The college provides several ways for Swarthmore researchers to store and back up their data. 

Research Data Storage and Backup Systems

CrashPlan (Workstation only backup)

CrashPlan is Swarthmore's main primary computer backup system.  It It is the easiest solution for backing up a computer automatically. If all of your research material easily fits on one or two computersa laptop or desktop computer, then this is the best way we can help you keep it safe. The backup software can be installed on multiple office computers and is not designed for lab or research machines. More information is available on ITS's Crashplan the Computer Backup help page. 

Google Drive

Swarthmore's Google Drive storage is unlimited and can be easily accessed from anywhere and shared with colleagues.  Research Research groups are usually best served with an AODocs folder in Google Drive that will manage permissions.  To get an AODocs folder set up for your lab, visit the AODocs Folders within Google Drive page.

CIFS Share

For groups that need a simple way to share files internally, a Google Shared Drive because any files added a Shared Drive are owned by the group instead of the individual user which prevents files from being deleted when users leave the college. To set up a Google Shared Drive for your group, fill out a request form.  

CIFS Share

ITS can set up a Common Internet File System (CIFS) share for groups that need a simple way to share files internally.   The CIFS share can be accessed like a network drive, but data is stored securely off campus.  

iRODS

For research groups with a large, complex data sets or workflows, iRODS is a good solution.  iRODS provides a large amount of data storage and the ability to add metadata to files for easier discovery.  There are more sophisticated features available such as adding automated workflows to process raw data.  

Storage and Backup Comparison

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Please contact your Academic Technologist for more detailed information on how best to secure your data.