Website and Application Hosting – Windows IIS

Description

CDT offers Website/Application Hosting services on Microsoft Windows IIS, featuring dedicated and shared web servers for state and other government agencies. Email us if you have questions.

Benefits

Web Hosting Human w-globe and desktop computer

Custom Dedicated Service

  • Custom installation
  • Optional managed service
  • Designed to your specifications

 

Web Hosting Humans w-globe and desktop PC

Shared Website/Application Hosting

  • Prebuilt virtualized server solution
  • Fully managed
  • Highly available and redundant
  • Low cost

 

Website/Application Hosting Model Comparison

Feature/ComponentDedicatedShared
StorageOptional2 GB
BandwidthUnlimited10 GB/month
Web ServerO/S DependentIIS 7.5
Domain Name Service (DNS)OptionalIncluded
Secure Certificate (SSL)OptionalIncluded
Citrix NetScaler File TransferUnlimitedUnlimited
Hosted SitesUnlimited*1 URL

* Per site setup charge applied

Included

CDT works with the customer to design and implement solutions based on their business requirements. The following components and features are standard specifications for the Website Hosting service.

Virtual Environment

Our support of virtual environments uses industry-standard virtualization platforms. CDT offers Platform as a Service Managed Cloud Services. The offering is scalable to meet application demands and fit the Customer’s business requirements. This service provides compatibility with all Microsoft and server-based applications, as well as enterprise-class virtual infrastructure hosting performance.

Virtual Server

CPU1 virtual core (Maximum 12 virtual cores)
Memory1 GB vRAM (Maximum = 32 GB vRAM)
RAMPurchase amount needed (8 GB recommended)

Operating System

For the CDT Infrastructure as a Service, see CalCloud IaaS virtual infrastructure services.

  • Windows Server 2012 R2 Standard
  • Windows Server 2016, 2019

 

Network

Connection to SAN

  • Four 32 GB HBA
  • 10 GB Ethernet

Network Connection

  • One IP address

 

Anti-virus

System Center Endpoint Protection

Licenses

The Windows platform software tools

Web Server

  • Microsoft Internet Information Services (IIS) 8.x
  • The version of IIS implemented will be dependent on the operating system version selected

Optional

The following components and features are optional specifications for the Shared Website/Application Hosting service.

Domain Name ServicesAdditional FTPS Accounts
Secure CertificatesAdditional Storage
Additional BandwidthAdditional Hosted Websites

Windows Enterprise Edition

CDT offers the following Windows Enterprise versions:

  • Windows Server 2012 R2 Standard
  • Windows Server 2019

 

Database

CDT offers a number of database management system (DBMS) technologies.

 

Middleware

CDT provides a number of middleware technologies.

 

Storage

  • SAN storage is available in increments of 1 GB.
  • Data storage on disk using a redundant array of independent disks (RAID)
  • Off-site storage

Administration

Server Administration

CDT provides Windows server maintenance including Operating System (OS) administration, patching, and updating of servers.  Enterprise-level applications such as System Center Operations Manager, System Center Endpoint Protection, and HPE OneView are available for 24/7 monitoring of the performance, wellness, security, and connectivity of the server. With planned patch management, CDT ensures the data is protected at all times. Windows Hosting Patching Calendar CDT manages all operating system maintenance, monitoring, and security, backups, upgrades, troubleshooting, and vendor escalation for server support. CDT informs Customers of planned maintenance (such as OS upgrades or patching). The Customer installs, maintains, patches, and troubleshoots all of the hosted application software on the provisioned servers.

File System Administration

CDT provides shared centralized file storage and retrieval for equipment connected to the CDT network. Customers may elect to set up files to be accessible by specific groups or users.

Disk Administration

CDT monitors and manages the disk space usage using Microsoft System Center Operating Manager (SCOM) for all Windows systems.

Backup and Restore Administration

CDT provides backup and restore services.

Backup

  • Centralized backup system
  • File system backups occur between 6 pm and 6 am, seven days a week
  • A full backup occurs once per week and incremental backups occur on the other six days
  • A Backup Status Report is available at 9 am Monday through Sunday
  • The primary copy of each backup remains at the CDT Data Center and is retained for 28 days
  • The secondary copy of each backup is sent to off-site storage and retained for 14 days

 

Restore

File and disk restoration are reserved for disk failure and operational recovery purposes only. Requests for restores outside of these situations should be submitted in writing to your Account Lead.

Database Backup

Full hot database backups are run daily, Monday through Sunday. During these backups, databases are still available for processing. There are also file system-level backups. Database options are discussed during the request process.

