Windows server hosting
Related pages
The Windows server hosting service provides you with a server running the Windows operating system.
The server can be used to host applications that need to be available to multiple people, or that require a server to run.
Overview
Eligibility
Available to members of staff.
A Windows server can be useful for:
- providing an application to multiple people, and allowing them to work on the same data at the same time
- running a service that needs to be online 24/7
- running applications that are Windows specific or that will only install on a server OS
- performance reasons - we can add more memory and CPUs to a virtual server
What's included
IT Services will normally provide you with a Virtual Machine (VM), hosted on our high availability cluster of servers.
The VM will include the current major release of Windows Server as standard, or the previous major release if there is a special requirement for it.
Custom specifications for the VM can be discussed on a case-by-case basis.
In exceptional circumstances, for example where specialist hardware is needed for the server, we may be able to take on managing your physical device. This would considered and discussed on a case-by-case basis.
If the VM requires a physical USB device to be present, eg when used as copy protection, this can be provided using our USB Concentrator.
We may be able to provide automated monitoring of your server and/or the services running on it may be available. We can discuss this as part of your request (see below).
Administration and maintenance of the server
When you request the VM, you can choose whether you want us to maintain it, or whether you want to look after it yourself:
- We can integrate your server with the University's authentication system and selected other services, and manage its operating system and patching for you. We may also be able to take on installing, monitoring and updating certain applications as well.
- Or you can choose to have a local account on your VM to administer its operating system, patching, install applications and their updates yourself.
How to request
Requests should normally be made via your Departmental Computing Officer (DCO), who will contact the IT Support with your requirements.
Please allow five working days for your VM to be set up by us.
Help & troubleshooting
Library & IT Help Desk
If you're having problems with the Windows hosting service, get in touch with the IT Support.
Our commitments
| Service status | Live and supported service. |
|---|---|
| Hours of service | 24/7 |
| Service support | For help and support with this service, contact the IT Support. |
| Hours of support | Help from the Library & IT Help Desk is available 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. |
| Target availability |
General IT Services targets:
|
| Our performance |
Our service standards have been produced in consultation with our customers, and monitor the quality, timeliness and access to facilities and services:
|
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Complaints procedure |
If you wish to give us general feedback on this service, please see our Feedback page for ways to get in touch. If you wish to make a complaint, please see our complaints procedure. |
Your responsibilities
We expect you to:
- inform us promptly when the server is no longer required
- configure, secure, update and manage on a day-to-day basis any application software you install
If you are managing a server yourself, you are expected to:
- configure, secure, update and manage on a day-to-day basis the VM's operating system