IT
(a fine selection)
Strategist
Server Infrastructure
A complete server landscape had to be designed, planned and realized.
The problem
There was a need for a new server landscape with specific needs, requirements and a limited budget.The question
How does this new server landscape have to look like in order to fulfill our needs and be cost-efficient?The solution
After first identifying all the user requirements, negotiations were held with the supplier and suitable systems were ordered. The systems were implemented in such a way that they would also meet future demands.
Server Environment
Linux (Ubuntu, CentOS, RHEL)
A need for servers and virtual machines had to be satisfied
The problem
The server landscape grew as services were expanded and systems got more sophisticated.The question
Which operating system fits our needs and has the necessary agility and versatility?The solution
It was almost a law of nature to choose Linux as it fulfilled all needs. Ubuntu was used for most servers whereas CentOS or RHEL was primarily used for specialized servers.
Virtualization
Docker, Proxmox, VMWare ESXi
Virtualize services and servers
The problem
A fast-growing department needs to be agile and fast-paced, with quick set-ups of server environments.The question
Is there a way to fully optimize and accelerate the virtualized environment?The solution
Create a dedicated virtual environment on powerful hosts, separated from the main/production cluster to be as agile and efficient as possible. Use newer technologies not supported by the production environment to achieve the goal.
Programming
Python
A programming language to realize various server based projects and tasks
The problem
A powerful programming language was needed to realize complex tasks on Unix-based servers. It should be possible to easily create large scripts without worrying on which Unix it will be deployed.The question
Which language is powerful, up-to-date and has a large user-base?The solution
Python was chosen for it fulfilled the needs. It has a large community backing it, is easy to learn and capable of solving almost every task.
Infrastructure Monitoring
Zabbix
One of the most powerful (free) monitoring systems was needed
The problem
The server environment grew rapidly and crucial services were implemented, making it hard to keep track of them without a proper monitoring tool.The question
Is there a viable monitoring system that fits our needs while being affordable?The solution
The free Zabbix monitoring system fit our needs. Its features made it the best candidate. We implemented it and fed it with all our hosts. Additionally, webhook were configured to alert us via MS Teams.
Orchestration
Ansible
Used to provision virtual machines
The problem
A growing virtual machine pool rendered manual administration inefficient. A solution for the inefficiency and a growing environment needs to be found.The question
Is there a way to make cross-platform administration more efficient?The solution
After assessing multiple applications, Ansible was chosen. It offers superb cross-platform orchestration and is easy to use yet complex enough to fulfill all our needs.Research
(a selection)
Statistics
R / R-Studio
Statistics is the equivalent of a battleaxe in an RPG, R is the
one
epic drop everyone wants
The problem
Any statistical analysis. Using SPSS is out of question.The question
Is there a statistical application that's like a programming language, open source and just awesome?The solution
R is the best application for statistical analysis out there - and it's free! It's widely used and has a huge code base in form of packages.
Reporting
LaTeX
A document preparation system and a high-quality typesetting system
The problem
In reports and articles, content is king. Is there an editor or system that focuses on the content rather than the visuals (and is not messing around with the layout - looking at you, MS Word)?The question
Is there an editor for writing documents without the obstacles of a WYSIWYG interface?The solution
The LaTeX typesetting system need some practise, but it pays off big time. LaTeX does not only provide a convenient environment for writing documents, it's also the de facto standard for the publication of scientific documents.
Coordination & Communication
(Student) Projects
Multiple groups with each between five and ten students need adequate methods of
communication and coordination