Spinup at Yale University: Simplifying IT Infrastructure

Owned by Kay Ratanasaka
Last updated: Nov 28, 2023 by Kraig Eisenman
2 min read

Introduction to Spinup

Spinup is an innovative service at Yale University, revolutionizing the way we manage and deploy IT infrastructure resources. Designed for efficiency and security, Spinup offers a user-friendly platform that integrates seamlessly with Yale's existing systems and services.

What are infrastructure resources?

  • Servers, databases, storage shares, containers, domain names, etc.

Key Benefits of Using Spinup

  • Rapid Provisioning: Deploy servers, databases, and other resources in minutes, not hours.

  • User-Friendly Interface: No need to navigate complex cloud-specific procedures. Spinup’s intuitive design makes it accessible for all skill levels.

  • Enhanced Security: All resources are protected behind Yale’s enterprise-grade firewall, safeguarding against external threats.

  • Seamless Integration: Enjoy full access to Yale services such as email, Active Directory, and Storage@Yale.

  • Automatic Maintenance: Operating system patches are applied regularly and automatically.

  • Network Integration: Spinup servers receive Yale IP addresses and are registered with Yale’s DNS.

  • Development and Testing: Create temporary environments ideal for development and testing projects.

  • Data Backup: Benefit from 14 days of automatic backups.

  • Full Control with Accountability: Full administrative privileges with a pay-for-what-you-use model.

  • Transparent Cost Management: Clear and upfront cost reporting.

Spinup and Security

Spinup is pre-approved for handling both moderate and high-risk data. It employs a shared responsibility model, clearly outlining the security measures provided and those required by the user. Key security features include:

  • Multi-Factor Authentication for enhanced access control.

  • Disk encryption to secure data at rest.

  • Security-hardened Operating Systems adhering to industry standards.

  • Centralized logging for improved monitoring and analysis.

  • Data type tagging for effective data management.

  • Regular compliance and attestation agreements to ensure ongoing security adherence.

What’s Next for Spinup?

Looking forward, Spinup is set to introduce exciting new features:

  • S3 Static Website Generator: Streamline web hosting and content management.

  • On-Demand Snapshot Management: Enhanced control over data backups.

  • Custom Image Marketplace: Access a wider range of pre-configured images.

  • On-Demand Usage/Cost Reporting: Real-time insights into resource utilization and cost.

Get Involved and Stay Informed

To learn more about Spinup, visit Yale’s IT website, or explore our public webpage. For direct assistance and engagement with the Yale community, email us at spinup@yale.edu, or join the conversation on Yale's Slack in the #spinup channel.