Enterprise NAS for Faculty of Science Researchers
What is available?
We provide access to an enterprise-grade NAS (Network Attached Storage), the iXsystems TrueNAS M50 — designed for high-performance data storage and reliable backups, located in a secure state of the art data center on campus.
Why use the iXSystems M50 NAS?
Key benefits include:
- Enterprise Reliability: Built for 24/7 uptime with redundant power, cooling, and disk protection.
- High Capacity & Speed: Supports large datasets and fast access for research workflows.
- Centralized Access: Easily accessible from campus networks with secure permissions.
- Integrated Snapshots: Allows for quick restoration of files.
- Scalable: Grows with your research needs — no need to juggle multiple drives.
Why not use local drives or cloud-only storage?
Please refer to the table below for comparable solution
| Storage Type | Risks/Limitations |
|---|---|
| External Drives | Prone to failure, theft, or loss. No redundancy |
| Small Local NAS | Limited support, capacity, and backup options |
| OneDrive | Great for documents, but not ideal for large datasets or automated backups. Limit space |
| AWS/Azure/Cloud | Security Vulnerabilities/Potential High Costs |
Who should use it?
All Faculty of Science researchers handling:
- Large datasets (e.g., imaging, simulations, instrument output)
- Sensitive or irreplaceable research data
- Collaborative projects needing shared access
How do I get started?
Contact the Science IT team to discuss your storage needs.