Systems Administration
Systems Administration installs, maintains, and supports the operating system software and data storage environment for all University centralized servers.
The environment currently consists of computing and data storage:
- RS/6000 Servers
- Windows (Intel) Severs
- Linux Servers
- IBM Mainframe running three logical partitions
- Several Storage Arrays supporting more than 200 terabytes of data
Systems Services Responsibilities:
- Operating system and third party software installation, upgrades, and maintenance
- Hardware configuration for new systems
- Monitor capacity and performance of production systems
- System security
- 24/7 support of servers
- Disaster recovery definition for machines
Areas of Concentration:
- Operating system improvements (e.g., Z/OS)
- Virtualization
- Reliability
- Security/authentication (e.g., Active Directory)
- Performance
- Storage management
- Messaging infrastructure (e.g., Voicemail and Email)
The systems team supports nearly every ITS technology project by installing and/or upgrading servers, systems software, databases, etc.
Computer Operations
The Operations team is committed to serving the Boston College user community. Internet, BC network, cable television, telephone access, administrative computer applications, academic research systems and computer hardware are constantly monitored by the Operations staff.
The Operations staff utilizes various tools and resources for the monitoring and troubleshooting of campus systems and applications, ensuring that unexpected problems or outages are resolved promptly and services are restored as soon as possible. It is important that the user community report any problems they notice to Operations so the escalation process can begin immediately.
Operations Responsibilities:
- Monitor all operating systems (AIX, LINUX, Z/OS, Windows)
- Monitor BC LAN / WAN network
- Ensure that all services are available to the user community
- Inform all BC staff of any disruption in services through postings to the ITS Listserv
- Maintain hardware and application inventory database (CMDB)
- Manage metrics reporting (server counts, admin to server ratios, environmentals, etc.)
- Oversee datacenter change schedules
- Monitor the nightly production processing schedule, report and document any problems for review
- Assume the help desk functions during off-hour shifts
- Assist the computer Policy & Security staff by scheduling and running security scans on all computer servers
- Perform tape management functions
Machine Room/Data Center
The machine room houses over 800 computer servers supporting both Academic and Administrative functions, as well as all their supporting equipment, in a secured area staffed 24/7. It has 150 tons of air conditioning that maintains all equipment running at normal temperatures. It also has a UPS (uninterrupted power supply) that mantains a 30 minute full load battery backup that protects all the computer systems in the event of a power failure or power spike. Their is also a 1500 KVW generator that will support the Data Center in a prolonged outage if necessary.
Contact Information
Leo Chaharyn
Director, Systems Management
Boston College
St. Clements Hall Rm 345
140 Commonwealth Ave.
Chestnut Hill, Mass. 02467-3810
Phone - 617-552-6123
fax - 617-552-8268
e-mail - leoc@bc.edu
Need help? Visit www.bc.edu/help or call (617) 552-HELP.
