Cloud Computing

Research Computing's Cloud Storage Solutions provides secure, scalable, and accessible storage for research data at the University of Louisville. These services enable researchers to store, manage, and share large datasets in the cloud, supporting advanced computational workflows, collaboration, and compliance with data protection requirements.

Overview of Service

Cloud storage solutions are managed by the Research Computing team and ITS, offering integration with high-performance computing (HPC) resources and support for regulated and collaborative research. The service is designed to meet the needs of projects requiring flexible, on-demand storage capacity and remote accessibility.

Key Features:

  • Secure, scalable cloud storage for research data
  • Integration with HPC and HTC systems for seamless data movement
  • Support for large-scale, high-throughput data workflows
  • Access controls and permission management for collaborative projects
  • Data transfer tools for efficient upload, download, and sharing
  • Compliance support for regulated and sensitive data

Benefits:

  • Enables research teams to store and access data from anywhere
  • Facilitates collaboration with internal and external partners
  • Reduces reliance on local infrastructure and storage limitations
  • Supports data management plans for grant compliance
  • Enhances data security and backup options

Intended Audience:
Faculty, researchers, students, and research groups requiring cloud-based storage for computational research, data analysis, or collaborative projects.

Service Details

  • Core Activities:

    • Provisioning and management of cloud storage accounts
    • Assistance with data migration to and from cloud platforms
    • Configuration of access controls and sharing permissions
    • Integration with research computing and storage systems (e.g., CARDS, Lustre)
    • Support for data management planning and compliance documentation

  • Performance Metrics:

    • Storage provisioning turnaround time
    • Data transfer speeds and reliability
    • User satisfaction and adoption rates
    • Compliance with data security and retention policies

  • Collaboration:
    Managed by the Research Computing team in partnership with ITS, departmental IT, and external collaborators as needed.

Boundaries and Constraints

  • Cloud storage is intended for university-affiliated research projects only.
  • Storage allocations are subject to approval and available resources.
  • Sensitive and regulated data must comply with university and funding agency policies.
  • Users are responsible for managing access permissions and data lifecycle.

Eligibility

All University of Louisville faculty, staff, and students engaged in research are eligible for cloud storage solutions. Requests may be prioritized based on project scope and resource availability.