Servers in a traditional computing environment typically run an individual application within a single operating system. Virtualization allows multiple applications with independent operating systems to run on a single physical computer, increasing machine usage and efficiency. These "virtual" servers exist on the host computer separately from one another as if they were on a dedicated machine.

Private Cloud provides infrastructure to host servers and services in a virtual server environment. This service is based on the VMware suite of virtualization products and is available to Texas A&M University colleges, departments and approved affiliates.

Texas A&M Technology Services' Private Cloud offers more than a one-size-fits-all approach. In addition to standardized templates, we provide custom solutions tailored to your needs. Our team collaborates with you to design, deploy, and support a seamless integration into a shared environment.

Getting Started

To request this service, email vm-request@tamu.edu.

Help and Support

For help regarding this service, email vm-request@tamu.edu.

Texas A&M University (Part 02) rates are displayed below. See General Computing Rates for TAMUS, Non-TAMUS, and Auxiliary Rates.

Private Cloud from the Texas A&M Technology Services provides infrastructure to host servers and services in a virtual server environment. This service is based on the VMware suite of virtualization products, and is available to any Texas A&M University college or department, or approved affiliate.

Services

The following provides a summary of base services provided as part of the Texas A&M Technology Services server virtualization services:

Virtual machine creation – create a virtual machine to customer's specifications for memory, CPU reservation, disk space and supported OS.

Backups – We provide nightly backups of the entire virtual machine at no additional cost, securely stored on a local backup server. These backups are continuously synchronized to the cloud with immutable copies for enhanced protection. For added flexibility, application-specific backups (e.g., SQL, Active Directory) can be included for an additional fee.

Infrastructure monitoring – 24/7/365 monitoring of virtualization infrastructure, including on-call service and response to events.

Service Availability

Normal Service Availability
The Texas A&M Technology Services Private Cloud is available for customer use 24 hours per day, seven days per week, all days per year, excluding scheduled maintenance periods.

Problem Reporting and Change Notification
Texas A&M Technology Services will notify customers of general and widespread events using the IT Alerts website. Subscribers may report questions or concerns through Help Desk Central at helpdesk@tamu.edu or 979.845.8300.

• Automation allowing self-service provisioning.
• NSX, VMWare’s software-defined networking, includes integration with Infoblox.
• Load balancing and firewalls at the virtual layer.
• Workflow automation, with approvals if needed.
• Auto-provisioning of virtual servers based on templates.
• Support for Vendor Supplied OVA deployments is available upon request.
• Support for migrating your department’s VMware infrastructure.