The Unix filestore service is currently provided using a Sun system that is five years old. This service is used to store email, web pages and other data accessed from Computing Services' Unix-based services. As part of an integrated replacement policy an SGI Origin 200 has been purchased to replace the current system. The new system will provide a faster, more reliable service with extra filespace being provided to cope with the increasing demand for space.
Plans are well advanced for moving the existing disk components to the new system.
However there is substantial re-organisation of the filespace to be carried out. This will involve downtime on most Unix services over the weekend of the 25-28 June. Except for the services mentioned above, all Computing Services' Unix hosts will be out of service between 18.00 on Friday 25 June and 08.30 on Monday 28 June. There will be no access to read email during this time. The majority of the University web service will be unavailable.