We are currently testing the installation of a new security monitoring device called Cisco MARS. Basically it watches the network for anamolies by aggregating logs from all of our servers, and network devices. It does everything from watching for IIS or Apache getting hacked to virus outbreaks. It can trace a virus outbreak back to the first machine that was infected and allows us to stop the outbreak by shutting down ports as need. Pretty interesting stuff. We are hoping that it will shed some light on our bandwidth issues as well.

Ah UPS Units, those lovely 100lbs boxes sitting in the server room. Jon Mierow and I have begun the grueling processing of moving them out of the server room and into their respective switch closets.

So far, only minor injuries have been sustained (Jon nearly lost his finger). Just kidding, it was only a minor flesh wound.

In any case, we may need some additional help with the larger battery units as we begin trying to move those. Other than that, the project is going fairly well.

Network Services is currently working with 3 vendors (IBM, Dell, and Sun) to find a solution for consolidating our servers. So far, we have met with our Sun vendor (Collier Computing) most extensively, and we are looking forward to our meeting with our IBM vendor (TSG USA) this morning.

Here is what we’ve discovered that we will be able to do through the process so far.

• Consolidate all of our servers down to one rack.
• A consolidated SAN storage solution allowing for expansion.
• VMWare will be a large part of the consolidation.
• Moving from 30 servers to potentially under 10.
• Include all servers in on this project including new Banner servers.
• The time line is yet to be determined, but it is based on a number of factors including cost and the timing of the new Banner project.
• Backup (Cold Swap), and Development servers will remain on the old servers.

Well, yesterday I would have said that the phones were losing the battle to the Daylight Saving Time change, but finally after last night I think we may have the issue resolved. It looks like most if not all the phones on campus have been updated and have the correct time. We will just have to wait and see if the Help Desk continues to receive calls.