Annual service and preventive maintenance of the UPS and Backup batteries will be performed next week. The UPS will be placed into bypass on utility power only.
Service Date/Time
Date: Tuesday, December 10
Time: 6 AM to 8 AM EDT
ServiceNow Change #: CHG0157000
Please contact rcc@partners.org if there are any questions or concerns!
From Thursday, November 21, 2019 through Monday, December 2, 2019 at 8a.m., there will be limited List Manager (Lyris) support. The infrastructure will be supported, so if there are concerns with connection to https://researchlistadmin.partners.org or mail delivery, they will be addressed and resolved in the normal response time.
Requests for new lists and emails regarding additional support will be responded to starting December 2, 2019.
For answers to commonly-asked questions and requests, please refer to the following resources:
REDCap (https://redcap.partners.org/redcap) was currently experiencing sporadic WebDAV/file server issues. These include users not being able to export data, upload files, or access uploaded files.
If you have any concerns, please email edcsupport@partners.org
This is related to the research website and service outages that started on Sunday, November 10, 2019 around 9p.m.
The root of the problem is fixed and was related to scheduled storage and infrastructure maintenance. However, as of Monday, November 11, 2019 at 11a.m. EDT, not all services are back online.
If you are the owner of websites, hosted databases, storage or virtual servers on ERIS infrastructure, we encourage you to check your connection and reboot if needed.
The GitLab service (https://gitlab.partners.org/) has been restored after a major outage.
A major storage outage incident took place during a scheduled storage controller upgrade task. The incident affected GitLab as well as many other systems. The GitLab system was unavailable from approximately 9:50PM on Nov 10th until 10:50PM on Nov 11th. Due to the large amount of data in the GitLab repositories and other connected storage systems, the disk check and repair operation took much longer than expected, which caused the extended outage. The issue was subsequently compounded by a networking-related reconfiguration (on the storage-side).
At this point we do not believe that any data was affected. Please double-check your repositories, though!
We appreciate your continued usage and support of the service! We are working to make improvements of the service to avoid instabilities such as this one in the future.
If you any questions or concerns relating to this release, please email: rcc@partners.org.
Several research websites and services were unavailable from Sunday, November 10, 2019 starting around 9p.m. until Monday, November 11 around 3:30p.m. EDT.
The root of the problem was related to scheduled storage and infrastructure maintenance.
If you are the owner of websites, hosted databases, storage or virtual servers on ERIS infrastructure, we encourage you to check your connection and reboot if needed.
Contact rcc@partners.org to report any remaining issues or for assistance.
ERIS Website Hosting Services are restored as of 12:30 PM EDT on Monday, November 11, 2019. Several research websites and services were unavailable beginning on Sunday, November 10, 2019 starting around 9PM.
The root of the problem is fixed and was related to scheduled storage and infrastructure maintenance.
If you are the owner of a website, hosted database, storage or virtual server on ERIS infrastructure, we encourage you to check your connection and reboot if needed.
Contact the IS Service Desk to report any remaining issues or for assistance.
REDCap (https://redcap.partners.org/redcap) server maintenance is scheduled for Saturday, November 2nd, 2019 from 9:00AM to 2:00PM EST. Please expect REDCap to be down for a short time during the maintenance window.
If you have any concerns about this scheduled maintenance, please email edcsupport@partners.org
On Sunday, November 10, 2019, Dell Compellent SAN Controllers were replaced with new SC9000s. Many of our services rely on Compellent Storage Area Network (SAN) for underlying storage. This maintenance impacted connectivity to the storage (RFA, RFANFS, DIPR, etc.) being served out by this system.
As of Monday, November 11, 2019 at 9a.m. EDT, not all services are back online.
If you are the owner of a website, hosted database, storage or virtual server on ERIS infrastructure, we encourage you to check your connection and reboot if needed. Contact the IS Service Desk to report any remaining issues or for assistance.
Please check the Service Alerts for service-specific instructions and impact. Please make sure you subscribe to receive appropriate email notifications for the services you subscribe to: https://rc.partners.org/subscribe.
The https://rc.partners.org website was offline for a short period during routine maintenance on Saturday, September 28 from 9a.m.-2p.m. EDT.
Please contact rcwebmaster@partners.org with any questions or concerns.
The https://rc.partners.org website was offline for a short period of time for infrastructure maintenance that took place Sunday, September 22 from 9:30p.m. to midnight EDT.
Please contact rcwebmaster@partners.org with any questions or concerns.
The MySQL PostgreSQL and Storage Maintenance on Sunday Evening has Completed.
The MySQL, PostgreSQL, and Storage Maintenance that was scheduled for Saturday, September, 21st 2019 at 12:00 pm have been rescheduled to Sunday evening September 22nd, 2019 at 9:30 pm. The ERIS Infrastructure team will shutdown all hosted PostgreSQL and MySQL servers at 9:45 pm on Sunday, September 22nd, 2019. The window for this maintenance is from 9:30 pm - 12:00 am. All databases hosted on mysql.dipr.partners.org, mysql2.dipr.partners.org, mysql4.research.partners.org, pgsql.dipr.partners.org, and pgsql2.research.partners.org will be offline during this maintenance window.
