The NUCloud virtual data center service is the University’s Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) private cloud computing platform. It provides computing services for University schools, departments, and business units who wish to self-manage their virtual data center resources within a fee-based private cloud model. Participation in NUCloud requires a two-year commitment.
Features and Benefits
The NUCloud environment is for University schools, departments, and business units interested in:
- Addressing administrative application needs.
- Prototyping and testing software.
- Running moderately intensive research applications.
NUCloud is hosted within the University’s Data Center facilities, providing availability and reliability of service equal to that of enterprise-level systems. All virtual servers and storage in NUCloud are automatically backed-up for application up to full virtual server recovery.
Technical Skill Requirements
NUCloud is a private cloud service intended for University service units that would otherwise build, operate, and manage physical data center facilities. A high level of technical skill is required. Northwestern IT does not provide support services to tenants to manage their Virtual Data Center (VDC). Applicants not in alignment with NUCloud’s purpose or required skill levels will be referred to other services or NUCloud tenant technical resources who serve their school, department, or business unit. Information including, roles, responsibilities, and service levels can be found in the NUCloud Terms of Service.
Available to
- University Schools
- University Departments
- University Business Units
Cost
Participation in the fee-based NUCloud service environment requires a two-year commitment. Two payment options are available:
One-time Two Year Prepayment Option
Under this option, Northwestern IT will charge the tenant the full fee for two years of service for the VDC size requested. This pre-payment also fixes the Base Fee Schedule for the two years. Adding to the VDC in the future must be prepaid in full through the remainder of the term under the Base Fee Schedule established at initial subscription.
Example: Subscribing at the start of FY18 fixes the Base Fee Schedule at pricing effective in FY18. If the tenant wishes to add additional VDC capacity in FY19, the cost is pro-rated annually for the remainder of the term based upon the FY19 Base Fee funds, pre-paying for two years of service for the VDC size requested. This pre-payment will fix the Base Fee for the two years. Adding to the VDC in the future must be prepaid in full through FY19 at the Base Fee Schedule and not the then current FY18 pricing.
At the end of the two-year term, service may be renewed at the pricing then in effect.
Annual Payment Option
Under this option, Northwestern IT will charge the tenant an annual fee at the start of each fiscal year for the VDC size requested. Pricing for future fiscal years will be determined and published on this website in April for the coming year. Any year-to-year price increase will not exceed 5% over the prior year. A mid-year addition to the VDC is paid in full for the fiscal year at the current annual rate.
At the end of the two-year term, the tenant will have the option to extend service under these terms for a third year, after which a new multi-year agreement will be required.
FY18 Hosting Fees/Payment
How to Request Service
Click the appropriate button to the right.
Application for tenancy in NUCloud may be submitted at any time during the year. University schools, departments, and business units interested in participating in the private cloud service environment, must submit the NUCloud Application for Tenancy to begin the process.
Once the application is submitted, a discussion will be scheduled by the NUCloud Support team with the requestor to discuss requirements. Timeline to provision an initial VDC environment is dependent on available resources in the infrastructure at the time of the request. Time from request to deployment could span from 2 weeks to 90 days, depending on available capacity.
Support Resources
- Northwestern IT Data Center staff is available to assist interested campus members in determining their virtual environment needs when applying for tenancy in NUCloud including consultation on VDC sizing calculations.