Set up cloud hosting for SEQTA

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Introduction
• Getting started
• Hosting SEQTA on cloud
  • Other considerations
• Important information before you proceed
• Setting up and configuring your managed cloud service
• Once you’ve decided on a cloud host and signed up to their service, setting up a cloud server involves creating and configuring a virtual server in a cloud computing environment, selecting a suitable server instance, configuring the operating system, and setting up networking and security. 
• Installing SEQTA on your managed cloud service
• Data migration
• What does Tes do once my server is set up, configured and ongoing?
• Further recommendations
• Final thoughts

Introduction

Gain enhanced security, scalability and cost effectiveness when you host SEQTA on your managed cloud service.

This document provides recommendations for choosing a cloud hosting provider and setting up based on your school's requirements with your IT department's assistance.

Getting started

To get started, you'll need to select a provider that meets your requirements for server, operating system, virtual machine, monitoring, networking and security. 

You'll also need to consider the following based on the number of students:

• Computing type; number of cores, CPU (vCPU) and RAM.
• Data storage; what types and amounts.
• Your School Information System (crucial to check compatibility first).
• What other applications will SEQTA need to interact with.
• Security needs; including access controls, firewalls, encryption and disaster recovery.
• How your cloud server needs to be configured.

We recommend AWS or Azure as our products are tested on their platforms. They have built their cloud servers with security as priority and have response teams dedicated to monitoring, identifying risks and preventing breaches.  

Hosting SEQTA on cloud

We have basic recommendations for computing and data storage, operating system, hypervisors, with additional software and configuration notes for SEQTA.

These recommendations are intended as a guide only and you'll need to consider your school's plans for future growth.

Other considerations

• Check whether web server SSL certificates are provided or automatically generated.
• What authentication to use for staff, students and parents (can be independent from each other).
• Any additional security precautions, such as firewall access or 'geoblocking'.

Important information before you proceed

Contact Tes Support Team to ensure:

1. Your school's implementation has all the requirements
2. A schedule is set for installing your SEQTA application, preparing any customisations and data migration.
3. Your cloud server will be compatible.

Setting up and configuring your managed cloud service

Once you’ve decided on a cloud host and signed up to their service, setting up a cloud server involves creating and configuring a virtual server in a cloud computing environment, selecting a suitable server instance, configuring the operating system, and setting up networking and security. 

The only 'role' should be SSH server - we'll install the rest of the required software and application stack.

The SEQTA VM needs to be able to connect to external websites for application, content and security updates.

If you need help in setting this up, you’ll need to contact your school’s IT provider.

Installing SEQTA on your managed cloud service

You’ll need to provide connection details to Tes to connect and install SEQTA on your cloud server. 

We'll need details like IP address, username and password so we can connect into the server. This is likely to be the ONLY time we as for operating system credentials, so if ever asked, contact Tes Support Team separately to confirm we're asking before sharing details.

Rest assured, we'll provide suggestions for securely sending details.

Once we have those credentials, we'll install any additional components, make the initial customisations read data from your School Information System and confirm your log in details for user acceptance testing.

Data migration

We offer a data migration service whether you’re onboarding as new customer or moving from on-premise to cloud server. Subject to a Professional Service fee.

What does Tes do once my server is set up, configured and ongoing?

It’s important to understand what responsibilities Tes has in relation to installing, maintaining or updating our products on your cloud server. The good news is that where we are not responsible for an item, your provider will be able to help you once you’re set up and configured.

The table provides a break down of who is responsible for various items when cloud hosting.

Further recommendations

Depending on your set up, we recommend you consider the following:

• Ensure any other software held by the school are appropriately licensed and your server can handle their requirements.
• Look to optimise hosting with your provider i.e.; spinning down EC2 boxes between 12am-6am when people are least likely to be accessing their services.

Final thoughts

If you're unsure or would like further information, please contact Tes Support Team to discuss your requirements before you get started with your managed cloud service.