Service Alerts

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DIPR File Server Replacement Completed

February 22, 2018 5:00 pm to 5:45 pm

The ERIS DIPR File Server (fs.dipr.partners.org) was unexpectedly rebooted this morning between 8:55a.m. - 9a.m. on Thursday, February 22, 2018 indicating a potential hardware issue. To address this, the ERIS DIPR File Server (fs.dipr.partners.org) was moved to a new Virtual Machine (VM) starting at 5p.m. today, Thursday, February 22, 2018. This work took less than an hour to complete.

During this maintenance window, any applications and systems that have storage associated with this server will be offline.

ERIS DIPR File Server (fs.dipr.partners.org) is the nfs file server which provides mounted storage to our DIPR environment.

Action Required

  • Please check if you are using the Fully Qualified Domain Name (FQDN) or the IP Address to connect to this server. If you are using the IP Address, please replace it with the Domain Name, fs.dipr.partners.org
  • We strongly encourage you to check the status of your VM once the scheduled work concludes. If you find one unresponsive, reboot or remount the storage.

If any issues persist, please contact rcc@partners.org and we'll address the problem.

Posted on February 22, 2018
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rc.partners.org Website Downtime

February 25, 2018 10:20 am to 10:30 am

This Research IS & Computing website, https://rc.partners.org, was offline for ten minutes during MySQL3 Server Updates. 

Posted on February 15, 2018
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MySQL3 Server Updates

February 25, 2018 10:20 am to 10:30 pm

Applies to: All databases and systems connecting to the MySQL hosted database system, mysql3.research.partners.org

The MySQL server, mysql3.research.partners.org, was updated on Sunday, February 25, 2018 between 10:20a.m. - 10:30a.m. EST.

Impact
All databases hosted on mysql3.research.partners.org were offline during this maintenance window. 

Action required
If you are the owner of a database on mysql3.research.partners.org, we strongly encourage you to take your system offline before the maintenance window and reconnect once the work is complete.

Please contact rcc@partners.org if you have any questions or concerns.

Posted on February 15, 2018
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RFANFS File Server Replacement

February 25, 2018 10:00 am to 8:25 pm

The migration of ERIS RFANFS File Server (rfanfs.research.partners.org) to a new Virtual Machine (VM) completed on Sunday, February 25, 2018 starting at 8:25p.m. EST. 

Since 10a.m. EST on Sunday, February 25, 2018, any applications and systems that rely on storage associated with this server were unable to connect to the server. 
 
RFANFS (rfanfs.research.partners.org) is the file server that provides linux-based nfs and Samba sharing for the ERIS Research Interactive Storage service. 
 
Actions Required 

  • Please check if you are using the Fully Qualified Domain Name (FQDN) or the IP Address to connect to this server. If you are using the IP Address, please replace it with the Domain Name, rfanfs.research.partners.org
  • We strongly encourage you to check the status of your system(s). If you find one unresponsive, reboot or remount the storage.

If any issues persist, please contact rcc@partners.org and we'll address the problem. 

Posted on February 15, 2018
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An Update Regarding Apple's macOS High Sierra

February 5, 2018 10:00 am to February 5, 2019 11:00 am

The PEAS team is pleased to inform you that you may now upgrade to macOS High Sierra 10.13.3 in the Enterprise. Please note that due to changes to the file system in High Sierra, we strongly recommend you complete a backup prior to upgrading. If you choose to upgrade, you must update the following applications after upgrading to ensure Partners services will continue to function. These apps are available for download in the PEAS Self Service application. Visit our Knowledge Base article on Self Service for Macs for more instructions. 

  1. VPN - Cisco AnyConnect VPN Client Version 4.5.02036
  2. Citrix - Citrix Receiver Version 12.8
  3. Java - Java Version 8 Update 161
     

The PEAS team also recommends that you verify the compatibility of any non-enterprise software you use with macOS High Sierra prior to upgrading. Devices at Assembly Row will no longer fail the Macintosh Encryption Compliance check. Apple, and therefore Partners, only supports the current OS and two versions prior, so with the release of High Sierra, the only compatible Mac OSs are High Sierra (2017), Sierra 10.12 (2016) or El Capitan 10.11 (2015). If you are running a Mac OS older than El Capitan, please view our webpage on how to Update Your Mac or contact the Service Desk if you need assistance with an upgrade. Outdated Mac operating systems introduce risk to your data and to the enterprise as they are not patched for security vulnerabilities and do not comply with Partners policies.

