Store and Share Data

CSC provides multiple options for storing data while you work on it as well as later in the data lifecycle. There are many factors to consider when choosing a suitable storage solution for your needs.

If you are dealing with sensitive data, explore your options on the sensitive data page.

Storing data during a research project

Allas object storage

A high-capacity storage service for utilising data in computing environments. In Allas, data is stored as static objects. Allas can be used with S3 or Swift API compatible tools. Automatic data backups are not provided.

More about Allas »

Fairdata IDA

An easy-to-use service which provides safe storage for research data published with the other Fairdata services, Qvain and Etsin. IDA also enables you to share data within the project group and outside it with temporary links.

More about Fairdata IDA »

EUDAT B2DROP

EUDAT B2DROP offers individual cloud storage space. It can be used for sharing files with team members and collaborators. You can add a B2DROP folder on your desktop.

More about EUDAT Services for Finnish users »
More about EUDAT B2DROP »

Storing data while computing

Storage environment on CSC supercomputers

Only active research data should be stored in the storage environment areas of Puhti and Mahti supercomputers.

Data that is not used on a weekly basis can be stored in Allas.

More about the storage environment on our supercomputers »

Storage in cloud environments

The cloud environments of Pouta services provide storage space that can be linked to the virtual machines running there. This allows you to build your own data servers and analysis environments, which can be made accessible online.

More about storage in cloud environments »

Kaivos - a relational database service

Kaivos service is available for CSC users within their computing projects. Databases are accessed through our computing environment.

We provide databases separately, therefore contact our service desk for more information.

More about Kaivos »

If you you wish to compare the options above, see the storage comparison table in CSC Docs.

Storing data after a research project

In order to store and reuse data after a research project, it must be well-documented and placed in a repository that enables reuse. We recommend opening research data in a discipline-specific repository or in a general-use service, such as Fairdata or EUDAT B2SHARE. If you can't give access to the data itself, you can often make the metadata of the dataset open.

Only properly described datasets can be stored with CSC after a research project. There may be more conditions for storing data. For example, Fairdata IDA requires you to describe the stored data and to keep the associated CSC project active, even after you publish the data.

Read more about opening and publishing research data »

Preserving data

Datasets that have long-term value for organisations or on the national level can be preserved digitally. Digital preservation offers reliable preservation of digital information for several decades or even centuries.

Read more about digital preservation »