Github

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Low
Active research
Backup
Archival & Open data sharing
Other McMaster researchers
Specific researchers external to McMaster
Public
Laptop/Desktop computer
Mobile device
Under 100 GB
Service Paragraphs
Description

Github is a  website offering storage and collaboration tools for software development, based on the version control system Git. It provides access control and several collaboration features such as bug tracking, feature requests, task management, continuous integration and wikis for every project. 

Security

Repositories can be made secure with user access limited to only approved users.

Storage Available

5 GB per repository, more with Git Large File Storage

Cost

Free

File size limits

25 MB via web, 100 MB via command line

Backup details

Github runs on Git which tracks changes to all files in a project (repository). Repositories can be downloaded and backed up manually or using another storage system. 

Data hosting location

Data is stored in the USA. Code may be archived to other locations as part of special projects.

Sharing capabilities

Github is an excellent tool for collaboration. Multiple users can work together on the same project, with the Git version control software ensuring that all file versions changes are tracked.

Example use case

Github is a great option for writing and storing software code. Version control is a huge advantage when working on software independently and collaboratively.

Website

Github website: https://github.com/

Contact

Contact rdmgmt@mcmaster for help getting started on Github

How to get started

Anyone can make a free Github account online. 

Technical Complexity

Medium for the desktop app, High for the command line interface.

Access protocol

Web portal, command line, desktop app for Mac, Windows, and Linux as well as mobile apps for Android and iOS

Summary
Distributed version control system for software code

OSF

Submitted by pratti on
Facet Matches
Low
Active research
Archival & Open data sharing
Other McMaster researchers
Specific researchers external to McMaster
Non-specific individuals with a shared link
Public
Laptop/Desktop computer
Mobile device
Under 100 GB
100 GB to 1 TB
Service Paragraphs
Description

OSF is a free, open platform to support your research and enable collaboration.

Security

Transfer of data to OSF storage is encrypted with SSL. Data is not encrypted at rest. Medium and High risk data must be manually encrypted before being uploaded to OSF. Care should be taken to ensure Medium or High risk data is NOT uploaded to public projects. 

Storage Available

5 GB for private projects or components, 50 GB for public projects or components. Other storage services can be linked to increase storage.

Cost

OSF accounts are free to anyone.

File size limits

5 GB

Backup details

OSF Storage uses Google Cloud for both active and archival storage. File backups are hosted in regional coldline buckets, and there are twice daily backup jobs performed.

Data hosting location

Data is stored in Canada by default but user information, wiki content, comments, etc  are stored in the USA.

Sharing capabilities

OSF projects can be made public or private, and anyone can sign up for an OSF account. Collaborators can be added to projects with differeing levels of permissions set by the project owner.

Example use case

OSF is an amazing tool for open science. OSF is an excellent platform for research collaboration. Pages can be created for research labs,  allowing for the creation of lab wikis and documents, organizing all lab materials in one place. Project pages for individual research projects are great for collaboration, with version control and common file access. OSF also can be used to make a great academic profile for students, with pages for each research project or interest.

Website

OSF website

Contact

Contact rdmgmt@mcmaster.ca for help getting started on OSF

How to get started

Anyone can make an OSF account by going to https://osf.io/register McMaster does not currently have an institutional membership so institutional sign in is not available.

Technical Complexity

Medium

Access protocol

Web portal

Summary
Open platform for collaborative research

Compute Canada Nextcloud

Submitted by pratti on
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Low
Medium
Active research
Backup
Other McMaster researchers
Specific researchers external to McMaster
Laptop/Desktop computer
Mobile device
Under 100 GB
100 GB to 1 TB
Service Paragraphs
Description

The Digital Research Alliance of Canada is a national governmental organization supporting advanced research computing (services formerly provided by Compute Canada). They provide Compute Canada Nextcloud, an online file syncing and storage solution for all ARC users. The Nextcloud service is aimed at users with relatively small datasets.

Security

Medium risk data must be manually encrypted before being uploaded to Compute Canada Nextcloud.

Storage Available

100 GB by default

Cost

No cost for users

File size limits

n/a

Backup details

Daily backup without offsite copy.

Data hosting location

Simon Fraser University

Sharing capabilities

Users can share files with other users, create and send password-protected public links, and let others upload files to the private cloud. 

Example use case

Researchers working with small data sets that need complex computational data analysis running on Alliance ARC systems can use Nextcloud as a more user friendly storage system.

Website

Compute Canada Nextcloud

Alliance Advanced Research Computing website

Documentation

Contact

Mark Hahn hahn@sharcnet.ca is locally based or visit the Alliance contact page

How to get started

Nextcloud access is automatically provided to all Alliance ARC users, if you have a CCDB account you can login with it. If you do not have a CCDB account, faculty members at any Canadian University can make a CCDB account by following the instructions here. They can then sponsor research staff and graduate students accounts.

Technical Complexity

Low

Access protocol

Web portal, desktop syncing integration for Mac, Windows, and Linux as well as mobile apps for Android and iOS.

Summary
Digital Research Alliance of Canada online file hosting service

Advanced Research Computing

Submitted by pratti on
Facet Matches
Low
Active research
Backup
Other McMaster researchers
Specific researchers external to McMaster
Laptop/Desktop computer
Under 100 GB
100 GB to 1 TB
1 to 5 TB
Over 5 TB
Service Paragraphs
Description

The Digital Research Alliance of Canada is a national governmental organization supporting advanced research computing (services formerly provided by Compute Canada). The Alliance provides researchers access to high performance computing. They also provide large amounts of storage for researchers. 

Security

Data is transferred to the Alliance ARC systems using secure methods. The systems are not specifically set up for handling sensitive data, but support staff can give some guidance.

Storage Available

Each group starts with 1 TB of project space, access to more storage is available through research competitions. 20 TB of temporary working space ('scratch') is available but is deleted every 60 days. Full information on storage available can be found on the Alliance ARC Storage page

Cost

No cost for users.

File size limits

n/a

Backup details

Home and project space is nightly backups which are retained for 30 days, while deleted files are retained for a further 60 days

Data hosting location

Servers are all in Canada, where your data is stored will depend on which cluster you access.

Sharing capabilities

Once the faculty PI has made a CCDB account, they can sponsor research staff and graduate student accounts. Accounts are not limited to McMaster affiliated individuals. Files and folders can be shared with non-group members using filesystem permissions in the  system, and with non-users with the Globus file transfer system.

Example use case

Any research needing computer processing power beyond that of a desktop computer can benefit from Alliance ARC resources. 

Website

Alliance Advanced Research Computing website

Contact

Mark Hahn hahn@sharcnet.ca is locally based or visit the Alliance contact page

How to get started

Faculty members at any Canadian University can make a CCDB account by following the instructions here. They can then sponsor research staff and graduate students to make accounts.

Technical Complexity

High

Access protocol

Globus is the preferred tool for transferring data to and between Alliance ARC systems. File storage can also be accessed via SFTP, SCP, or other network protocols.

Summary
Digital Research Alliance of Canada systems, storage and software

McMaster Dataverse

Submitted by pratti on
Facet Matches
Low
Archival & Open data sharing
Other McMaster researchers
Specific researchers external to McMaster
Non-specific individuals with a shared link
Public
Laptop/Desktop computer
Mobile device
Under 100 GB
100 GB to 1 TB
Service Paragraphs
Description

McMaster Dataverse a collection within Borealis, the Canadian Dataverse Repository. McMaster Dataverse is our Institutional Data Repository, a place for researchers to share and archive their research data. Dataverse is an open source repository software developed at Harvard which provides secure access controls, licensing, version management, data citation, DOI minting, and more.

Security

Dataverse should not be used to store medium or high risk data. In some instances, data being placed on Dataverse should be kept locked with only metadata available. Other researchers who wish to re-use that data could then sign a data sharing agreement before obtaining access.

Storage Available

Contact us if you are depositing over 10 GB.

Cost

No cost for users.

File size limits

2.5 GB

Backup details

Borealis makes backup copies of the data you upload regularly in the event of a server or system malfunction, malicious attack, or other technical issue. All datasets receive monthly integrity checks in combination with safe storage to protect against data loss and corruption, as outlined in the Borealis Preservation Plan.

 

Data hosting location

Data is stored in the Ontario Library Research Cloud (OLRC). The OLRC is a community cloud storage network comprised of five storage nodes located at the University of Toronto, the University of Guelph, the University of Ottawa, York University, and Queen’s University.

Sharing capabilities

Any data uploaded to McMaster Dataverse by default is open but datasets or individual files can be restricted and made available to only authorized users through an approval process you control.

Example use case

Dataverse is a great place for depositing data for sharing, re-use, or preservation once a research project is complete. Many journals and funders now require sharing of data.

Website

Dataverse website

Contact

rdm@mcmaster.ca

How to get started

Researchers can login to Dataverse using their MacID and password. They can then upload a dataset which goes through a curation review process by McMaster RDM staff.

Technical Complexity

Medium

Access protocol

Web portal

Summary
Store, share, publish and discover research data

Secure Empirical Analysis Lab (SEAL)

Submitted by pratti on
Facet Matches
Low
Medium
High
Active research
Backup
Other McMaster researchers
Specific researchers external to McMaster
Laptop/Desktop computer
Under 100 GB
100 GB to 1 TB
1 to 5 TB
Over 5 TB
Service Paragraphs
Description

SEAL is a secure data lab that provides a safe environment for hosting confidential data. Data is hosted at the SEAL computer laboratory in the Wilson building and available in person or through secure remote access. The Laboratory has several levels of security, allowing for the storage and protection of sensitive data.  The lab provides statistical and data analysis software. 

Security

Encrypted remote access, and secure local access in Wilson Hall.

Storage Available

Unlimited

Cost

1200$/year +. McMaster Faculty of Social Sciences offers some fee assistance for researchers.

File size limits

n/a

Backup details

Data is backed up on a revolving basis to local drives.  SEAL has encrypted off-site backup.

Data hosting location

L. R. Wilson building

Sharing capabilities

All users need to be approved for access. External researchers can gain access.

Example use case

Researchers working with highly sensitive or restricted data (eg. personal health or financial data) should consider SEAL for data security reasons

Website

SEAL website: https://seal.mcmaster.ca/

Contact

Lars Nielsen

seal@mcmaster.ca

How to get started

Researchers or research groups can get a quote by contacting Lars Nielsen, the SEAL lab manager.

Technical Complexity

High

Access protocol

Secure local access in the SEAL computer lab or encrypted remote access using MobiKey

Summary
Secure data lab that provides a safe environment for hosting confidential data.

RHPCS Backup

Submitted by pratti on
Facet Matches
Low
Medium
High
Backup
Laptop/Desktop computer
1 to 5 TB
Over 5 TB
Service Paragraphs
Description

RHPCS’ mandate is to support advanced and high-performance computing installations as a central part of the university infrastructure. RHPCS can build implement a backup solution for your locally stored data. 

Security

Data is securely stored.

Storage Available

1 TB +

Cost

500$/year, set-up fee 125$, extra storage 40$/TB/year

File size limits

n/a

Backup details

Nightly, 14-day rotating cycle; Restore services through RHPCS.

Data hosting location

A.B. Bourns building

Sharing capabilities

n/a

Example use case

Medium or high risk data that should be kept on McMaster premises can be automatically backed up using this RHPCS service.

Website

RHPCS Website

Contact

rhpcs@mcmaster.ca

How to get started

RHPCS will work with you to make sure your needs are met. Send an email to rhpcs@mcmaster.ca to start.

Technical Complexity

Low

Access protocol

Desktop based software.

Summary
Automated backup of your research computers

RHPCS Server

Submitted by pratti on
Facet Matches
Low
Medium
High
Active research
Backup
Other McMaster researchers
Specific researchers external to McMaster
Laptop/Desktop computer
1 to 5 TB
Over 5 TB
Service Paragraphs
Description

RHPCS’ mandate is to support advanced and high-performance computing installations as a central part of the university infrastructure. RHPCS can build a custom file server for your research group or department. File servers provide reliable, secure access to data.

Security

Servers can be configured to provide secure access only.

Storage Available

1 TB + 

Cost

500$/year, set-up fee 500$, extra storage 80$/TB/year

File size limits

n/a

Backup details

Nightly, 14-day rotating cycle; Restore services through RHPCS.

Data hosting location

A.B. Bourns building 

Sharing capabilities

File server access is based on user accounts. File servers can be set up with accounts with different permissions for all required users.

Example use case

RHPCS servers are a good option for research groups needing large ammounts of data storage for data that is actively being used. 

Website

RHPCS

Contact

rhpcs@mcmaster.ca

How to get started

RHPCS will work with you to make sure your needs are met. Send an email to rhpcs@mcmaster.ca to start.

Technical Complexity

Low-High

Access protocol

SMB, NFS, AFP, SFTP, or other network file access protocols.

Summary
Build a research computing and storage cluster for your research group

OneDrive (institutional)

Submitted by pratti on
Facet Matches
Low
Active research
Backup
Other McMaster researchers
Specific researchers external to McMaster
Non-specific individuals with a shared link
Public
Laptop/Desktop computer
Mobile device
Under 100 GB
100 GB to 1 TB
1 to 5 TB
Service Paragraphs
Description

McMaster OneDrive is a file hosting service and synchronization service operated by Microsoft as part of its Office suite of software.

Security

OneDrive data is encrypted while in transit and at rest on OneDrive servers. Medium and High risk data must be manually encrypted before being uploaded to OneDrive.

Storage Available

1 TB, up to 5 TB by request

Cost

Free for all McMaster faculty, staff and students

File size limits

250 GB

Backup details

Ongoing real-time sync.
Unlimited version history.

Data hosting location

OneDrive and Teams data is stored in Canadian servers.

Sharing capabilities

Files and folders can be shared with other oneDrive users or groups, with differing levels of permissions. Files and folders can also be shared externally with links. Microsoft Office documents can be worked on collaboratively.

Example use case

OneDrive is a great place for storing low risk tabular data. Excel files can be worked on collaboratively.

Website

McMaster OneDrive: https://office365.mcmaster.ca/office-365-3/applications/ms-onedrive/

Contact

OneDrive is administered by UTS

How to get started

McMaster users can login to office365.mcmaster.ca or office.ca with their MacID and password to access OneDrive online or download the desktop app.

Technical Complexity

Low

Access protocol

Web portal, desktop syncing integration for Mac, Windows, and Linux as well as mobile apps for Android and iOS.

Summary
Save all your work and files to OneDrive and get them from any device, anywhere
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