Virtual servers and managed operating systems

IT Services provides dependable and resilient virtual servers for Schools and departments. Using industry-leading virtualisation software from VMware with high quality server and storage components we are able to offer reliable and highly-available virtualised servers that are centrally funded.

Our data centres are mirrored synchronously – in real time – between two physical locations. The ability to move virtual servers to other physical hosts at either site gives an expected availability in excess of 99.99% and offers a complete failover option to another site in the event of a disaster affecting one of the sites or during planned site downtime.

All storage is deployed over redundant disk arrays in a RAID configuration which offers excellent protection against disk failures. We use a number of separate backup technologies to ensure we can recover virtual servers in the event of a disaster.

On all virtual servers, the operating system will be administered, updated/patched and kept secure by IT Services. Nominated service contacts/server managers will be responsible for the administration and security of the application layer.

IT Services offer managed virtual servers running both Windows and CentOS Linux operating systems.

  • Where applications require supplier installation and support, remote access via the VPN service can be provided upon request.
  • Before requesting a virtual server you should contact it.services@lboro.ac.uk to discuss requirements.
  • It is not possible to support hardware dongles or similar physical devices as this will prevent the virtual server from migrating between Data Centres during monthly maintenance or in a disaster scenario.
  • To request a Virtual Server, Please contact the IT Service Desk or a Park IT Team member.

Managed Operating Systems

Managed Windows Server Service
Managed CentOS Server Service

Managed Server Service options

IT Services provide two managed operating systems - Windows and CentOS Linux. The services provide the management and support of the server operating system, security and virtual hardware associated with it. More more information about the Managed Operating System services we provide, please below:

For most use cases, there is no cost associated with a Virtual Server or a Managed Operating System.

HOWEVER: it is the responsibility of the requesting department or professional service to provide a budget which covers incurred costs pertaining to installation, configuration or ongoing licensing or support costs for 3rd party applications.

  • Virtual Servers with the latest Windows or CentOS Linux (Version 7) operating system
  • System Monitoring
  • Operating system updates
  • Secure, reliable, backed up data.
  • Configuration management / standard configuration
  • Security scanning
  • Problem resolution

IT Services can assist with third party supplier liaison where appropriate and necessary, although it is expected that these will be carried out by the service contact/server manager in the first instance.

Default server resources are:

  • CPU cores: 2
  • RAM: 2GB
  • Disk: 100GB, split across two drives/partitions depending on operating system

If a service or application requires an increase in resources, then either a link to the vendor’s website or document will be required, or evidence of the resources constraining the application.

Please note that IT Services staff have a great deal of experience in this area and often find that additional resources will not help an application. We're happy to help diagnose issues & offer guidance or advice where we can, and will provide historical performance data to demonstrate our advice where it is relevant.

We currently host the following:

  • Finance Systems
  • Databases
  • Web Servers
  • Hotel Management systems
  • Document Management Systems
  • Application Servers
  • Collaboration Services
  • Sports Booking Services
  • Software License Servers

But we are by no means limited to these areas. For more information (if not covered on these pages) please contact us with your requirements and we will discuss your options