Managed virtual machines
Managed virtual machines support computationally intensive research while minimising active management from the researcher.
Managed virtual machines provide computational resources to speed up research analyses, facilitate innovative methods, support long-running tasks, or free up your desktop or laptop to do other activities.
Access
Managed virtual machines are available, for free, to staff and doctoral candidates.
Staff and doctoral candidates can request a managed virtual machine via a consultation. Other postgraduate students or collaborators need their Principal Investigator or supervisor to request a consult on their behalf.
Benefits
- Automatic security and software updates.
- User access and initial software setup is managed by the Centre for eResearch (CeR).
- Access to Windows or Linux environments.
Limitations
- Managed virtual machines do not currently have access to GPUs.
- To avoid data loss, all data should be backed up on a Research Drive.
- You will need to arrange IT access for external collaborators.
Request a managed virtual machine
An initial consultation will be used to:
- Confirm that a managed virtual machine is right for you by understanding the nature of the work you're doing.
- Select appropriate hardware settings (CPU and RAM).
- Understand your software requirements (operating system, preinstalled software).
- Determine appropriate user access and permissions.
- Establish data storage requirements (typically via an associated Research Drive).
Help
User privileges
Users are given access to a managed virtual machine by being added to one of two user groups:
- vmadmin: administrative privileges, including the ability to install software
- vmuser: standard user privileges
Access a managed VM from off-campus
- Set up two-factor authentication (2FA).
- Install and configure VPN software to access the University network.
- Access the virtual machine with either:
- Windows - remote desktop, or
- Linux - command-line through ssh or via a graphical desktop environment through X2Go.
Service standard
We aim to respond to requests within five working days. Users engaging with these services will need to agree to the eResearch services terms and conditions.
Contact
Research VM Support Services
Email: research-vm@auckland.ac.nz