Utilizing high-performance Windows 11/server or Linux systems hosted on server hardware situated within the CU datacenter on the Anschutz Medical campus, SLCE offers tailored computing solutions to researchers. This includes customization options such as selecting the appropriate central processing unit (CPU), determining the desired amount of random-access memory (RAM), and configuring disk specifications including type, speed, redundancy, and total storage capacity. Moreover, SLCE systems are engineered to ensure fault tolerance, featuring redundant hardware components such as dual network cards and power supplies for enhanced reliability.

Access to SLCE is exclusively granted via the campus network or through a secure VPN connection. All data remains securely housed within the data center, with stringent protocols ensuring that no data leaves this protected environment. Furthermore, SLCE systems benefit from robust protection mechanisms, including multiple layers of CU firewalls, centralized security controls, and continuous monitoring by advanced security software. Flexibility is key, as systems can be tailored for individual user use or configured to support multiple users concurrently. Additionally, SLCE offers a wide array of statistical software packages, including but not limited to R, SAS, SPSS, STATA, Matlab, MS SQL, and can accommodate other software as per specific research requirements.

The SLCE service holds approval for processing highly confidential data, eliminating the need for project-specific CMS Data Usage Agreements, as blanket approval is granted for all CMS data within this environment. Moreover, the environment ensures compliance with HIPAA and NIST 800-171 technical standards which include, but are not limited to logging, monitoring, alerting by a team of IT professionals. Data is meticulously maintained on the systems to adhere to these stringent requirements while ensuring swift access when needed. Nightly encrypted backups are conducted to the Dell Isilon storage, bolstering data integrity and resilience against potential disruptions.

Introducing for 2024! SLCE, now an approved service center at the Anschutz Medical Campus.

Data scientists are responsible for server expenses, which start at $5000 and vary based on required configurations and hardware. The SLCE team at the School of Medicine can assist in determining the optimal setup for your research needs. Each server incurs a one-time setup fee of $1500, covering ordering, setup, networking and software installation. Just like cars, servers require regular maintenance and upkeep. The annual cost for maintaining, patching, securing, monitoring, logging, and backing up the SLCE server is $2500 per server. Data is backed up nightly at a cost of $96/TB/yr. There are no costs associated with CPU time or actual use of the server resources.

SLCE is designed to cater to the following requirements:

1. High-performance analytics demands, such as those requiring extensive RAM or CPU workloads.
2. Secure computing necessitating compliance with CMS, HIPAA, or NIST 800-171 standards.
3. Handling big data or managing multiple large datasets.
4. Offloading prolonged workloads efficiently.
5. Conducting theory testing before transitioning to cloud or clustered environments.
6. Substituting lab servers within a controlled, managed setting.
7. Centralizing crucial research data for streamlined accessibility and management.

SLCE is not designed to accommodate the following:

1. Cloud computing or elastic computing.
2. Replacement of your desktop computer.
3. Single, one-off computing requirements.
4. Web applications or websites.