Who owns the MACC?
The University of Michigan owns the MACC. The Provost's Office is responsible for the facility, which is operated by Information and Technology Services (ITS) Data Center Operations Staff (DCOS).
What does the facility look like?
See the slide show on the home page for views of the interior and exterior of the building.
Who manages the MACC?
The MACC is managed under the auspices of the Office of the Provost. It is governed by the MACC Policy Committee and the MACC Operations Committee. The ITS Data Centers Operation Staff (DCOS) provides day-to-day management and operation services at the MACC.
The MACC Policy Committee composed of representatives from the founding units: ITS; Medical School; College of Engineering; and College of Literature, Science and the Arts, resolves questions related to allocation of MACC resources, determines parameters of routine operations and sets rates for rack and electricity charges.
The MACC Operations Committee, chaired by Andy Palms, Executive Director ITS Communications Systems & Data Centers, provides input to the MACC Policy Committee; resolves questions related to routine operations of the MACC; and allocates floor space, power and racks as necessary.
Who is responsible for what?
The table below shows the respective responsibilities of the facility and its affiliates.
| The MACC provides: | Occupants provide: |
|---|---|
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How is the space allocated?
The space in the MACC is allocated primarily to four U-M units: College of Engineering (CoE), College of Literature Science and the Art (LSA), Medical School and ITS. In addition, the provost maintains space for co-location, which is the sharing of rows by groups with smaller needs. The appointed representative from these units administer their section of the MACC. The DCOS manages the collocation section. The MACC Operations Committee makes decisions about co-location space allocation, and the DCOS puts these decisions into practice.
Who is eligible to use the MACC?
Anyone in the University of Michigan academic faculty community with significant research and/or computer space needs, so long as space is available.
What are the hours of operation?
The MACC is a 24/7 operation. DCOS are available at the facility from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. daily, M–F, and are always on call to respond to an emergency. Occupants may come to the facility at any time, provided they have been granted access privileges.
How much space will I get?
Space in various rows is allocated by U-M schools and colleges, the MACC Operations Committee and the Provost's Office. The amount of space a particular affiliate is given depends on the occupant's needs and the space available.
How much power will I get?
The west side is designed for higher density configurations, with each rack drawing 6 kW of electricity, while the east side is more geared toward traditional file and web servers, with each rack drawing 4 kW of electricity.
How many computers can I put in the MACC?
That depends on your needs and the available space and power.
Can I share a rack with others?
Coordination is possible and important as a rack that is less than full can become available for others in the same row. Primary ownership for billing purposes must be assigned to a single department. Consult the DCOS to learn how tightly you can pack a rack and where your rack will be best positioned given its power draw and air conditioning needs.
Shared research computational space is also available. Read more about Flux, the first University-wide, shared computational discovery or high-performance computing (HPC) service. Flux is a part of CIRRUS (Computing & Information Resources for Research as a Utility Service), an umbrella program that includes various projects related to research cyberinfrastructure initiatives.
Can I network from the MACC?
The Michigan Academic Computing Center (MACC) is connected to the U-M Ann Arbor campus backbone networks, UMnet, CAEN and MCIT. Connection to the UMnet Backbone via two diverse fiber paths. The data center has two Cisco router/switches in the building Main Distribution Frame. They are in a redundant configuration with 10G connections back to separate core nodes on the UMnet Backbone. Both Cisco devices are equipped with redundant power supplies and supervisory engines. Direct redundant fiber connections are also available to the CAEN (College of Engineering) and MCIT (Medical Center Information Technology) backbones.
Where are the network racks?
On the data center floor, a network rack is located in each half row with both single and multimode fiber connecting back to the building MDF. An additional network switch and 1G connections are provided in the prep room to allow for equipment staging, testing and technician access.
Is WiFi available?
Yes, WiFI is available throughout the data center.
How much bandwidth can I have?
Data center occupants are provided 1G of fiber connection per rack. Redundant 1G connections, a 10G connection or redundant 10G connections are all available at additional cost.
Can I have a networking system designed just for me?
Custom networking is also available via a custom service agreement.
Where can I get networking equipment?
You may purchase network equipment through ITS. If you need private network access back to campus or an external network provider may lease dark fiber for connections between the main distribution frame and their equipment. An additional network switch and 1G connections are provided in the U-M Prep room to allow for equipment staging, testing and technician access.
Why should I use the MACC?
What are the usage policies and procedures?
Policies and procedures are being developed. Some are complete at the present time; others are in process. Policies and Procedures, including the maintenance guidelines and MACC Server Hosting Service Level Agreement, are available on this website. If you have additional questions contact the DCOS at macc.info@umich.edu.
Does the MACC allow blade servers?
Generally, the answer is no, since blade servers require more power than the MACC is designed to provide. However, on a case by case basis, "hotter" computers, those requiring more power, may be allowed if enough "cooler" computer space is unused. Contact the data center coordinator for more information.
