Data Storage Platforms

To facilitate the construction of data management plans, we make a distinction between data in an ongoing research investigation and final data that has been processed and/or analyzed. Thus, we divide data storage services into two sections: Live Storage and Data Archival.

For both sections, we provide overviews and brief evaluations of various storage platforms and technologies.

Live Storage

Live storage is appropriate for data that is actively changing and accessed frequently. This typically requires a high performance file system with low wait times and high read-and-write speeds to support demanding research workflows. They are normally characterised by mid to high storage costs.

Data Archival

Research data that does not change or is not accessed often (< 1 time a month) should be archived for preservation to reduce storage costs and effectively manage live storage resources. Archival and long-term availability of research data is also a requirement of some journals and research grants.

There are solutions available that are designed for archival, with common characteristics including low storage costs, high retrieval times, and high retrieval costs.

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Summary of data archival solutions