As the demand for integrated AI solutions and high-performance computing continues to grow, many research project owners are opting to deploy their own dedicated supercomputers. However, configuring, installing, and maintaining rackmount servers and cluster infrastructure can be challenging, especially for research teams with limited experience in infrastructure management.
To address this, UBDA is committed to supporting PolyU researcher by offering expertise and manpower for project-based rack server hosting and colocation. This initiative enables research teams to leverage powerful computing resources without the administrative burden/overhead of managing complex infrastructure on their own.
As part of this initiative, UBDA is pleased to provide free administrative, system monitoring, and application support for eligible UGC-funded or ITF-funded projects. While participation is entirely optional, we encourage Principal Investigators (PIs) to consider making their hosted rack servers available to other PolyU researchers during idle periods. This collaborative practice can further enhance resource utilization across the University.
For those interested, the delegate or contact person may make an appointment with UBDA to discuss hosting and colocation requirements. UBDA will evaluate server compatibility (including rack-mountability, power supply rating, and network interface) and provide recommendations aligned with the user's project needs. If needed, UBDA can also offer support prior to procurement, such as equipment suggestions, price quotations and tender specification input.
Once the departmental or project-owned servers have been procured and delivered to the PolyU campus, UBDA will assist with physical cabling, network configuration, and help in liaising with PolyU ITS on matters such as firewall settings, network security, and IPs setup. Following deployment, UBDA will provision access to the PI’s research team and continue to provide system monitoring and technical support throughout the server's operational life cycle.
Since this is a no-cost service and the equipment remains under the ownership of its respective department (not UBDA), we kindly request that any research outcomes resulting from the use of these co-located servers include an acknowledgment of UBDA’s administrative and technical support in related publications.
Suggested acknowledgement in academic publications.
We acknowledge the University Research Facility in Big Data Analytics (UBDA) at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University for providing computing server administration and technical support.
Thank you!For more information or to arrange a consultation, please contact with our scientific officer Dillian Wong (dillian.wong@polyu.edu.hk)