Monitoring

CDT proactively monitors the network and server infrastructure health with multi-layer security and monitoring systems designed specifically for the managed servers. CDT’s monitoring service tracks the resources, processes, and services running on servers including:

  • CPU utilization
  • Memory utilization
  • Local storage utilization

 

Technology Refresh

Hardware is refreshed every five years, or as needed.

Vendor Contract Administration

CDT manages the vendor contracts for the Windows platform and provides licenses for hosted servers.

Build

CDT can install and configure IIS (Internet Information Server) to Customer specifications leveraging the built-in services and components provided by the Microsoft technologies stack. Customers have the option of providing their own support of the solution once the build has been completed or choose to have their IIS installation fully managed by the CDT Web Hosting team.

Build services include:

  • Installation of IIS and it’s components (standard Microsoft .Net and IIS modules)
  • Site creation and configuration
  • SSL certificate creation and implementation
  • FTPS site creation and accounts for remote access/file management
  • Log configuration

 
Further detail can be found in the Roles & Responsibilities tab on this page. New solutions follow the Enterprise Service Delivery Process.
 

Managed Service

Our IIS managed solution provides a complete solution for webmasters and application programmers leveraging Microsoft-based technologies. This service includes:

  • Site creation and configuration
  • Application pool creation and configuration
  • SSL certificate creation and management
  • Netscaler creation and accounts for remote access/file management
  • Log analysis
  • Performance and error troubleshooting

 
Further detail can be found in the Roles & Responsibilities tab on this page.
 

Shared Website/Application Hosting

We also provide a prebuilt virtualized server solution that includes a fully managed website/application hosting environment for state agencies. This solution is a cost-effective option for those with small to medium-sized requirements. Because the environment is prebuilt we can onboard customers quickly at a reduced cost compared to fully dedicated solutions.

Our shared service includes:

  • Site creation and configuration
  • Application pool creation and configuration
  • SSL certificate creation and management
  • Netscaler creation and accounts for remote access/file management
  • Log analysis
  • Performance and error troubleshooting

 

Shared Website/Application Hosting Architecture

The shared application architecture is built around availability and redundancy. Three presentation tier servers synchronize your data in real-time and are load-balanced via an F5 load balancer. We also provide the option to develop 3-tier applications via a load-balanced and synchronized application layer as well.

Roles & responsibilities

IIS Build

Task/RoleCDTCustomer
Creation of initial Website(s).X
Installation of IIS modules.X
TLS Certificate Installation (New only).X
TLS Certificate Configuration (New only).X
FTPS site creation.X
FTPS site configuration.X
FTPS Account creation.X
Log configuration.X
DFS Installation.X
DFS Configuration.X
DFS ongoing changes.X
Configuration of modules.X
Content migration.XX
Site modifications.XX
TLS certificate renewals.X
TLS management.X
Application pool creation.X
Application pool modifications.X
FTPS modifications.X
FTPS account modifications.X
FTPS account creation.X
FTPS access troubleshooting.X
Adding websites.X
Log file management.X
Site error troubleshooting.XX
Site performance troubleshooting.XX
Content updates.X
Code content troubleshooting.X
Changes required by security audit findings.XX

IIS Management

Task/RoleCDTCustomer
Creation/deletion/modification of Website(s).X
Installation of IIS modules.X
Configuration of modules.X
TLS Certificate installation.X
TLS Certificate configuration.X
FTPS site creation.X
FTPS site configuration.X
FTPS account creation.X
FTPS access troubleshooting.X
Log configuration.X
Content migration.XX
Site modifications.XX
TLS certificate renewals.X
TLS management.X
Application pool creation.X
Application pool modifications.X
DFS installation.X
DFS configuration.X
DFS ongoing changes.X
FTPS modifications.X
FTPS account modifications.X
FTPS account creation.X
URL rewrite/redirectsXX
Adding websites.X
Log file management.X
Site error troubleshooting.XX
Site performance troubleshooting.XX
Changes required by security audit findings.XX
Content updates.X
Code content troubleshooting.X

Rates

The rate schedule represents standard CDT services. If a Customer requires technology solutions that are not part of the standard, CDT will review the Customer’s request and provide customized pricing as necessary.

