Summary
In our ongoing commitment to maintain clear and transparent communication regarding our cloud hosting services, we wish to clarify the policy surrounding requests for Google Cloud Platform (GCP) resources. This article explains the terms and conditions under which GCP resources may be requested and supported.
Overview
As part of our IT infrastructure, our primary cloud hosting services are provided and managed by the Office of Information Technology (OIT), with a focus on robust and well-supported solutions through our established cloud vendors. While we continuously evaluate our service offerings and remain open to exploring new technologies—including GCP—it is important to note that any requests for GCP resources fall outside the scope of our standard support framework. We encourage all users to carefully consider their needs when requesting cloud resources. By adhering to this policy, we can collectively ensure a smoother, more predictable experience for all users. If you have any questions or need further clarification, please feel free to contact our support team. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Policy Clarification
Any request submitted for GCP resources will be processed on an "as-is" basis. In other words, researchers and users requesting these resources will do so at their own risk. OIT is not responsible for providing technical support, troubleshooting, or maintenance services for GCP-based deployments.
In addition to reduced OIT support for GCP deployments, users and departments remain responsible for the entire cost of services and support incurred by their deployments.
If a dedicated cloud hosting solution for GCP exists or is developed in the future, OIT will clearly outline the available support services. Until such a solution is established, all users must understand that our current support is focused exclusively on our primary cloud vendors, AWS and Azure.
Implications for Users
For researchers and other users:
- Self-Reliance: Users requesting GCP resources must be prepared to handle setup, maintenance, and troubleshooting independently. This includes any regulatory requirements associated with the environment.
- No OIT Support: Technical support from OIT will not be provided for GCP resources. This includes, but is not limited to, issues related to integration, performance, security, and general maintenance.
- Risk Acceptance: By proceeding with a request for GCP resources, users acknowledge and accept the associated risks and limitations in support.
Benefits of the Current Policy
Focusing our support on our primary cloud vendors allows OIT to:
- Maintain High Standards: Deliver consistent, high-quality support and robust solutions to the majority of our users.
- Resource Optimization: Allocate resources efficiently, ensuring that available support is not diluted by handling disparate technologies with differing support requirements.
- Strategic Focus: Enable the IT team to concentrate on platforms with the greatest impact on our overall cloud strategy, thereby optimizing performance and reliability