If you are the owner of a database on the PostgreSQL or MySQL hosted database service, we encourage you to review and validate your application's connection to your database when this maintenance has completed.
Applies to: iOS Users enrolled in MobileIron
The Partners MobileIron/EMM team has completed testing on latest GM build of iOS 13.1 Beta. Apple released iOS 13.0 on Thursday, 9/19 at around 1pm EDT and will release 13.1 on Tuesday, 9/24 around 1p.m.
If you accidentally hit “Cancel”, you can go to Settings > Passwords & Accounts > PARTNERS (OAUTH) to re-enter your Partners password.
Updated MobileIron enrollment instructions have been posted to the Knowledge Base
IS Service Desk https://www.partners.org/ISServiceDesk
BWH 617-732-5927 BWH-RICS 617-525-0848 CDHC 413-582-5005 DFCI 617-632-3399
FALK 617-983-7454 LCC 857-307-4150 MCL 781-416-8940 MGH 617-726-5085
NHP 617-643-2020 NSMC 978-354-2014 NWH 617-243-6001 PCPO 857-282-5999
PHH 617-726-0790 PHS 857-282-4357 SRN 617-952-5555
Microsoft is ending support for Windows 7. If you are currently running Windows 7 or older, you must upgrade to Windows 10 Professional by Jan. 1, 2020.
Vulnerabilities are discovered frequently in software and they put your computer, data and the enterprise at risk. In order to stay secure and compliant with Partners policies, make sure that you are running a current, supported Operating System (OS) and that your software applications are up to date.
HOWTO: Determine whether you are using a standard or non-standard computer
Check the eligibility of your PC
Please review the Windows 10 minimum requirements. Check which edition you're using by right-clicking the Start button, clicking System, and finding the Windows Edition.
| Which scenario best describes your non-standard Windows PC? | ||
| The device runs Windows 7, 8 or 10 Home Edition. |
Option 1 |
Option 2 Replace device. Contact the IS Service Desk to have a ticket opened and sent to the ERIS site team to discussion options and compatibility. |
| The device runs Windows 7 or 8 Pro Edition. |
Option 1 |
Option 2 |
Contact the IS Service Desk with any questions or for technical assistance.
Applies to: All DIPR Servers
Production servers hosted by ERIS were patched on Saturday, September 28 starting at 9AM. If you are the owner of a server hosted by ERIS, we encourage you to connect to your server at the end of our maintenance, verify that your applications restart and reconnect to your database.
The Discovery Informatics Platform for Research (DIPR) platform hosted by Enterprise Research IS is undergoing several essential upgrades in Fall 2019 to elevate security standards. These changes will include increased auditing, enabling SELinux on all systems and patching of the Linux OS on all servers on a monthly basis. The ERIS Infrastructure team will communicate each change two weeks before deploying. Please subscribe to receive DIPR communications and visit https://rc.partners.org/subscribe for more information. Non-production DIPR servers were patched in waves on Wednesdays in September.
We understand that this is a significant change. We need your help to ensure an easy transition for your servers, applications and users. Learn more about the new DIPR Servers Monthly OS Patching Schedule.
Service Level Reminders
To ensure premium supportability, security and performance, ERIS strives to keep all systems up to their most current and/or stable revisions. Please visit https://rc.partners.org/sla to review the full ERIS Service Level Agreement.
Server owners are responsible for maintaining the applications running on DIPR VMs systems and ensuring they are patched and comply with Partners Information Security Practices and Policies. Server owners are responsible for backup of critical configurations in case of a failure.
Please reach out to rcc@partners.org with any questions.
The ERIS Infrastructure team completed the maintenance on the ERIS MySQL and ERIS PGSQL servers. All servers and databases are up and online. If you are the owners of a ERIS Hosted Database, please check your applications connection to the database. Please contact rcc@partners.org with any questions.
This website was offline for a brief period during the maintenance window for MySQL Server patching on Saturday, August 24 between 9:00a.m. - Noon. EDT. This website, https://rc.partners.org, was unavailable for a few minutes while the system is rebooted to apply patches.
Please contact rcwebmaster@partners.org if you have any questions or concerns.
REDCap (https://redcap.partners.org/redcap) server maintenance is scheduled for Saturday, August 24th 2019 from 9:00AM to 10:00AM EST. There will be a short interruption of service during the maintenance window.
If you have any concerns about this scheduled maintenance, please email edcsupport@partners.org
On August 18th from approximately 1:00 am to 5:00 am, Freezerworks will temporarily be offline to complete planned server maintenance work. During this timeframe, we ask users to log out of the system so we can complete this necessary maintenance work. We do apologize for any inconvenience this interruption may cause.
If you have any questions or concerns, please email edcsupport@partners.org
We are upgrading the List Manager (Lyris) system to v12.3.6 on Sunday, August 18, 2019, at 8 PM. We expect this release to take, up to 30 minutes, so please expect the List Manager (Lyris) service to be offline from 8:00 PM to 8:30 PM.
