2/3/02

Computer Support Services maintains various servers that are the basis of networked services.  CSS also makes access to services at remote locations available to MCLA users through the network.  This document describes the relationship between these services and the support offered by Computer Support Services.

Type I: Generally available local services

These services include applications that are used by almost all members of the College community in their daily work.  As of this writing, these services include:

·        user authentication

·        file and print

·        Web page distribution

·        Domain Naming Services (DNS) and resolution

·        IP address distribution (DHCP)

Support for these services includes purchase, installation, configuration, backup and maintenance of the hardware, operating system and service software.  This support may be provided directly by members of the CSS staff or by the staff with the aid of outside consultants when necessary. 

Type II: Special local application services

Servers for these services are those used primarily by an individual office or by a subset of College offices.  Services in this category include:

·        accounting and book keeping

·        alumni information

·        scheduling

Support for these services includes installation, configuration, backup and maintenance of the hardware and operating system.  Installation of specialized service software may be done by CSS under the direction of either outside contractors or with the help of a designated individual from that office using the software.  Support for the configuration and use of software in this category is not provided by CSS and is the responsibility of the designated campus office that is primarily associated with the application.

Type III: Standalone local application services

Servers for these services are those that, while located on campus, are supported by outside hardware and software vendors in coordination with a particular campus office. 

Services that fall in this category are:

·        Student Information System

·        ARAMark food plan system

·        Telephone switch management system

Support by CSS is limited to coordination of network attachment and addressing. 

Type IV: Special remote application services

Servers for these services are located off the MCLA campus and are used primarily by an individual office or by a subset of College offices..

Services that fall in this category are:

·        MMARS accounting

·        Data "warehouse" applications

·        HRCMS

·        CAMIS

·        Other remote applications operated by the State of Massachusetts

Support by CSS is limited to coordination with the outside vendor to make sure that the server is reachable through the MCLA LAN and WAN links or through a modem.   It may also include installation of specialized client software on MCLA computers.  Support for daily use of a service in this category will come from a remote help desk and from the office primarily associated with it.