Shared Web Services

Service DescriptionService IdentifierProduct NameUnit of MeasurementRateService CodeNotes
Web Set-up FeeWeb ServicesOne-Time/Web Instance$500.00 I119
Dedicated Web SupportWeb ServicesMonthly/Per Server$695.00 I124
Web Design & DevelopmentWeb ServicesPer Hour$182.00 I208Level 3 (Information Technology Supervisor II, Information Technology Specialist II)

Tier 1 Shared Web Hosting

Service DescriptionService IdentifierProduct NameUnit of MeasurementRateService CodeNotes
Tier 1 Shared Web Server includes: 1 domain name registration, 1 FTP UserID, Up to 20 MB storage, Up to 200 MB data transmissionTier 1 Shared Web HostingShared Web HostingMonthly/Per Instance$75.00 I201
Shared Web Hosting Set-up FeeTier 1 Shared Web HostingShared Web HostingOne-Time/Setup$500.00 I211-Tier 1

Tier 2 Shared Web Hosting

Service DescriptionService IdentifierProduct NameUnit of MeasurementRateService CodeNotes
Tier 2 Shared Web Server includes: 1 domain name registration, 1 FTP UserID, 250 MB storage, 10 GB data transmissionTier 2 Shared Web HostingShared Web HostingMonthly/Per Instance$193.00 I202
Shared Web Hosting Set-upTier 2 Shared Web HostingShared Web HostingOne-Time/Setup$500.00 I211-Tier 2

Tier 2 Shared Web Hosting – Optional Add Ons

Service DescriptionService IdentifierProduct NameUnit of MeasurementRateService CodeNotes
StorageTier 2 Shared Web Hosting - Optional Add- OnsShared Web HostingMonthly/Per 75 MB$25.00 I203
Data TransferTier 2 Shared Web Hosting - Optional Add-OnsShared Web HostingMonthly/Per GB$13.00 I204
Domain Name Registration (Per Registration)Tier 2 Shared Web Hosting - Optional Add-OnsShared Web HostingOne-Time/Registration$10.00 I205
FTP UserIDTier 2 Shared Web Hosting - Optional Add-OnsShared Web HostingMonthly/Per UserID$5.00 I206
FTP UserID Set-upTier 2 Shared Web Hosting - Optional Add-OnsShared Web HostingOne-Time/Per ID$10.00 I212

Subscriptions to this service are available.

Request service

Service Request NameLink
Shared Website/Application Hosting
Add, Change, or Delete a Site within the Shared Website/Application Hosting Service and general inquiries.

A completed Web Hosting Submittal is required prior to the start of work for adding a new site. Complete the Submittal and attach it to the Case/Request.
Order Shared Website/Application Hosting Services

FAQs

Why choose a shared application environment?

  • Significantly lowers the cost rather than hosting a dedicated server.
  • Offers multiple tiers that are architected NIST compliant.
  • Provides redundancy.
  • Quick deployment times.
  • CDT supports standard Microsoft .Net and IIS modules.
  • All administrative functions, such as certificate management, FTPS access, site creation, and features are handled as part of the monthly fee.

Why choose dedicated IIS hosting?

  • Recommend for applications or websites that have significant traffic and dedicated resources.
  • Storage can be customized to meet your requirements.
  • No additional fees when site traffic exceeds 10 GB per month.

Is remote administrative access to a server available under dedicated web support?

  • Dedicated – Remote desktop protocol (RDP) access to the server is not available.
  • Shared – All administrative functions are the responsibility of the customer administrator.

Does CDT support 3rd party content management or software?

What is the process for requesting a shared application site?

Does CDT allow customers to use their own in-house CMS?

  • Code leveraging the standard Microsoft components are supported, FTPS access is the only supported access for remote content updates.
  • Any property changes required, such as application pools, NTFS rights, and URL write-requests are managed by the CDT Web Hosting team.
  • If your product requires installation within the operating system, it is not supported by the managed web hosting service

What security is provided?

  • FTPS, an encrypted form of File Transfer Protocol is used for uploading and downloading site content.
  • An SSL certificate can also be provided to encrypt traffic provided through the site.

Is there a maintenance window?

Maintenance, such as patching, is determined by the CDT Windows platform support team and will be communicated to customers via a Service Desk Bulletin.

Is there redundancy?

Yes, within the shared application hosting service, all sites are synchronized and load-balanced in real-time for redundancy. Redundancy in a dedicated environment is optional and defined in your design requirements.

Is there an FTP tool that CDT provides?

No standard FTPS client or tool is used. CDT recommends using a licensed tool under support from your vendor.

Does CDT allow schedule changes to take place at a certain time?

Yes, it can be scheduled via your client workstation using any tool you prefer.

What is the process for modifying user access (Add/Remove) to manage site content?

To request access or changes to the configuration of your site submit a ServiceNow case.

How many environments are allowed at CDT?

Two environments; Shared or Dedicated.

Does CDT support all browsers if the website is fully managed?

Browser compatibility relies on the content provided, not the webserver.

How much is Website Hosting services?

Rates vary based on the subscribed services. Rate information can be found under the Rates tab at https://cdt.ca.gov/services/website-hosting/.