RDF-Active

The "Research Data Facility - Active" (or the RDF-Active) is a large-scale storage service for research data in active use. The RDF-Active is one of several storage facilities that replaces the previous Research Data Store service. You can access the RDF-Active as a Windows Network Share (SMB) from Windows, Linux, or macOS -- either on campus or remotely via the University's Remote Access service. Access is also available via Globus.

The RDF-Active runs on IBM's high-performance, scalable Storage Scale file system with Lenovo hardware and stores all data at two separate sites more than 30 km apart for resilience.

Can my data be stored on the RDF-Active? (data security)

As with the RDS, the RDF-Active is only suitable for storing data which is either public data or unrestricted data as per the glossary definitions of data classification at Imperial. You will find recommendations on where to store other data classifications on the wider Saving My Files page.

We strongly recommend you contact the data protection coordinator for your department or faculty if you have any concerns or questions relating to the classification of your data.

Storage Allocations

On the RDF-Active, storage is provisioned through storage allocations. Each allocation comes with a maximum storage quota, an access group code, and a research group to own that allocation. Research groups can have multiple storage allocations assigned to them at any given time.

You can organise your storage allocations to fit your workflow. Some groups prefer a single large allocation that hosts multiple projects, while others create separate allocations for each research project.

Whichever method you decide to use to organise your data, we strongly recommend you follow the best practices for managing your research data available online.

How to Apply for Access

How can I request a new RDF-Active Storage Allocation?

We are now accepting new storage allocation requests for the RDF-Active. While we wait for the new request forms to become live, please contact us for advice on how to request a new allocation.

What is the process to request migrating my RDS projects to RDF-Active?

We have a dedicated page to provide information and advice on migrating from the RDS to the RDF-Active.

How do I request access to an existing storage allocation?

Please contact the research group lead of the storage allocation, or its designated administrator, who can provide you access.

How to Access the RDF-Active

Please view our dedicated section on Accessing the RDF-Active.

Cost

The RDF-Active is charged on a per TB of quota basis, prepaid for a mininum term of 12 months; all data is stored with two copies (i.e. dual copy) in physically separate locations. Current rates may be found on the RCS Charging Structure page.