[Info-vax] Where is EISNER:: and who funds it?

[Arne Vajhøj]

On 12/20/2021 6:02 PM, Bill Gunshannon wrote:
> On 12/20/21 1:44 PM, Arne Vajhøj wrote:
>> On 12/20/2021 12:56 PM, Bill Gunshannon wrote:
>>> On 12/20/21 12:30 PM, Andy Burns wrote:
>>>> Bill Gunshannon wrote:
>>>>> If you are providing the hardware and the software what exactly is the
>>>>> advantage of putting your data in someone else's hands?
>>>>
>>>> They provide the
>>>>
>>>> building
>>>> mains power
>>>> generator backup
>>>> ups backup
>>>> fire suppression
>>>> backbone network
>>>> cooling
>>>> security
>>>> access control
>>>> ...
>>>
>>> Still confused.
>>> If you are a functioning business I would expect you already have
>>> most if not all of that.
>>
>>  > Well, I'll admit that "generator backup" might not make the list
>>  > of things you have covered.
>>
>> I don't think normal businesses have Inergen fire suppression,
>> two separate electricity feeds or two separate internet
>> connections either.
> 
> Do you really need that for the one DS20 that was mentioned earlier?

It was one DECUS server that was put together with VSI own servers.

I would think VSI own servers were somewhat business critical.

Making the above list somewhere between "nice to have" and "must have".

>>>                             And some of it at the bottom of the list
>>> better than you are likely to have at a site not under your own
>>> control.
>>
>> On the contrary.
>>
>> In an office people have a legitimate need to get into the building
>> all the time so access control need to be practical. At a
>> hosting facility visitors are way rare and they can check the
>> technicians very carefully.
> 
> Is the computer going to be sitting in the middle of the lobby (like at
> Cray :-)?  Or locked away in a small room where visitors wouldn't even
> see it or know of its presence?  A closet would do in many cases.

It is possible to secure a room in an office building, but not cheap.
The typical internal door and internal walls are not intended to keep
people out.

>> In an office people tend to like windows. Computers do not care
>> so a hosting facility do not need windows. 
> 
> Windows?  Afraid someone will see the computer?

Windows are a very easy way to gain access for the bad guys.

>                                                  Can't see in
> the closet.
> 
> We keep hearing that it's about the cost.  I wonder how much real
> work has been done to determine if it actually does result in a
> worthwhile cost savings.  I have seen too many cases of actions
> being taken "in order to save money" that result in more money
> being spent and only changing who's budget that money came out
> of.

It happens.

But I don't think that is the case here.

Companies wanting to have the right solution will save money.

Most companies will pay more to have their servers properly hosted
instead of in a random closet. In which case it is more money, but
also getting a way better solution.

Arne