Computer Systems: Network Services
Network Management
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Network Infrastructure
Our computing environment is comprised of a high-speed, secure network designed to address the diverse requirements of the research conducted by our users. The network currently supports over 100 servers and approximately 300 workstations, and continues to grow. We emphasize high reliability and manageability of the network, while keeping costs as low as possible.
- Standards — Our standards have been developed by a team of experienced IT professionals with over 40 years of collective experience. We have implemented standards for network hardware and software that take into consideration security policies and procedures, existing technology, supportability, and cost.
- User Input — User input is provided by the IT Oversight Committee and the SFCC Executive Committee. Network recharge services and budgets are discussed at the annual PI Group meeting.
- Hardware and Software Upgrades — Upgrades are performed periodically to keep pace with proven improvements in the industry. Refer to our planned upgrades calendar. Changes to the network environment are documented.
- Installation Qualification — We follow manufacturer guidelines for installation of hardware and software and perform basic checks to ensure that a component is sound prior to installation, and once installed, is operational.
- Monitoring — The network and systems are monitored 24 x 7. We use automated tools with built-in failure notification to check on back-ups, security patches, 'rogue' machines, system jobs, and other routine network functions. When something happens on the network, we know about it and can resolve the issue promptly.
- Network Documentation — We maintain current information on network standards, configurations, practices, and installations to facilitate training, network maintenance, change control, and disaster recovery.
Administration
- Financial Management — IT works closely with department financial administrators to develop budgets and recharge formulas, purchase and track high-cost assets, and respond to university administrative audits.
- Quality Assurance — IT collaborates with QA and study teams in support of external agency and sponsor audits and inspections.
Service Level Goals
| HELP and TRAINING | |
| Supported locations |
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| Helpdesk hours of operation |
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| Helpdesk replies |
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| New employee orientation |
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| Workshops |
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| NETWORK | |
| Network facilities and connectivity |
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| Departing employee account termination |
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| Network applications/resources | |
| Back-ups to disk (all servers) |
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| Data/file restores |
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| Network monitoring (all machines) |
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| Scheduled downtime |
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| Purchasing timeframe (standard network hardware and software) |
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| Hardware standards |
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| Hardware and software installation |
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| Retirement and surplus |
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| Software support (Network) |
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| Research Cluster support |
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| MANAGEMENT | |
| IT Oversight Committee |
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| SFCC Executive Committee |
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| PI Group |
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| IT Security Team |
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| Pre-award budgets and materials |
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| Upgrades |
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| Audit support |
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| SECURITY | |
| Policies and procedures |
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| Awareness training |
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| Security incident reporting |
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| Facilities |
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| Technology |
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| Monitoring and reporting |
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IT Oversight Committee
- Chuck McCullouch (Biostatistics), Chair
- Alaric Battle, IT
- Steve Cummings, SFCC
- Cary Fox, IT
- Mark Pletcher, DEB/SFCC
- Steve Shiboski, Biostatistics
- Karen White (non-faculty)
SFCC Executive Committee
- Steve Cummings, Chair
- Peter Armour
- Doug Bauer
- Dennis Black
- Susan Butler
- Peggy Cawthon
- Cary Fox
- Bob Hiatt
- Steve Hulley
- Michael Nevitt
- Mark Pletcher
- Susan Rubin
- Ann Schwartz
- Karyn Spinuzza
- Katie Stone