Applies to:
https://researchlistadmin.partners.org
https://researchlist.partners.org
This upgrade was to improve system performance and address defects. The release notes can be found in the Knowledge Base.
Please contact rcc@partners.org with any questions, concerns or issues with the upgrade.
Did you know that Microsoft regularly releases security patches for its software products on the second Tuesday of every month? How frequently do you update your computer?
This month, Microsoft introduces patches for critical flaws and vulnerabilities that require you to patch as soon as possible.
Here is some guidance to keep your device secure and your Microsoft software up to date and running smoothly.
Do I need to make changes on my computer?
See HOWTO: Run Windows Updates for additional instructions.
If you find a Virtual Machine (VM) or website that is not responding, please submit a ticket to the IS Service Desk.
Additional Impacted Services:
| Service Description | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Impacted Services | ||
| ERIS MySQL hosted database services |  |
|
| Research Computing Website (https://rc.partners.org) | |
Online as of 2:49p.m. EDT on 8/6/19 |
| ERIS Web Hosting Services | |
Online as of 3:47p.m. EDT on 8/6/19 |
| RFANFS |
|
Online as of 2:17p.m. EDT on 8/6/19, Rebooting this system on 8/7/19 at 9p.m. EDT |
| RFAWIN |
|
Online as of 7:00p.m. EDT on 8/6/19 |
| REDCap (https://redcap.partners.org) |
 |
|
| Confluence/JIRA |
|
Online as of 1:00p.m. EDT on 8/6/19 |
| PEAS (https://enroll.partners.org) |
|
Online as of 1:00p.m. EDT on 8/6/19 |
| GitLab (https://gitlab.partners.org) |
|
Online as of 1:00p.m. EDT on 8/6/19 |
| RC Services (https://rcservices.partners.org) |
|
Online as of 5:00p.m. EDT on 8/6/19 |
| DIPR Virtual Machines (VMs) |
|
Online as of 9:45p.m. EDT on 8/7/19 |
| DIPR File Server (fs.dipr) |
|
Online as of 9:45p.m. EDT on 8/7/19 |
If you find a Virtual Machine (VM) or website that is not responding, please submit a ticket to the IS Service Desk.
Applies to: Staff and Visitors at Assembly Row
The Network Access Control (NAC) program updates scheduled for Assembly Row on Tuesday, August 13 are canceled at this time.
Partners HealthCare continues to enhance the Network Access Control (NAC) program at Assembly Row, strengthening visibility and security of data and devices connected to the Partners network.
Please review the security requirements and guidance for your device, by visiting rc.partners.org/computer.
Thank you in advance.
Jigar Kadakia
Partners Chief Information Security & Privacy Officer
CISPO@partners.org
Beginning July 25, 2019, CrowdStrike will be pushed to your corporate/Partners-purchased Macintosh device. Please note the date was moved one week due to the Enterprise Change Freeze.
It will be required to connect to the Partners Corporate network. CrowdStrike is an additional endpoint security tool application that complements antivirus (AV). Both CrowdStrike and antivirus are required to keep your systems safe and secure. Trend Micro antivirus is available for installation on all Mac and Windows devices used for Partners business purposes, including research. Please see Supported Antivirus Software for a full list.
CrowdStrike end point protection and Trend Micro antivirus are available for download from the Partners Enterprise Apple Support (PEAS) Self Service application.
CrowdStrike can also be self-installed prior to the automatic push using the directions below.
Please note: Apple released the public beta version for the next operating system for Mac desktops & laptops, macOS Catalina (10.15). We recommend you do not upgrade at this time. Traditionally new Mac Operating Systems will initially cause compatibility issues with Partners services.
To download CrowdStrike via Self Service:
View detailed installation instructions on our Knowledge Base.
For assistance or questions, contact the IS Service Desk and ask to submit a ticket to the Engineering Security Team.
Thank you in advance.
Jigar Kadakia
Partners Chief Information Security & Privacy Officer
399 Revolution Dr, Somerville, MA 02145
This is an update on the ERIS Infrastructure teams efforts to move all databases off of mysql3.research.partners.org and restore them on mysql4.research.partners.org. The team has worked through 50% of the efforts needed to complete this effort and is working diligently on all remaining tasks. We will share another update later tonight and will provide more detail concerning availability.
The final step in this process belongs to the database owners who need to change their MySQL Data Source reference from mysql3.research.partners.org to mysql4.research.partners.org.
Please send a note to rcc@partners.org with any questions.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: REDCap Database Migration
In order to meet the increased demand, usage, and amount of data stored within the REDCap system, it is necessary to upgrade the database infrastructure.
As a result, a REDCap database migration is scheduled for Saturday July 20th, 2019 at 7:00PM EST. This will require an extended amount of downtime with REDCap being offline for approximately 14 hours.
REDCap was offline from 7:00pm-5:55am.
This will help optimize our REDCap infrastructure, resulting in faster overall performance, and prevent extended downtime for maintenance in the future.
If you have any concerns about REDCap being offline at either of these times, please email edcsupport@partners.org
