Table of Contents
Service description
Services provided by the LiRI Language Technology group (LT) can be subdivided into four categories:
Application development
The LiRI LT group has vast experience in building interactive web applications, which can be used to collect, edit, visualize or explore linguistic research data. As part of the development process, LT helps users better understand their requirements and collaborates with them in the construction of development roadmaps.
Costs
The effort required for developing an application heavily depends on the required features, e.g. if data is static or changing over time, whether data editing interfaces for handling user input need to be implemented or changes are applied automatically, and, obviously, the size and complexity of dataset(s) in question. For application development, required effort typically starts in the low three-digits, in terms of number of required development hours.
For small projects (with less than 100 effective working hours), we charge an additional 5% as overhead costs and 5% as infrastructure costs in case the project makes use of the LiRI infrastructure.
Data processing
Data processing includes the conversion, cleaning, filtering and automatic processing of linguistic data, such as the use of NLP tools and methods, individual machine learning/deep learning solutions, or purpose-built conversion/extraction pipelines.
For small projects (with less than 100 effective working hours), we charge an additional 5% as overhead costs and 5% as infrastructure costs in case the project makes use of the LiRI infrastructure.
For data archiving via SWISSUbase, LT offers services including extraction and conversion of relevant information to formats suitable for long-term storage.
Costs
Costs need to be estimated on a case-by-case basis. In terms of hours, the effort for individual data processing tasks ranges from the low two-digits to the low hundreds.
Consulting & training
The LiRI LT group offers consulting and training in all its areas of expertise. This includes both the processing, modeling, storage, retrieval and visualization of potentially very large amounts of linguistic data, as well as the development of web applications for working with such data. LT supports applicants with phrasing the technical parts of their proposals and preparing data management plans (DMPs). Because LT members have backgrounds in linguistics, computational linguistics, computer science and software engineering, LT is able to offer a holistic view of problems that lie at the border of scientific and operational domains.
Costs
Costs for consulting are determined by the number of hours of work performed. However, the first consultancy is not charged, so long as its intention is to assess the suitability of LiRI services for future use. For trainings, both the actual event and preparation required for it are taken into account. Individual quotes can be provided on request.
IT services
IT services comprise management of services offered by UZH's Central IT, as well as services set up and maintained by LT. Standard services are offered as packages with a fixed price, while more advanced solutions are handled on an case-by-case basis.
Storage
Central IT provides file storage via the SMB protocol, which can be mounted on common operating systems. Use of this service requires a UZH user account and a connection to the UZH network (including VPN). Multiple users can be given fine-grained access to a single storage space.
For access from outside of the UZH network, LT has set up a storage solution that can be accessed via the SFTP protocol. Multiple users can access this storage by means of public keys, but because they identify as the same server-side user, access cannot be restricted for authenticated users. In contrast to the SMB solution, the SFTP storage also allows automated access (e.g. for automated file upload).
Costs
In addition to the generated storage costs and Central IT's storage fees for single user storages (both SMB and SFTP), LT charges 1h/year. A storage solution for multiple users (currenly only SMB) is charged with 3h/year, plus storage fees. Included are the setup and changes to user access configuration.
Additional work done by LT in relation to storage services, such as restoring data from backup or migrating data to a storage system, is charged at the rate of LiRI's standard user fee on an hourly basis.
Hosting
LT offers publicly accessible web space for its users, as well as public or restricted access to software running on its infrastructure. This includes either standard web applications provided by LT, or individually handled requests. In all such cases, an individual subdomain in the form ALIAS.linguistik.uzh.ch is created. A secure connection is guaranteed by means of a TLS certificate.
As for standard web applications, LT currently provides Dokuwiki instances, which can be used for publicly accessible project documentation, manuals, etc., but also with the possibility of limiting access to a defined set of users. The main configuration for this service is handled by LT. A selection of Dokuwiki plugins and themes is also made available.
Costs
Web space limited to 1 GB is charged at the rate of 2h/year, including access via SFTP. For space requirements larger than 1 GB, the standard storage fee applies.
LT charges 4h/year for a standard Dokuwiki instance, with size per instance limited to 1 GB. For space requirements larger than 1 GB, the standard storage fee applies. Individually configured instances can be set up by agreement.
For other software, costs need to be estimated on a case-by-case basis.
Managed servers
LT sets up and maintains virtual machines on S3IT's ScienceCloud. If required, data can be backed up on a daily basis. These virtual machines are only accessible from within the UZH network (including VPN).
Costs
Costs for virtual machines on ScienceCloud are estimated on an individual basis. A minimal setup typically amounts to approximately 10h/year.
Rates
Current rates are defined by the LiRI user fee regulations and the costs indicated by Central IT. LiRI currently charges between CHF 75 and CHF 121 per hour. Central IT currently charges CHF 80 per TB and year.