Are there photos to show me what the MACC looks like?
Yes, see the slide show on the home page.
Can I go for a visit to help me decide?
Yes.
How do I schedule a visit?
Contact the Data Center Operations Staff at macc.info@umich.edu to arrange a visit.
Where is the MACC located?
The MACC is located in Ann Arbor. The DCOS will provide you with detailed directions.
Can I get there easily?
Yes. Most people prefer to drive, and parking is plentiful and free. U-M and AATA bus transportation is also available. However, most occupants don't spend much physical time at the MACC facility once their computers are installed.
How are the costs determined?
A financial model has been developed to accurately and fairly spread the costs out among occupants.
What can I expect to pay?
See Rates and Billing.
Is my power use individually monitored?
Yes. The MACC uses the Foreseer Monitoring System to track each rack's use of electricity.
How will I get my bill?
See Rates and Billing.
How will I pay my bill?
See Rates and Billing.
Are my costs offset in any way?
Yes, the Office of the Provost contributes $500,000 annually to help defray the expense of operating the MACC. A portion of this subsidy goes toward the environmental infrastructure of the facility.
What is the security at the MACC?
In general there are 3 different security systems protecting the MACC. The outermost system is controlled by the building management. The MACC has no direct connection to it. The second system is the iris scanner system that is keyed to a MACC access card. Since this is a biometric key, stealing a card does not give an intruder access. The third system is the access card scan on individual doors. All requested accesses are recorded (pass or fail) and the logs are checked. Video surveillances are also recorded and kept for one month.
How secure is my data?
Your data is as secure as it's possible to make it, in terms of physical access and building security. As with any computer user, you need to take appropriate steps to safeguard your data from hackers and others who do not have your best interests at heart. See ITS Safe Computing for additional information.
How well-protected is my equipment?
Your equipment is well protected. Access to the MACC is limited by the security systems described above. The equipment is well protected. Access to the MACC is limited to current occupants who must have an iris scan and a MACC access card. The environment is constantly monitored to keep it within the acceptable parameters for the functional life of the equipment. The MACC is a solidly constructed building with advanced fire protection systems.
What are the security requirements?
Each person who uses the MACC must have an iris scan on file, and they must receive security clearance from the building management as well. A limited number of people will have access cards. If more are needed, the MACC Operations Committee will approve based on the merit of the requests.
May I come to the MACC alone?
DCOS are on site 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., M–F. For safety reasons, visitors are encouraged to come in pairs, and staff are encouraged to work in pairs, especially after hours.
What happens in an outage?
DCOS are notified of the outage. DCOS make certain all systems are working as they should. As soon as the power goes out, the flywheels provide interim power while the generators power up. Within a few seconds, at least two of the three available generators go on-line to keep the facility running at full power until the electricity is restored by DTE Energy. Your data is protected and safe throughout.
Are telephones available in the MACC?
Four telephones are located in the MACC. You may use the phones to dial 911 in an emergency. You may also use them to call long distance. Dial 9 to reach an outside line.
What happens if there is a fire while I'm in the MACC?
There are two separate smoke detection and fire alarm systems involved, one for the building, the other for the MACC itself. If either activates and sets off the alarm and strobe lights, you should exit the building immediately. For more details regarding the fire suppression systems, contact the data center coordinator.
Are there state-of-the-art sprinkler systems?
Yes, the MACC has a dry standpipe pre-action system.
If I apply for space, how long will it take for you to get back to me?
Your request will go before the MACC Operations Committee for consideration. This committee meets once a month. From the time of your request, it will take approximately 45 days to get back to you.
Will I be trained before using the MACC?
Yes, the Data Center Operations Staff provides training.
Whom do I call for information?
Contact the lead for your area, listed below, or if you belong to another university unit, contact the DCOS at macc.info@umich.edu.
| LSA: | Marissa Green |
|---|---|
| Medical School: | Jerome Kinlaw |
| ITS: | Mark Linsenman |
| Engineering: | John Muckler |
How do I get my access established?
Contact the DCOS at macc.info@umich.edu. They will provide information and help you get the needed iris scan and access card.
How do I move in?
You must coordinate move-ins and move-outs with the DCOS. This includes establishing where your equipment is placed in the room. To avoid delays, please inform the DCOS of all equipment orders with as much advance notice as possible. Contact the DCOS at macc.info@umich.edu for more information.
Can I bring someone with me when I come to the MACC?
So long as you have a MACC access card and an iris scan on file, you may escort someone into the MACC. You are responsible for that person's actions.
Is the MACC certified by anyone?
Yes. Data centers are certified on a sliding scale by the Uptime Institute. This certification reflects their redundancy and therefore their ability to run at full power 24/7, without interruptions. The MACC is rated as a Tier II data center, although some redundancy exceeds this standard.