Information for RFQs and developers
Data/IT project from a SIPRI IT perspective: 3 phases
Information for RFQs and developers
We can host most applications in-house. This includes:
| Platforms | Databases | Programming languages |
|---|---|---|
| Proxmox VE | MySQL | Java |
| Linux | Postgres | Python |
| BSD | Elasticsearch | PHP |
| Docker | mongodb | Ruby |
| Kubernetes | Maria DB |
Source code management
#git (self-hosted)
Packaged software
#WordPress sites: can be set up in minutes
Advantages of SIPRI hosting
#Regular updates
#All projects are protected behind our firewall
#We host our own git server for source code management
#Projects hosted at SIPRI are backed up on a regular basis
#Projects hosted at SIPRI are monitored 24/7
#Projects can be “hidden” behind our firewall, and only accessible via VPN
#Logs from our servers are shipped to a separate server for analysis and troubleshooting
Applications currently hosted at SIPRI – some examples
- Public databases: milex.sipri.org; arms transfers
- Internal databases: conflict.sipri.org; arms production
- Websites: www.sipri.org (Drupal); att.assistance.org (Drupal); stockholmhub.org (WordPress)
- Integrated website resources: See https://www.sipri.org/databases under section Other resources
- Microsites: environmentofpeace.org (developed externally, moved to Sipri – static site)
- Library system: catalogue.sipri.org (Koha)
- Mailings/Email marketing: list.sipri.org (PHP-list)
- Analytics: stats.sipri.org (Matomo)
The 3 phases of a Data/IT project from a SIPRI IT perspective
Planning phase
Locally or externally hosted
-Will the finished resource be owned and managed by SIPRI? Choose local hosting.
-Will the resource be owned and managed also by actors outside of SIPRI? Consider external hosting.
Before deciding to go with an externally hosted solution, please consider what the plan is for the resource once the project and funding ends. If you need it to remain live and updated, you will either need to find additional funding – or if possible, have the resource moved to Sipri servers. We will always do our best to assist with such a move, but depending on the chosen external host and application type, the end result may be just a static site – it will look ok, but with no or limited editing options.
What types of costs are involved
Resource development: development of application by external developers (we host and maintain only)
-Project management: internal staff costs for your team members
-IT staff if applicable (Pls always check with us before including IT hours in an application)
-Domain name: if you need a standalone domain name (like stockholmhub.org). Local subdomains (like forum.sipri.org) can be set up at no cost by us.
-External hosting & licenses: External hosting usually implies a cost for hosting, and sometimes also a license for using the software or for Pro level plug-ins.
-Hardware capacity: Our ability to host sites and projects in the existing infrastructure is generally good. However, if the end product is a site/system which requires significant server capacity, we may need to invest in further hardware (servers/disks). If so, this likely needs to be covered by project funds. Please make sure to check available server capacity with us at an early stage during application preparation.
What do external developers cost?
There are many companies available for database and website development. Costs tend to range from expensive to very expensive, but prices do vary considerably so it is worthwhile to ask several companies to provide quotes. And those with the highest hourly rate are not necessarily the best – look for the partner that best fits your specific needs for this specific project.
The more detailed your RFQ is, the easier it is for potential developers to provide a reasonably adequate quote. However, most IT projects end up costing more than the original quote – for a big project it is advisable to build in between 15-25% contingency in the budget. Without a contingency you may risk a situation where the project cannot be finished.
Please be aware that due to high demand most developers are very busy and often booked for months ahead, so make sure to contact them well in advance.
Development phase
SIPRI IT resources are focused on hosting and maintaining systems. We generally do not do resource development.
We will however try to support the project team and external developers with technical advice where so needed throughout the project period. We will also work actively with external developers to install, move, or otherwise implement the chosen application on our servers, and where so needed provide secure access to local infrastructure.
If you require a stand alone domain for the locally hosted resource, SIPRI IT will help with the purchase and setup of the domain.
Please let us know well in advance if and when assistance needed (minimum one week). We are happy to help where possible but we have much to do and limited hours, so it may not always be possible to fix things on short notice.
Maintenance phase
Local resources
We have a strict regime when it comes to keeping our server environment updated and secure. All locally hosted resources will be maintained to comply with current infrastructure security levels. This includes necessary system updates and critical security patches, but no development.
External resources
SIPRI IT do not maintain or update externally hosted resources.
Final remarks
1. If you have questions or want to discuss a project idea – send an email to support@sipri.org, or come by the IT office.
2. If you want the information for RFQ and developers as a doc, please let us know and we will send it to you.