produced in consultation with our customers. We regularly monitor the delivery, performance and availability of facilities and services.
We appreciate feedback as it helps us review and continually improve our service.
Page last reviewed: 9 September 2024