Posted on February 5, 2018
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Accessing Partners Web-based Apps from Outside the Partners Network

February 14, 2018 6:00 am

Partners will soon upgrade the software used to log in to Partners web-based applications. When you are off the Partners network and accessing Partners web-based applications, you’ll find it easier to confirm your identity by SMS text message or phone call.

Applies to: All Users
Broadcast: Coming Soon - Improvements in How You Access Partners Web-based Applications from Outside of the Partners Network

On February 7th, Partners will upgrade the software used to log in to Partners web-based applications. When you are off the Partners network and accessing Partners web-based applications, you’ll find it easier to confirm your identity by SMS text message or phone call.

What are some of the changes?

You’ll be able to request and enter your confirmation code on a single screen (see image below).
If you check the box next to Do not challenge me on this device again, you will be able to access most applications without entering a code at each login.  Due to security policies, other applications will require a code with each login. 

 What are a few applications that use Secure Log In?      

  • HealthStream
  • Microsoft Office 365 applications
  • Kronos
  • ServiceNow and the IS Service Desk website

Later this spring, advanced features will be added to make external login even easier.  More information can be found in article KB0032197 or by contacting the IS Service Desk.  

 

Posted on February 1, 2018
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Microsoft SQL Maintenance on PHSSQL2023

February 15, 2018 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Applies to
All databases and systems connecting to the Microsoft SQL hosted database system, PHSSQL2023.

The Microsoft SQL server, PHSSQL2023, was migrated to new hardware on Thursday, February 15, 2018 between 6-7p.m.EST.

PHSSQL2023 is hosted on infrastructure maintained by the Infrastructure Technology Services (ITS) team. These virtual servers will be copied to new hardware. This happens periodically as older hardware ages out, but nothing will change with respect to the virtual server configuration.

Action required
If you are the owner of a database on PHSSQL2023, we strongly encourage you check and reconnect your system(s).

Please contact rcc@partners.org if you have any questions or concerns.

Posted on January 31, 2018
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PostgreSQL Maintenance Completed

January 28, 2018 10:00 am to 12:00 pm

Applies to
All databases and systems connecting to the PostgreSQL hosted database system, pgsql2.research.partners.org

The pgsql2.research.partners.org server was updated on Sunday, January 28, 2018 between 10a.m. - 12p.m. EST to apply security patches and updates.

During this maintenance window, any databases associated with this server were offline.

Action required
If you are the owner of a database on pgsql2.research.partners.org, we strongly encourage you check and reconnect your system if needed.

Please contact rcc@partners.org if you have any questions or concerns.

To minimize disruption, ERIS will complete all non-critical changes such as patching, firmware updates, etc. on the last Sunday of every month from 8a.m. to 8p.m. The exact schedule outlined in the Knowledge Base. There have been a few adjustments for holidays and to avoid conflict with the Monthly Information Systems Maintenance (ISM) window. 

Posted on January 23, 2018
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rc.partners.org Website Maintenance Completed

January 28, 2018 10:00 am to 11:00 am

Research IS & Computing website maintenance was completed on Sunday, January 28, 2018 between 10-11a.m. EST. The site was offline for approximately 15 minutes to apply security updates.

Posted on January 19, 2018
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DIPR File Server Maintenance

January 28, 2018 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

Work to move the ERIS DIPR File Server (fs.dipr.partners.org) to a new Virtual Machine (VM) completed today, Sunday, January 28, 2018,  around 5p.m. EST.

Services are now online.
 
ERIS DIPR File Server (fs.dipr.partners.org) is the nfs file server which provides mounted storage to our DIPR environment.
 
Actions Required for DIPR VM Owners

  • Please check if you are using the Fully Qualified Domain Name (FQDN) or the IP Address to connect to this server. If you are using the IP Address, please replace it with the Domain Name, fs.dipr.partners.org
  • We strongly encourage you to check the status of your VM once the scheduled work concludes. If you find one unresponsive, reboot or remount the storage. If any issues persist, please contact rcc@partners.org and we'll address the problem. 

Please contact rcc@partners.org if you have any questions or concerns about this maintenance.

