The need for computing hardware at the University of Maryland continues to accelerate rapidly. Faculty and researchers in particular require increasingly more hardware to support their work. Typically, units do not have appropriate space designed specifically to house computing equipment and the hardware is often relegated to environmental conditions that can damage the hardware, interrupt the computing, or both. In 2005, with support from the College of Computer, Mathematics, and Physical Sciences (CMPS), OIT presented the university’s Facilities Council with a plan to renovate OIT-occupied space to create the Research Data Center (RDC). The Facilities Council approved the project, and the university identified funding, augmented with OIT and CMPS funds, for construction of the RDC. Renovations began in spring 2006 with the first computers being installed in the fall of 2006.

The Research Data Center was designed in three phases. Funding was identified for construction of phases I and II and those phases were completed in September 2006. Initial plans for phase III have been completed, but funds have not been identified and a construction timeline has not been defined. The specifications identified here apply to phases I and II and, unless specifically identified, do not include phase III.

The Research Data Center is managed by the Operations group within OIT’s Technical Services and Support unit. An advisory board consisting of OIT and non-OIT staff oversees usage of the room and helps to advise researchers interested in co-locating in the space.

This site provides more information about the Research Data Center facility and identifies some of the requirements associated with placing equipment in that space.

Capacity Information

Physical Capacity and Layout
Through the completion of phase II, the Research Data Center square footage is approximately 2400 square feet. Current expectations based on a pre-design layout provide for up to 80 standard server racks on a raised floor grid.

Electrical Power
Power is fed centrally into a Power Distribution Unit (PDU) on the data center floor. Individual circuits are run from the PDU to the equipment racks.

Individual Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) can be accommodated for equipment. The RDC power is not fed through a building UPS/battery backup system. A central UPS system may be installed in phase III.

Heating, Ventilation, and Air-Conditioning (HVAC)
Approximately 100 tons of cooling supplies the room. Air is forced from under the floor and exhausted vertically. A rack layout strategy uses hot and cold aisles for maximum efficiency.

Networking
Switched networking will provide standard transmission speeds of up to 1GB with minimal latency. The room is configured with category 6 wiring. Where the need for 10GB service arises it can be addressed on a case by case basis. Special networking needs can be discussed with OIT's Networking and Telecommunications Services (NTS) group.

Server Related Documentation
Critical information about servers installed in the Research Data Center must be supplied prior to installation. This documentation will include both technical and non-technical information required to help manage the site.

Required Contact Information
Primary and secondary contacts will be required for all equipment housed in the RDC. Additional contacts may be supplied. It is recommended that at least two technical contacts be supplied.

Security and Access
The space is protected by the University Public Safety Building Security Services key-card system. University employees and affiliates will be provided with access as required. Individuals with access must be listed in the documentation associated with a unit’s installation. Access will be reviewed regularly and primary contacts will be asked to verify their list for currency and accuracy to help ensure security.

RDC Advisory Board

Purpose
An advisory board consisting of OIT and non-OIT staff will help serve researchers interested in co-locating to the space. The team can advise units with planning decisions regarding use of the RDC and assist in the planning for installation. The group will also provide oversight regarding policies, requirements, and standards with respect to the space and review and approve requests for housing.

Membership
OIT members have data center operational and facility expertise. OIT also supplies adjunct members as needed to advise on networking and for platform-specific (UNIX, Windows, etc.) assistance.

Non-OIT members are volunteers who are responsible for, or assist in the support of, equipment in the Research Data Center and as such have a vested interest and will help ensure appropriate use of the space.

Activities
Requests for co-location are reviewed by the group. Once approved for co-location, the group will assist in the development of the technical specifications (network, power requirements, etc.), calling on adjunct members as needed.

The group will also meet regularly to address other issues that may impact the Research Data Center. Suggestions for improvement to the RDC service should be addressed to the board at oit-rdc@umd.edu.

Moving Equipment to the Research Data Center
Units must coordinate the movement of equipment into and out of the Research Data Center with OIT Operations staff. All costs associated with the movement of equipment are the responsibility of the equipment owner. OIT does not offer services for the movement of equipment.

Shipping and Receiving Equipment
Currently, there are no specific accommodations for receiving equipment shipments at the Research Data Center. OIT is looking into the possibility of providing this service in the future. Please work with OIT Operations staff for your specific needs in this area and we will try to handle them on a case by case basis.

Work Space for Equipment Setup and Similar Work
Space is limited in the RDC. Priority will be given to housing equipment but we will make the best possible use of available space and will accommodate some shared workspaces and provide some tables or portable workspaces.

Storage Space for Components
Storage space will also be limited. As there will be space that cannot be used for servers (along walls, etc.), it can be used for some storage as long as it does not interfere with servicing equipment, air flow, and aisle access. Please inquire at the time of installation if you desire storage space.

Storage cabinets must be approved prior to installation and are not provided by OIT. Additionally, contents stored within the RDC are the responsibility of the owner. Locking cabinets are recommended.

Staff Support
Equipment owners should provide their own technical support. Accommodations are made for both remote and physical access to equipment.

OIT will provide facility oversight with an increasing on-site presence as indicated here. Limited operational support may be available.

Current Support: OIT has 24x7 Operations staff support on campus. The primary function of this support for the Research Data Center will be to oversee the facility environment and its security through remote monitoring and by providing a regular presence in the space. In critical or special circumstances this staff may be able to provide limited operational support.

Limited Operational Support: The On-site Support staff, under the direction of a technical contact, may perform simple functions such as power on/power off reboots in special cases. Operational instructions must be provided by the equipment owner.