Available for customers of Enterprise Storage (Dell Isilon) or the Center for Research Computing (CRC), Archiving Service enables University departments and groups to easily archive their seldom accessed data to a more cost-effective cloud storage location provided by Amazon Web Services (AWS). Archive storage costs significantly less allowing users to free up space on existing file shares while lowering overall storage costs.
About This Service
Key Features
- Archive Files Automatically or Manually Select: Files that have not been accessed within a specified time (two years by default) get automatically archived in the cloud. Alternatively, users can select, and archive files as needed after scanning all the data on their file share.
- Clean Up Data Clutter: Archiving rarely used data cleans up a file share and keeps important files that need to be regularly accessed front and center.
- Search and Retrieve Files: Search for archived files by reviewing the archived reports directory saved on the department's Enterprise Storage (Dell Isilon) or CRC file share. To retrieve archived files, simply contact the Pitt IT Storage Team with a list of identified files.
- Reduce Storage Costs: Storing data with Archiving Service costs significantly less than primary Enterprise Storage (Dell Isilon) and the CRC.
- Monitor Archived Data with Detailed Reports: Access reports generated in the Tableau dashboard, as well as CSV spreadsheet reports, that helps to track and analyze your data to make decisions on how to best control storage costs.
- Safe and Secure: Data Risk Classification and Compliance
Getting and Using This Service
Special Considerations
Archived data can be retrieved, however, it is important to note that there are costs and waiting times associated with file retrievals. Therefore, data archiving is an ideal solution for rarely used files that still need to be saved, but not for files that need to be regularly accessed.
Several cloud storage options are available: Standard options are Azure Blob Storage Cold and AWS S3 Glacier Instant Retrieval. These tiers can be integrated with the Enterprise Data Transfer Service to browse and download archived files. Another option, AWS S3 Glacier Deep Archive, offers greater cost savings for users who are willing to accept longer retrieval times and longer requirements for how long files should be kept in archive.
How do I request this service?
Faculty and Staff interested in these services should submit a ticket by clicking the Request Help button on the upper right hand corner of this page. A member of the Pitt IT staff will meet with you to discuss your needs and provide a cost estimate.
Who can use this service?
Available for customers of Enterprise Storage (Dell Isilon) or the Center for Research Computing (CRC).
Support
How do I get help?
Submit a ticket by clicking the Request Help button on the upper right hand corner of this page.