To minimize disruption, ERIS will complete all non-critical changes such as patching, firmware updates, etc. on the last Sunday of every month from 8a.m. to 8p.m. The exact schedule outlined in the Knowledge Base. There have been a few adjustments for holidays and to avoid conflict with the Monthly Information Systems Maintenance (ISM) window. 

Posted on January 19, 2018
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Monthly Information Systems Maintenance (ISM)

January 8, 2018 12:00 am to 4:00 am

Applies To: All Users

Information Systems Maintenance (ISM) was conducted on Monday, December 18th from 12:00 am to 4:00 am.

During this time, planned system maintenance and testing was performed by IS Operations teams. This routine maintenance reduces the risk of unscheduled outages on our computer network and to the Internet.

Impact to systems and applications

  • VPN should be available during the ISM.

Impact to sites

  • Services or resources hosted in the Partners HealthCare data centers may be unavailable during the ISM.
  • Your site's IS Management team will provide more detailed communication about planned outages at your facility and will coordinate with specific groups that may be impacted.

Need help during the downtime? 

View the Broadcast Online. Please contact your IS Service Desk if you have any questions.

View the 2018 IS System Maintenance (ISM) Schedule in the IS Service Desk Knowledgebase (Partners login required).

Posted on January 8, 2018
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Partners email issue resolved for Apple's native Mail client

January 3, 2018 7:00 am to 3:30 pm

Changes were made on the Partners IS Okta (Secure Login) instance that temporarily blocked Partners email from reaching Apple’s native Mail client on macOS High Sierra 10.13.

Partners IS adjusted the Okta settings and Partners email is now working for those using Apple’s native Mail client. There are no extra steps required.

If you continue to experience an issue, please contact the IS Service Desk.

Posted on January 4, 2018
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LimeSurvey Unexpected Downtime

December 29, 2017 3:03 pm to 6:03 pm

LimeSurvey (https://limesurvey.partners.org/limesurvey) experienced an unexpected outage due to network issues from 2:00-2:18PM EST on Dec. 29th, 2017.  

If you have any concerns, please email edcsupport@partners.org

Posted on December 29, 2017
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REDCap Unexpected Downtime

December 29, 2017 2:34 pm

REDCap (https://redcap.partners.org/redcap) experienced an unexpected outage from 2:00-2:18PM today. It is back online.

Please review your projects if surveys were scheduled to send during this time.  Manage Survey Participants > Survey Invitation Log.  You can filter on “Invitations that failed to send” and resend as needed.

Survey data may not have been collected at this time and participants received a web-browser error message when attempting to click on a survey link.

If you have any concerns, please email edcsupport@partners.org

Posted on December 29, 2017
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Microsoft Windows Patch Tuesday

December 12, 2017 9:00 am

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? 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?

  • Not if you use a Partners standard Windows computer (those with the asset tag, yellow lock and Partners' screensaver). The updates are run for you and devices are usually patched the Friday following Patch Tuesday. Both Microsoft and Adobe products are typically updated at this time. This can change if there is a significant freeze in place. 
  • Yes, you need to run updates if you use a non-standard Windows, Macintosh or personally-owned device for Partners' business. ​It is your responsibility to keep your device and software up to date. 

See HOWTO: Run Windows Updates for additional instructions.

Posted on December 18, 2017
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Monthly Information Systems Maintenance (ISM)

December 18, 2017 12:00 am to 4:00 am

Applies To: All Users

Information Systems Maintenance (ISM) was conducted on Monday, December 18th from 12:00 am to 4:00 am.

During this time, planned system maintenance and testing was performed by IS Operations teams. This routine maintenance reduces the risk of unscheduled outages on our computer network and to the Internet.

Impact to systems and applications

  • VPN should be available during the ISM.
  • Sunquest will not be available for user within the labs for approximately 1:15 a.m. to 2:30 a.m.
    • During the Epic downtime, specimen labels will not print in patient care areas or from hand held Collection Manager devices
  • Partners eCare - unavailable from 1:00 am until 4:00 am
    • Impacts all PeC applications and related interfaces.
    • Impacts PeC dependent applications including Patient Gateway
  • HealthShare - unavailable from 1:15 am to 3:15 am
    • Impacts all data interfaces and web services to PeC Production
  • All Cache Classic applications, except web paging, will be down from 1:00 am to 3:00 am.
  • The Specific applications within Cache that will be down are listed below:
    • Partners-wide: LMR, Medication and Allergy Services, CAS, EMPI
    • BWH:  Historical Order and eMAR Viewer, other PeC dependencies
    • MGH: MGH OR Application, Historical Order and eMAR Viewer, other PeC dependencies
    • All Cache Classic and Ensemble data interfaces and web services will be unavailable from 1:00 am to 3:00 am.

