Server-Hosting

Virtual servers can be used for the operation of specialized services which are not directly offered by the LRZ.

The LRZ provides a virtual server with operating system and the customer can install and run his own applications on it.

Operating model

Virtual servers are offered in the "virtual Managed Server" operating model. This means that the LRZ installs a supported version of Linux or Windows and provides updates.

The customer gets full administrator access to his server.

Scope of services

• Installation of the virtual server on the LRZ infrastructure within the defined performance parameters according to the customer's requirements
• Setup of additional virtual hard disks on request
• Operational provision of the desired operating system (Linux/Windows)
• Network connection with an own IP address
  • Virtual servers are operated in one of two subnets by default
    • MWN-wide: private IP address that can be reached within the Munich scientific network
    • Accessible worldwide: public IP address
  • For configurations with several servers, the provision of a separate VLAN with its own subnet and firewall is possible as an option (at extra charge)
• Operation and fault clearance of the virtual server
• Automatic security updates of the operating system
• Daily snapshot data backup of the entire virtual server storage with a 14-day retention period
• Additional snapshot data backup every 4 hours with a retention period of 24 hours
• Management access for customers
  • The customer receives an identification with administrator authorization on the virtual server
  • The customer gets access to a management platform for the following administrative activities:
    • Remote maintenance of the installed operating system via the VMware console
    • (Re)starting and stopping the VMs
• Updating the operating system, if possible before the end of the support period, either by upgrading or, if an upgrade is no longer possible, by providing a new virtual server

Operating system

During the runtime of the operating system the customer uses the licenses purchased from the LRZ. After the virtual machine is switched off, the license usage right expires.

For Windows server systems, please note that the customer is responsible for any additionally required Client Access Licenses (CALs) as well as the licensing of the services installed by the customer. If you have any questions, please contact the service desk (https://servicedesk.lrz.de or phone: 089/35831-8800).

The operating system versions available at any given time are listed in the order form, which can be accessed via the URL doku.lrz.de/server-hosting-10333161.html. The following operating systems are generally available:

• Linux
  • openSUSE Leap (SuSE)
  • SUSE Linux Enterprise Server (SLES)
  • Debian
  • Ubuntu
• Windows
  • Windows Server

Operating model Terms of use and other performance parameters

• The LRZ takes over the professional installation and maintenance of the operating system.
• The applications operated by the customer on VMs must be maintained, especially security gaps must be removed regularly and promptly with patches; the customer is responsible for updating customer-specific software that cannot be done automatically via the regular LRZ update.
  • Please adhere to the guidelines on "IT security" in the chapter "General scope of services".
• On each virtual server the so-called VMware tools, which optimize the operation of virtual servers, and an administrative identifier for the LRZ are installed.
• Management mechanisms installed by the LRZ must not be prevented by technical measures. This applies especially to VMware tools, administrative identifiers, update and monitoring mechanisms such as the central log file analysis for system logs.
• In case of violations of the security guidelines or misuse of the network or VMs, the LRZ will block or shut down the corresponding VM on the network. Should the VM become conspicuous several times due to security incidents, the LRZ reserves the right to terminate the hosting contract with the customer with immediate effect and to discontinue its services.
• The service-specific guidelines for the use of the MWN, ABS and hard disk storage (online storage) must be observed.
• Special regulations for virtual servers with Linux operating system:
  • Updates for software packages that are part of the operating system are carried out via an automated path and during operation. Customers are automatically informed by e-mail about the package updates that have been installed.
  • The customer can exclude certain, usually service-specific software packages from automatic updates. The customer is responsible for the manual update of the "excluded" packages, which is then regularly necessary. Information about available security updates and bug fixes is again sent by e-mail. The period between the availability of critical security updates and their installation on the corresponding VMs should generally not exceed 3 days.
  • Critical security updates that require a restart of the VMs are always carried out on the same day. An alternative, regular maintenance schedule, which is based on the specific requirements of the customer, can be agreed with the responsible administrators of the LRZ - for example as a monthly maintenance appointment on weekdays between 7.00 a.m. and 5.00 p.m.
  • With SUSE operating systems, there are usually new service packs or sub-versions every year, which the customer installs manually within the 6-month transition period supported by SUSE. An upgrade script is provided by the LRZ administrators for this purpose. On request, the LRZ administrators can assist with the upgrade or carry out the upgrade completely, whereby the customer remains responsible for the functionality of his services.
  • At the latest when the support phase for an operating system version, also known as major release, expires, the VM installation must be upgraded to a current version. If supported by the LRZ, a major release upgrade of the same VM can be made. It is recommended to migrate to a VM with a current operating system, which is provided by the LRZ for a period of 14 days free of charge. After the 14 days have expired, the new VM will be charged in the same way as the obsolete VM (without setup fee). The respective migration date will be agreed between LRZ and customer.
• Special regulations for virtual servers with Windows operating system
  • Virtual servers with Windows operating system are automatically part of the "MWN" ADS domain. Other ADS domains and hosting of own domain controllers is not possible.
  • Security updates are installed on the servers via an automated path. The installation of the monthly Windows updates with possible restart is always carried out on the second Saturday of the month. Deviations from this can also be agreed with the responsible administrators.
  • The installation of service packs for the operating system is carried out in consultation with the customer. Service packs for applications must be installed by the customer himself.
  • On the Windows VMs the local firewall and the antivirus solution of the LRZ must be installed and active.
  • With the end of Microsoft support for a Windows version the support by the LRZ ends. The customer must update his Windows VM to a version supported by the LRZ at least one month before the official end of support by Microsoft, otherwise the VM will be switched off.

Expansion stages

The parameters of the virtual servers are usually within the specified limits. In justified exceptional cases, special configurations are possible.

User Guidelines 

Information for customers can be found at https://doku.lrz.de/server-hosting-10333161.html

This service is made available to the following user classes. The following fees are to be paid by the individual user classes: