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)
Code42 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 a 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 , lab, and research computers. computers and is not designed for lab or research machines. More information is available on the 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 a 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, 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
| Product | Optimal Use Case | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| CrashPlan | All your data fits on your office or lab computer. Note: only user folders are backed up unless specified by contacting ITS. | ||
| Google Drive / AODocsAll your your data doesn't fit on your computer or you want to archive rarely used data and remove it from your computer | Your data needs to be shared with collaborators. | ||
| CIFS Share | All your your data doesn't fit on your computer, or you want to archive rarely used data and remove it from your computer. You have large >1TB storage needs. | iRODS | Large data sets or complex storage needs. |
Please get in touch with contact your Academic Technologist for more detailed information on how best to secure your data.