Impact to sites

  • Services or resources hosted in the Partners HealthCare data centers may be unavailable during the ISM.
  • Your site's IS Management team will provide more detailed communication about planned outages at your facility and will coordinate with specific groups that may be impacted.

Need help during the downtime? 

View the Broadcast Online. Please contact your IS Service Desk if you have any questions.

View the 2017 IS System Maintenance (ISM) Schedule in the IS Service Desk Knowledgebase (Partners login required).

Posted on December 15, 2017
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Shared Webhosting Upgraded on 12/17 9PM-10PM

December 17, 2017 9:00 pm to 10:00 pm

ERIS Shared Webhosting was upgraded on 12/17 9PM-10PM

 

Sunday 12/17 at 9PM to 10PM our shared webhosting admin site (Plesk) has been upgraded from version 12.5 to version 17.5. During the upgrade your website was not accessible. Some new features of this new version are listed below:

 

  • Support for PHP7
  • Support for Ruby and Node.js frameworks and developed apps
  • Git Support - To make deploying your website even easier
    • Easily deploy your website content by either pushing it to a local Git repository or by pulling from a remote one.
    • Create multiple branches in a single repository – useful for separating staging and production code.
    • Deploy manually for complete control or enable automatic deployment to save time.
    Posted on December 12, 2017
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    MySQL3 Server Updated on 12/17/17 at 10a.m. EST

    December 17, 2017 10:05 am to 10:20 am

    Applies to
    All databases and systems connecting to the MySQL hosted database system, mysql3.research.partners.org

    The myql3.research.partners.org server was updated on Sunday, December 17, 2017 to apply security patches and scans. The work was conducted from 10-10:20a.m. EST.

    Impact
    All databases will be offline during this maintenance window. Systems managed by ERIS were reconnected when the work concluded.

    Action required
    If you are the owner of a database on mysql3.research.partners.org, we strongly encourage you to check and reconnect our systems. 

    Please contact rcc@partners.org if you have any questions or concerns.

    Posted on December 12, 2017
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    rc.partners.org Website Downtime

    December 2, 2017 10:15 am to 10:45 pm

    This Research IS & Computing website, https://rc.partners.org, was offline during the MySQL3 Server Patching Maintenance Window.

    The site was safely restored as soon as the work is complete.

    Posted on December 1, 2017
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    MySQL3 Server Update Completed on 12/2/17

    December 2, 2017 10:15 am to 10:45 pm

    Applies to
    All databases and systems connecting to the MySQL hosted database system, mysql3.research.partners.org

    The myql3.research.partners.org server was updated on Saturday, December 2, 2017 to apply security patches and scans. Downtime was about 25 minutes between 10:15-10:45a.m. 

    Action required
    If you are the owner of a database on mysql3.research.partners.org, we strongly encourage you check and reconnect your system if needed.

    Please contact rcc@partners.org if you have any questions or concerns.

    Do you wish to receive alerts about this service? You can subscribe to receive email notifications for the ERIS-hosted MySQL platform. For a full listing of services with subscription lists for alerts, visit the ERIS SLA page.

    Posted on November 22, 2017
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    Freezerworks Service Alert: Upgrade to 2017

    November 22, 2017 3:00 pm to November 28, 2017 3:00 pm

    Partners Healthcare Freezerworks: Scheduled Downtime

    A major upgrade to Freezerworks (from version 5.2 to version 9.0) completed November 22nd at 3 pm - November 28th at 3pm. 

