— Original Message —
From: Oliver B. Habicht
Sent: Friday, May 17, 2013 6:03 PM
To: Chemistry Research Computing Facility Service Request
Subject: Server costs if to use non-CRCF alternatives
Michael, Roger, and Lulu,
Lulu: Please let me know the HD size and amount of data currently stored for all our Linux file servers (Cerione, Crane, Lee, Loring, ChemIT). Thank you.
I created a spreadsheet in an attempt to price out what it would cost to relocate all our servers (clusters, Windows servers, and, file server servers) elsewhere. NOT because I think we should (I don't!), but because I want to start putting a dollar figure on part of what we do for CCB. A way to look at this is, if CRCF went away, CCB would have to relocate these servers and pay a certain annual cost.
No comparison can be perfect. Most of the alternative services are "better" in some ways: More and deeper staff focused on just servers; better, more secure facilities.
BUT, we can offer "good enough" in ways which matter, for a net that is "better" for CCB: On-site availability; higher person-contact and specialized help; answerable only to CCB, economical in ways which are valued. AND we're then available to do a pile of other valuable work, which can best be accomplished if our group size is of a critical size/ number of people.
SUMMARY ANALYSIS:
All that said, moving all our servers to CAC/CIT would cost CCB: $80K/yr.
If we also end up providing the CCB-required services we currently are paying CAC and CISER to do, and don't grow our staff, we'd "save" CCB ~$8K.
So a possible total of ~$100K.
I used very rough numbers, which I welcome having refined. (Worth splitting Admin from Research, for example?) Let me know what you think when you get in next week. :-)
Data and analysis is in spreadsheet, "Chem IT Support & Services", tab "Alternative server costs" in directory:
R:\Chem IT\Projects & Tracking
After your review, I plan to share approach with Michael Lenetsky within a week or two.
Thanks for your insights, everyone. -Oliver.