The IT system

The following description of the ESO IT system is generic. Actual configurations may differ depending on the nature of the expedition and the drilling platform used for the Offshore Phase. Elements of the existing infrastructure of the platform (hardware, networks etc.) are utilised if possible. ESO will install any additional hardware and software required for a particular expedition. For example, if a network infrastructure is not available on the platform, then a temporary network is installed using a mixture of wired and wireless segments with associated network switches and access points.

For both the Offshore and Onshore phases the system will typically consist of one or more server computers linked to client PCs via a TCP/IP local area network (LAN). Server functions include management of the LAN, hosting of the SQLServer database, a storage area for the checking and processing of data prior to upload to the database, a shared file system for scientists, email and web services. All these functions may be provided by a single server or distributed between more than one server. Back-ups (a combination of incremental and full back-ups) of the database and file structures are made at regular intervals and written to either ‘online’ or ‘offline’ storage devices. The server functions may also be mirrored on another identical server to protect against system failures. At the BCR a network attached storage (NAS) system is attached to the local DIS Server. The total capacity of 3TB can be used for file sharing and as backup storage during the onshore science party. Uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems are used to power the servers.

Printers are either attached directly to the LAN or are accessed via client PCs. Some printers are general purpose, black and white or colour printers, while others are specialist label printers used to print labels for the core sections and samples. One or more document scanners, and CD/DVD writers also form part of the hardware configuration.

ESO provides a number of client PCs, both desk-top PCs and laptops. Scientists can also connect their own PCs to the LAN to access the ExpeditionDIS (via XDIS), the file structure and peripheral devices.

During the Offshore phase the email and web services may be installed on an ESO server, or may make use of existing platform/site infrastructure.