Tech Guides :: Web Publishing :: Server Migration
Information Technology Services is retiring the aging Sorrel Web server and deploying a pair of new Web servers. The new servers will better focus Humboldt State’s communications with its external audiences by enhancing the University’s Web presence with the latest versions of front-end Web technology.
Two new Web servers will replace Sorrel (the campus Web server), the Central HSU Web server and the User Web.
Central HSU Web server (www.humboldt.edu)
The Central HSU Web server hosts all official Department/Official University/Club sites. The new server is for departmental websites and initiatives that aid in the positive reinforcement of the University to outside constituents, and facilitate the recruitment of students, staff, faculty, and donors.
User Web (users.humboldt.edu)
The second new Web server is the User Web, hosting all individual non-official accounts.
What Is Available on the New Web Servers
New Software Versions
The following is installed on the new Web servers
- Apache 2.2
- MySQL 5
- PHP 5
Drupal 6
Drupal6 will be available by December 1, 2009 (and managed centrally) on the Central HSU Web server to those who request it.
New Tools
We encourage you to use Google Analytics for visitor tracking and FormMail for form processing. Read more about these tools.
Nicer URLs
The new Web servers feature nicer URLs. The tilde (~) will be eliminated, making it easier to communicate URLs verbally.
Secure FTP (SFTP)
Secure FTP (SFTP) is FTP over a SSH (Secure Shell) connection where all transferred data is fully encrypted
A Distinction Between “Official” University Accounts and “Individual” Accounts
One of the new Web servers is the Central HSU Web server (www.humboldt.edu), hosting all official Department/Official University/Club sites.
The second new Web server is the User Web (users.humboldt.edu), hosting all individual non-official accounts.
What Won’t Be Available on the New Web Servers
Tildes
The tilde (~) is no longer available on the new Web servers. This will result in cleaner Web addresses, which will be easier to write by hand or communicate verbally. Tildes are unintuitive and often cited incorrectly in print.
Visitors to old addresses (with tildes) will be redirected until August 1, 2011. Please update any documents (printed and/or electronic) that may have your old address listed.
FTP Access
Traditional FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is insecure and not supported on the new Web servers, as the files being transferred are not encrypted in any way, sending usernames and passwords in clear text. Instead, SFTP is supported. Secure FTP (SFTP) is FTP over a SSH (Secure Shell) connection where all transferred data is fully encrypted. Most organizations have removed support for standard FTP and now only use Secure File Transfer Protocol.
Custom user CGI scripts & Perl
CGI (Common Gateway Interface) is a common scripting method used on Web servers. HSU will not support CGI scripts, including perl, on Web servers due to the relatively open nature of CGI scripts and the potential to compromise the overall security of the Web server. CGI scripts are vulnerable to a large number of exploits that may be used to compromise the overall security of the Web server. They are often vulnerable to remote execution exploits, primarily due to inconsistency of coding practices. Also, CGI can impair server performance, as an additional process is started every time the CGI routine is called. This uses memory and other resources on the Web server, which can cause slow response time.
A suite of supported tools will be made available on the Central HSU Web server to provide services such as form processing and hit counters.
SMB access – Mapped Drives (Central HSU Web server)
Server Message Block (SMB) access, which is used for file sharing, can reveal security information and can be an opening for hacks and attacks. If an attacker manages to compromise a Web server, he or she may be able to utilize SMB to further explore and exploit the host network. Personal storage space is available through HSU’s Network Folders (www.humboldt.edu/folders). Staff and faculty can utilize mapped shares for file storage. Departmental file shares are a service offered by ITS.
Shell access
Providing shell access to a server (logging onto the command line) is a huge security risk. In the interests of security and the protection of our server hardware and software, shell accounts are not available.
What help is available:
ATI (accessibility) training
The Accessible Technology Initiative (ATI) is an initiative from the Chancellor's Office to make HSU's information technology accessible to all students, faculty, staff and the general public regardless of disability. ATI training will be required for HSU Web developers.
Services for making your website ATI compliant are available through the University Web Office and Marketing & Communications. The Web Office provides free consultation for website redesigns and updates, and will also make available ATI and University style guide compliant templates for your website. For information about these solutions contact Marketing & Communications at 826-3321 or webmaster@humboldt.edu.
File migration support
Information, such as connection details for Dreamweaver and SFTP applications, will be provided for migrating your files from the old Web server to the new Web server. When you have moved your site and are ready, there is a tool that will automatically redirect visitors from your old site to the new one. Visitors to the old addresses will be redireced until August 1, 2011. Please update any documents (printed and/or electronic) that may have your old address listed.
For personal Web pages (User Web), your files can be moved for you. This tool will be available in Account Center after August 1, 2009. After your files are moved (with this tool), visitors to your old site will automatically be redirected to the new one for two years.
Who will have accounts on the new Web servers:
Individuals (students, staff and faculty)
User Web (users.humboldt.edu) will host all individual non-official accounts
Departments (site owners and developers)
Central HSU Web server (www.humboldt.edu) will host all official Department/Official University/Club sites
Why is this change being made:
Aging equipment
HSU’s Sorrel Web server is in need of an upgrade. The new server will provide performance gains and will better focus Humboldt State’s communications with its external audiences by enhancing the University’s Web presence with the latest versions of front-end Web technology.
Accessiblity (ATI)
The ubiquity of the Internet in delivering information and providing services is an essential reason to make its accessibility a priority for the CSU. Creating and maintaining accessible websites will be an ongoing institutional responsibility. The dynamic nature of the Web and the continuous updating of content require a process that can be facilitated by the use of an enterprise-wide Web evaluation and monitoring tool along with well-defined campus policy and implementation procedures.
When is this taking place?
Both servers are available.. You will have until July 18, 2010 (9 months) to complete the migration of your files.
Address redirection will work until October 18, 2011. Please update any documents (printed and/or electronic) that may have your old address listed.
