Step 7 - Cloud backups

Image representing cloud data storage — Well-chosen storage solutions simplify version control and collaboration

Cloud storage provides a convenient way to store, back up and retrieve data. Well chosen storage solutions will simplify version control and collaboration with others. Cloud storage protects research data against computer failure, hard drive corruption and accidental deletion by making research data restoreable.

Choosing the right storage solution will be determined by a number of factors. Some things to consider include:

contractual requirements of funding bodies
legal requirements to retain or discard data
best practices in your field.

Major funders of Australian research, the Australian Research Council (ARC) and the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) require researchers to store and manage their data as part of their funding requirements. The options below have been developed to meet these requirements.

At Griffith, three types of data storage are available to researchers:

Research Drive

Research Drive is a good option for your day-to-day working files. It has unlimited storage capacity and can be shared with your Griffith collaborators (but not externally).

Research Space

This option has a ‘sync’ client that automatically copies your files from your computer to the cloud - similar to DropBox or Google Drive, but with more security. Research Space allows data sharing with collaborators external to Griffith. Collaborators can be added using a Linkedin profile, Griffith, other university or Gmail account, or you can share with a URL, password and expiry date.

Research space has unlimited storage. Initially, you are provided 5GB of space, to add an unlimited folder click “Add more storage”.

Research Vault

Is a solution for long term storage and backup of data. The Research Vault is suited to store a master copy of your raw data or the research of your completed PhD candidate who is leaving the university.

Unure which option is best? Compare the storage features.

Beginner

Back up your data to the cloud in Research Storage - if you need help selecting the right storage solution for your context, talk to the Library or eResearch Services.

Advanced

Develop a plan for your team or group on the storage, back up and retrieval data, include both day to day workflows and long term storage. Make sure the location of your data is saved in your documentation. Your organisation may have a data managment planning template you can download to document and share these decisions.

Home