Key benefits of Research Data Storage
Research Data Storage (RDS) is a service provided by the Office of Information Technology (OIT), offering research labs and university centers reliable data storage, with 34 PB of usable space designed for both short- and long-term needs. Optimized for cost-effectiveness, it ensures reliable access to university research data. RDS is a collaborative effort managed and maintained by OIT’s Office of Advanced Research Computing (OARC) and Enterprise Infrastructure.
Capacity and scalability
An on-premise solution that scales to handle large research datasets beyond conventional storage capacities.
Uninterrupted availability and protection
A three-site object storage system and two-site redundant storage configuration provide high data resilience and availability.
User-friendly access and management
Storage efficiency is optimized via standard protocol access, an active-active configuration, and end-user self-management.
Data Storage Finder
Use this tool to help identify the most suitable data storage for your needs. The available services can be assessed based on storage capacity, capability to handle sensitive data, computational resources, and cost considerations. (Users must be connected to the Rutgers network or VPN to access).
Research Data Storage FAQ
Who should use the Research Data Storage platform?
RDS is intended for researchers who need a dependable, scalable storage solution for research data, including large datasets, but do not require high-performance or compute-intensive access. The platform, jointly managed by the Office of Advanced Research Computing (OARC) and OIT Enterprise Infrastructure, currently provides 34PB of usable storage capacity, with room to expand as demand grows.
Researchers who require real-time data processing or frequent data manipulation may find that Amarel, OARC’s high-performance research computing cluster, better meets their research needs. Those working with sensitive or restricted datasets, such as health-related, financial, or educational and administrative information, should consider other approved storage options.
What are the advantages of utilizing the Research Data Storage platform?
RDS provides reliable, highly available, high-capacity storage for research data of any size. It offers a simple and consistent way for researchers to store, access, and share their data, ensuring that research data remains secure and accessible over time.
What are key terms of the purchasing agreement?
Purchase agreement terms of use
• To ensure responsible data management, retention, and eventual removal, all allocations will be managed by a Principal Data Share Holder, and all shares will require agreement of oversight by a Dean, Director, or Department Head in the case of data left behind when a Share Holder departs the university.
• Collaborative or departmental shares are also available when desired—the designated Principal Share Holder will assign individual user permissions in this case, and is responsible for compliance with all sponsored project and other data regulations.
• Costs and utilization will be reassessed by OIT annually and adjusted if necessary.
• Details of the purchase agreement will be provided in a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which outlines the roles, responsibilities, and mutual expectations between the Office of Information Technology (OIT) and the Principal Data Share Holder.
What is the pricing structure?
RDS offers secure, scalable, and cost-effective storage for non-sensitive research data that exceeds the capacity of conventional storage solutions. Researchers receive 2TB of storage at no cost, with the option to purchase additional space in 1TB increments for $62 per TB per year.
Highlights of billing terms
• Data storage beyond 2TB can be requested in TB increments and will be charged annually at $62 per TB per year ($0.06/GB/year).
• Annual billing will take place in January and first year allocations will be prorated accordingly, depending upon when the initial share is requested.
• Billing is determined by the number of TBs requested for the year, not by actual usage.
• ShareHolders may purchase multiple years in advance if in compliance with the terms of their sponsored projects.
How do I request access to Research Data Storage?
To get started, fill out the Research Data Storage Access Request Form at go.rutgers.edu/research_storage. Once received, a team representative will be in touch to work with you.
Why would I use Research Data Storage instead of Box through Rutgers?
Box is a cloud storage, meant for general files, documents, pictures, etc. RDS is an onsite storage platform intended for research data. It can handle large files and many small files, etc. It’s not meant for office documents or high-performance computing (HPC) workloads.
In addition:
- Use RDS if want your data on-prem and use Box to store your data in the cloud.
- Use Box for protected health information (PHI). (PHI can be stored in Box provided it is stored in a restricted folder).
- Use RDS if you need to store more than 5TB.
To further compare the two platforms, select them on the Data Storage Finder matrix found at researchdatafinder.rutgers.edu and scroll down. (Users must be connected to the Rutgers network or VPN to access).
Questions?
For additional information on the RDS platform, please email research_storage@oarc.rutgers.edu.
Research Data Storage is provided under the strategic leadership of the Office of Information Technology (OIT) and is a partnership between OIT’s Enterprise Infrastructure (EI) and Enterprise Applications and Research Computing (EARC) divisions. EARC’s Office of Advanced Research Computing (OARC) manages RDS and provides all user support. If you have any questions about this service, please contact OARC.