    • Freezerworks 2017 is now accessible on Partners PC via the Partners Menu,and users will be able to access the system via their Partners login name and password. Initial install will take  5-10 minutes on a standard PC.
    • Your Freezerworks account will now be associated with a designated role (PI, Lab Administrator, or User).
    • User manual & release notes information:
      • The updated user manual can be accessed: click here
      • The complete release notes can be accessed: click here
    • For those groups who have used the demo version of Freezerworks 2017, please uninstall that version with the following instructions:
      • Navigate to ‘my computer’, double click C: drive, and select ‘freezerworks 2017 client 9.0.00’
      • Uninstall the demo version by double clicking ‘unins000’ and proceed with the uninstall instructions

    **Training Sessions: the first one is scheduled for December 6th from 1:00 – 2:30 pm and will be recorded and distributed. We will plan additional training sessions and office hours to offer assistance any potential issues or guidance in using new features.  

    For those groups who use reports, we strongly recommend users select ‘Verify your upgrade reports’ for information that you may have to edit for reports in the upgraded version of Freezerworks.

    If you have any concerns about Freezerworks being offline at this time, please email rcc@partners.org

    ----------

    Additionally, we will schedule Freezerworks user sessions which will be announced soon to demonstrate new features. (To watch a short 6-minute demo on these new features, please click here)

    Posted on November 21, 2017
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    REDCap Scheduled Downtime

    November 15, 2017 12:51 pm

    REDCap (https://redcap.partners.org/redcap) upgrades to v7.4.19, scheduled for Friday November 17th at 6:30 AM EDT are complete. REDCap was offline from 6:30-6:46 AM EDT.

    This minor upgrade addresses a number of bugs introduced in the upgrade to version 7.4.16. 

    Full release notes found here.

    If you have any concerns about REDCap being offline at this time, please email edcsupport@partners.org

    REDCap Report FY17!: See how far REDCap has come at Partners HealthCare since 2009 and where we stand today. Please click here to view the report.

    REDCap Fall 2017 User Sessions at MGH:

    REDCap API: Wednesday, 11/29 9:30-11am
    REDCap Getting Started: Thursday, 11/30 9:30-11am
    REDCap User: New Release / Features: Wednesday, 12/6 9:30-11am
    REDCap eConsent: Thursday, 12/7 9:30-11am

    Please click here to register.

    BWH sessions to be announced soon. 

    Posted on November 15, 2017
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    RISC Website Maintenance | rc.partners.org

    November 6, 2017 7:05 pm to 7:20 pm

    Research IS & Computing website maintenance was scheduled for Monday, November 6, 2017 starting at 7p.m. The site was offline for approximately fifteen minutes for security updates, bug fixes and feature enhancements. 

    Posted on November 6, 2017
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    REDCap: Scheduled Downtime

    November 1, 2017 2:15 pm

    REDCap (https://redcap.partners.org/redcap) upgrades to v7.4.16 are scheduled for Tuesday November 7th at 6:30 AM EDT. Expected downtime is 45 minutes. 

    This minor upgrade addresses a number of bugs introduced in the upgrade to version 7.4.11. 

    Full release notes found here

    If you have any concerns about REDCap being offline at this time, please email edcsupport@partners.org

    REDCap Report FY17!: See how far REDCap has come at Partners HealthCare since 2009 and where we stand today. Please click here to review the report. 

    REDCap Fall 2017 User Sessions at MGH:

    REDCap API: Wednesday, 11/29 9:30-11am
    REDCap Getting Started: Thursday, 11/30 9:30-11am
    REDCap User: New Release / Features: Wednesday, 12/6 9:30-11am
    REDCap eConsent: Thursday, 12/7 9:30-11am

    Please click here to register.

    BWH sessions to be announced soon. 

    Posted on November 1, 2017
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    Update: No Email Changes for Apple’s Native Mail client

    September 20, 2017 12:00 pm

    Thank you for working with us during this very busy time to ensure a more secure and productive environment for everyone. In previous broadcasts, Partners IS announced changes impacting access to email when off of the Partners Network that would go into effect on October 31, 2017. These changes are no longer scheduled for this date. In the future, all access to Partners email will require that you confirm your identity with Secure Login (or 2-factor authentication, 2-FA) if you’re not logged in to the Partners network. Partners IS and Information Security are continuing development of a solution that will allow Secure Login when utilizing Apple’s native Mail client in addition to the Microsoft Outlook 2016 client. Please visit the Knowledge Base for more information regarding email client options, recommendations and instructions. This chart also describes what to do when your account is moved to Exchange Online based on the type of email client you are using.

     

    Posted on October 30, 2017

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