Hardware Support and Expectations
Systems Support oversees a large number of servers. Hardware support expectations guidelines are in place to:
- Minimize the number of emergencies due to hardware failure.
- Maximize availability or servers.
- Support best use of limited physical space.
Minimize Variables
Systems Support provides quotes for hardware. The quotes leverage expert knowledge and intensive experience with hardware and vendors. In addition to providing quotes, Systems Support maintains relationships with vendors, attends to non-disclosure about hardware and OS releases, and monitors new developments.
Some of the details considered when providing quotes are:
- Ubiquity (Is the server/vendor/configuration similar to others, maximizing management efficiency?)
- Consistency (Does the server fit into the existing pool of servers?)
- Reliability (Will the server be easy to maintain? Is the vendor's support organization solid?)
Redundancy
For critical data or functions, machines should have redundant power and internal disks. Systems Support also prefers to order servers with redundant I/O adapters for storage and networking.
Rack Mount
Rack mountable servers make best use of limited floor space in the server farm. They are connected to shared console systems which minimizes the number of displays, keyboards, and mice in the machine room.
Hardware Replacement Schedule and Maintenance Options
See the Hardware Replacement Schedule and Maintenance Options page for detailed information.
Troubleshooting
If the hardware, operating system, or specified system utilities do not function according to the vendor's specifications, the problem will be diagnosed and the vendor will be supplied with information necessary for them to resolve the problem. The Systems Support group will act as the point of contact for vendor support efforts, coordinate vendor access to servers for maintenance work, when necessary, and apply resulting software fixes.