skip to main content
Caltech
Information Management Systems and Services
IMSS  /  Services  /  Research Computing  /  Colocation

Colocation

The Resnick High-Performance Cluster (HPC) is the preferred Caltech solution for high-speed data computation and associated storage. It is designed for use by researchers across campus and instruments in many locations can be connected at 10G to transfer data for processing.

For the limited cases where the Resnick HPC Cluster is not an option, IMSS may be able to offer hosting and management of servers for researchers in the Powell-Booth Data Center or the Chester Data Center.

Powell-Booth Data Center Protocols

The following protocols apply for all systems currently hosted in the Powell-Booth Data Center, effective October 1, 2022:

  • A fully executed Service Level Agreement (SLA), along with the PTA to bill charges, is required to continue a hosting and management agreement.
  • The minimum space available under these agreements is one-quarter (1/4) rack.
  • Systems must be rack mountable to maintain the integrity of cooling systems and airflow.
  • UPS/generator backup is not available under this agreement.
  • Data backup is not a default service however it may be included for an additional charge.
  • The servers housed under this agreement will be placed in a separate IP address space.

As of April 1, 2023, this additional protocol will apply to new customers

  • Systems must be managed by IMSS staff, who will require root access or Windows Administrator access for Windows-based equipment.
    • Agreements may be made for specific limited sudo/administration rights.  Review by IMSS Security in consultation with the Systems Administration Groups will be required before such rights are assigned.
    • Systems housed in IMSS Server Rooms must run a supported operating system.  Costs to upgrade an end-of-life operating system are solely the customer's responsibility.  Costs include operating system purchase and IMSS labor charges for the upgrade.
    • Critical system patches must be installed on all IMSS Managed systems in a timely manner.  IMSS will strive to coordinate patching with the customers to avoid significant unplanned service disruption.
      • Customer-controlled systems installed prior to April 1, 2022, are solely the customer's responsibility to maintain and patch.  IMSS monitors the networks for malicious activity and indications of compromised devices.  Should a compromised device be detected anywhere on a Campus Network, IMSS reserves the right to block the device from network access to protect the integrity of overall campus services.  This includes research devices in IMSS server rooms.  Therefore, IMSS encourages all customers to patch all their devices in a timely manner and only run supported hardware and software which is less likely to be compromised.  IMSS also encourages the use of hardware or software firewalls to limit access to the devices thus reducing the likelihood of compromise.

For additional information on these services contact Mark Lucas, Data Center Manager.

Chester Data Center Protocols

The following protocols apply for all systems currently hosted in the Chester Data Center, effective October 1, 2022:

  • A fully executed Service Level Agreement(SLA), along with the PTA to bill charges, is required to commence a hosting and management agreement.
  • Systems must be managed by IMSS staff, who will require root access or Windows Administrator access for Windows-based equipment.
  • The minimum space available under these agreements is one-quarter (1/4) rack.
  • Sufficient cooling and electrical power (110V) are available throughout the facility. Systems requiring 208V may incur additional costs for extending 208V to the rack where the systems will reside.
  • Data backup is not a default service however it may be included for an additional charge.
  • The servers housed under this agreement will be placed behind a firewall in a separate IP address space.

New Requests for Service: IMSS is not accepting new agreements until the firewall is implemented.

For additional information on these services contact Mark Lucas, Data Center Manager.