Data Storage, Backup, and Protection

Resources that aid in backing up and storing files and data, based on your needs. Storage options are determined by size and level of security, as well as the type of data.

Important:

NIH Data Management and Sharing (DMS) Policy is effective for new and competing applications due on/after January 25, 2023: Learn more via the University of Miami's NIH Data Management and Sharing Policy page.

Office of Research Administration (ORA) Technology Control Plans (TCP): A TCP is a living document that outlines the means in which confidential/controlled/sensitive information and technology will be protected. Learn more.

UHealth Data Storage, Backup, and Protection (e.g., Clinical, Patient)

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Academic Data Storage, Backup, and Protection (e.g., Student Records, FERPA)

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  • Academic Data Storage Definitions

    Overview

    Academic data storage includes student data, official University statistics, and strategic analytics. 

    • Short-term storage is for frequently accessed data with low latency requirements.
    • Long-term storage is meant for rarely accessed data with flexible latency requirements.


    Pricing varies based on: volume of data stored per month; data redundancy option selected; and quantity and types of operations performed, along with any data transfer costs. (Example: 3 TB, locally redundant storage, hot tier.)

    Storage Tiers:

    • Premium: Uses solid-state drives to provide high throughput and very fast response times. Low and consistent latency very fast response times.
    • Hot: Data that are in active use or expected to be accessed frequently.
    • Cool: Older media content not observed constantly anymore but is expected to be available quickly when accessed.
    • Archive: archival data that needs to be stored for a long time and is hardly ever accessed.


    Backup
    is a copy of production information which protects both your active and inactive data (all your production data). Your data still resides on the production storage systems themselves. Backups are meant for recovery from hardware failure or recent data corruption or loss. Backup data retention typically varies from 7 to 30 days.

    Archiving is for space management, compliance, risk aversion, and long-term retention.

  • Academic Short-Term Data Storage

    Overview

    Academic short-term data storage options include:

    • Cloud:
      • Azure Disk Storage: For use with Azure Virtual machines
      • Azure Blob Storage: Object storage for cloud native workloads
      • Azure Files: File shares in the cloud that are accessible via SMB and NFS protocols
    • On-Premise Data Center:
      • PowerScale Network Attached Storage (NAS): File shares on premises that are accessible by locally hosted systems via SMB and NFS protocols
    Get Started

    To get started, submit an IT Resources for Researchers Consultation Request.

    Resources

  • Academic Long-Term Data Storage

    Overview

    Academic short-term data storage options include:

    • Cloud:
      • Azure Archive Storage
    • Hybrid On-Premise and Cloud:
      • Azure File Sync
    Resources

    To get started, submit an IT Resources for Researchers Consultation Request.

    Resources

  • Academic Data Backup and Protection

    Overview
    Academic data backup and protection options include:
    • Cloud:
      • Azure Backup: Protects Azure Virtual Machines, SQL and SAP databases, and Azure file shares
    • On-Premise:
      • Enterprise Backup Solution Networker:
        • Database (Microsoft SQL, MySQL, Oracle, DB2, etc)
        • Virtual Server Snapshots (VMware, Microsoft Hyper-V)
        • File backups, supported operating systems (Windows Server all supported versions, RHEL, SUSE, CentOS, AlmaLinux, etc)
        • Backups are encrypted and replicated offsite
        • Optional Cyber Vault for critical-data backups
    Get Started

    To get started, submit an IT Resources for Researchers Consultation Request.

    Get Started

Other Services

Data Access, Sharing, and Collaboration

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High-Performance Computing

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Networking and Security

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Software and Systems

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Innovation and Web Publishing

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