Data storage

Choosing a storage solution

When choosing a platform, it is advisable to consider the project’s needs in terms of:

  • what operative systems are compatible with the platform
  • what security classification in the form of CIA-value (Confidentiality, Integrity and Availability) the service has
  • if the platform supports version management of files/documents
  • the need for computing power and access to software on the storage space itself
  • who can have access to data and how authentication of users is done
  • if there is the possibility of editing via browser

Uppsala University offers itself and through the national NAISS consortium a number of services for active data. All services listed below:

  • have a long-term management
  • have solutions for backup/backup
  • can be used against a fee that is governed by security level, availability and backup frequency. Some resources are however free of charge
  • have solution for sharing content with researchers outside UU, using different solutions.

Services for analysing and processing data are offered by certain services listed below. That type of resources is also provided in many cases by national and international research infrastructures.

Services run or administered by Uppsala University

  • Personal folder
    Storage space with 100 Gb of storage space for all employees at Uppsala University. The home directory is not a collaboration space, although data can be shared with others via the myfiles/Filr service. CIA-value 233 with no encryption and 333 with encrypting. Can be used with Windows, Mac OS and Linux

  • Central Data storage (Argos)
    Storage for ongoing projects, with selectable levels of service and security. Cost is depending on the chosen level. All full-time university employees have the possibility to order group catalogues after approval by the head of department or equivalent manager.

  • Dataportal Allvis
    A platform for storing and sharing data and project documentation during the active project phase. The technical solution is based on Microsoft SharePoint and is suitable for documents and smaller datasets. Up to 200 Gb of storage space can be used free of charge. The maximum size of a single file that can be uploaded is 10 GB. Version management is available. Allvis meets the CIA-value 222 without encryption and 332 with encrypting. Can be used with Windows, Mac OS and Linux.

  • Vesta
    A platform for secure storage, processing and analysis of sensitive data. Offers a virtual Windows environment with a number of pre-installed software where data can be processed and analyzed without leaving the secure storage space. Logging into the system is done with multi-factor authentication. The service meets CIA value 332.

  • Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN)
    A digital lab/logbook and a platform for documenting research planning, research data and results. The system is web-based and is primarily intended to store/share/co-operate and archive lab notes. The system is not adapted to store large amounts of raw data and the file size is limited to 50 MB. The system is integrated with Microsoft Office as well as drawing software for chemical structures.

  • UPPMAX
    Uppsala Multidisciplinary Center for Advanced Computational Science at the Department of Information Technology is a facility at Uppsala University. The operations and services range from large-scale data storage and high-performance computing to audio file transcription and a range of other IT services. Sensitive data and otherwise confidential information can be handled with high security. UPPMAX also contributes resources for teaching within Uppsala University. Please contact UPPMAX support for any questions.

Other resources for storing and managing research data

  • EU Node - European Open Science Cloud (EOSC)
    EU Node is a central part of EOSC and offers computing, container, storage, and file transfer/synchronization services. EOSC is an initiative from the EU Commission and aims to develop a European digital infrastructure with services for managing research data. Do not use EOSC services for sensitive information.

  • NAISS - National infrastructure for supercomputing in Sweden
    A national research infrastructure providing resources for large-scale computation (HPC), storage for active data, and user support for academic research in Sweden.

  • SciLifeLab FAIR storage
    Storage and sharing solution for research data in the life sciences, funded by the national program DDLS (Data driven life science). The service is available after application procedure.

  • Sunet Box
    A procured service for storing, sharing and collaborating with others in the university sector in Sweden, as well as with other external users. Documents can be edited in the web interface, but calculations cannot be done on the storage space. Box does not support version management. Should not be used for sensitive data. Compatible with Windows and MAC OS. Supplier of Box is Box.com (UK).

Commercial services

There are a variety of commercial services in the open market that offer storage and other functionality, often with an attractive price level. However, using the services of an external provider for storage and computing capacity imposes special requirements if the university does not have an agreement with that operator, in particular with regard to personal data and other information worthy of protection. Cloud services are often provided by international companies that are subject to the laws of other countries, and information stored in the cloud can in practice be handled in many different countries. Please note that the same applies to software that is used locally on your own computer, but that stores data on servers outside the university.

See also: Procedures for secure Information management

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