Objective

It is the goal of the Office of Information Technology (OIT) to provide an enterprise quality MySQL/MariaDB database hosting service to any campus unit needing such capability.  To that end, OIT has implemented this service using disk mirroring and replication technologies to provide a highly available, redundant service for the University community’s use.

Due to the resource requirements of this service, it is necessary that it be provided on a “for charge” basis while OIT subsidizes a significant share of the cost.

Glossary

For the purpose of clarity, the following terms will have these specified meanings:

• Database Service: a program that houses data and accepts SQL commands to store and retrieve that data.
• Server:  a computer upon which one or more database(s) and database servers reside.
• OIT Shared Services:  The group that supports this service.

Terms

• All servers are connected to the NC State campus fiber backbone via Ethernet connections.
• The database service is owned, provided, and operated by OIT.
• The data or content delivered by the database service is owned by the customer.

Details of Service Agreement

OIT will be responsible for:

• Implementing a MySQL/MariaDB database that will house the customer’s data and respond to SQL commands submitted by the customer or the customers programs.
• Providing the customer with a database and configure two database accounts that will be able to:
  • Access the database for read-only purposes
  • Access the database for read and write purposes.
• Performing change requests – requested through the email address oit_mysql@help.ncsu.edu – implemented within 3 business days of receipt.
• Backing up the customer’s database(s):
  • On a daily basis
  • Retained for 28 days.
• Restoring customer database upon request within 3 business days.
• Monitoring database services for availability.
• Taking immediate action to correct issues when service availability falls below an acceptable level.
• OS and application maintenance within specified EMW periods
• Communicating to campus by posting the following at the NC State Service Portal:
  • Announcing any upcoming changes
  • Announcing any planned outages
  • Providing information regarding any unplanned outages that may have occurred.

OIT will not be responsible for:

• Maintaining or creating any content to be delivered by the service.
• Granting access or creating database accounts for individuals.  All access will be via the accounts provided.
• Any copyright infringements caused by the unauthorized use of copyrighted material.
• Providing ODBC connectivity or support to the database service or server.
• Providing SQL, PHP or ColdFusion support or training.

The customer will be responsible for:

• Controlling the distribution of the database userids provided.
• Designing and implementing the database schema and any associated tables.
• Loading data into all required database tables
• Creating and maintaining any contents or scripts that may access the service.
• Implementing business practices that will minimize any OIT Shared Services recovery or repair requests.
• Abiding by REG 08.00.02 Computer Use Regulation.
• Ensuring your application and data storage will be compliant with:
  • Requirements of University policies.
  • FERPA, HIPPA, GLBA, ECPA, CFAA, and all other applicable federal and state laws regarding confidentiality of information.
• Ensuring the service will not contain any system components that are in either PCI DSS primary or secondary scope.
  • Primary PCI scope includes any system component that processes, transmits and/or stores Payment Card Numbers (including the Credit Card Security Code).
  • Secondary PCI scope is any system component that either provides services to primary scope components, or attaches to the primary scope directly.
• Providing OIT Shared Services with the names, phone numbers, and email addresses of critical contact personnel.
• Renewing the annual SLA before the due date and providing complete renewal information

Communicating with OIT

Communications between the Customer and OIT Shared Services staff will be through the email address oit_mysql@help.ncsu.edu.  This address delivers mail to a problem-tracking system that enables the OIT Shared Services staff to quickly and easily respond to requests and questions.

Other Notes

This Agreement will be in force until the end of the current fiscal year (June 30th).

OIT Shared Services can provide very limited assistance in database design.

OIT reserves the right to revoke access to the database and database server if—in the opinion of the Executive Director of Shared Services (or a designate):

• There appear to be application(s) that are misbehaving, run-away, or consuming excessive CPU resources on the database server or associated web server(s)
• There appear to be programs that access file space not directly associated with the application or other unit/division/department.

If, in the opinion of OIT’s Executive Director of Shared Services (or a designate), the number of restoration requests become excessive, OIT may reserve remedies, including, but not limited to:

• Charging on a per-request basis
• Request of justification for restoration.

OIT will send MySQL/MariaDB Database renewal notification 45 calendar days before the database needs to be renewed using the contact information provided. If no response is received from the customer by the due date, OIT will, at the discretion of the Executive Director of Shared Services (or a designate), shut down and decommission the corresponding database.  All data in the database will not be recoverable beyond the regular database backup retention period.

Cost of Service

This service is being provided on a partial cost recovery basis.

The details of the costing methodology will be provided upon request.

The cost of this service is $300 per year.  If applicable, the cost is prorated from the date the service is initiated until the end of the fiscal year, June 30.

VM Pricing and Billing

 

IMPORTANT NOTE: General Ledger 5 accounts cannot be used for payment of this service. By providing the account information, an IDT will be processed and posted automatically.  Please note that the IDT will not require further approval from your unit.