ITS provides high-performance Virtual Machine (VM) solutions within the Frey Data Center to meet the diverse computing needs of the university community. Our environment is designed to provide departments with scalable, reliable, and secure server technology.
Customized Virtual Servers
Virtual servers are customized to your precise specifications. Pricing is calculated based on the specific amount of RAM (per GB) and Storage (per GB) requested for the server.
Operating System Options
To ensure security and compatibility within our environment, we offer the following operating systems:
- Windows Server 2022 (64-bit) and newer
- Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) 9.x (64-bit)
- Custom OVA/OVF
Storage Tiers
We offer two tiers of storage to balance performance and cost-effectiveness:
- Performance Storage: This is high-speed storage designed for active workloads. All primary VM disks (the drive where the Operating System is installed) are required to reside on this tier.
- Bulk Storage: This tier is intended for secondary data storage needs and is offered at half the price of Performance storage.
For a consultation regarding Virtual Server Services, please submit a Virtual Server Consultation Request.
To request New Virtual Server Services, submit a New Network File Share Request.
Virtual Server Backups
Automated virtual machine backup services are available for all hosted VMs. We offer backups on two possible schedules.
- Weekly - Backups are performed once per business week. This option is ideal for low change-rate servers.
- Daily - Backups are performed daily. This option is ideal for high change-rate servers.
For a virtual server backup consultation, you can submit a Backup General Inquiry.
To request New Backup Services, use the Virtual Server Backup Request.
Virtual Server Replication and Disaster Recovery
To ensure business continuity and protect against site-wide failures, we offer robust virtual server replication services. If you would like to know more about our replication offerings, please request a consultation through the Backup General Inquiry.
Physical Server Backups
In addition to our virtual server offerings, ITS now provides dedicated backup services for physical servers located in departments on LSU's Baton Rouge campus.
- Technology: We have transitioned from our former TSM-based backup service to Veeam Agent-based backup services. This modern approach provides image-level protection for physical hardware.
- Scheduling Options: Departments can choose between Daily or Weekly backup schedules to best align with their data retention needs and operational requirements.
- Operating System Support: Our Veeam Agent-based service supports a wide variety of server operating systems, including current versions of Windows and Linux.
For pricing, supported operating systems, and additional information, please see the Agent Backup request form.
Network File Share Services
In addition to virtual servers, ITS now offers standalone Network File Share Services. This service allows departments to host files without the need to manage a full server operating system. The pricing for Network File Share Services is equivalent to the current rate for Bulk storage (per GB).
To ensure data integrity and ease of recovery, our file shares include the following features at no additional cost:
- Self-Service Recovery: We enable Shadow Copy snapshots twice each business day. This allows users to quickly restore previous versions of files or recover deleted items directly through the Windows file interface.
- Data Protection: All file shares are fully backed up and replicated to an off-site location to ensure your data remains safe in the event of a disaster.
If you have existing departmental data or file shares that you would like to move to our file share hosting services, we have extensive experience migrating external department files to our services and this work is included in the purchase.
For a Network File Share Service consultation, you can submit a Network File Share General Inquiry.
How to Request Services
All requests for new Virtual Server Services, Virtual and Physical Server Backup Services, or File Share Services should be submitted through the Service Catalog – Virtual Server Services, Network File Share Services & Backup Services. For virtual servers, be prepared to specify your desired Operating System, required RAM, amount of Performance storage for your OS disk, and any additional Performance or Bulk storage disk needs. Also, you will be asked for a Primary Onsite contact as well if backup services are needed. For new File Share Services, please specify your desired bulk storage. For migrating existing File Shares to our services, please include an estimation of the space needed and we will arrange a consultation to best determine needs and structuring before finalizing the amount.
Service Level Agreements
IAAS SLA