This FAQ entry concerns active data (i.e. it is being used, added to, modified by you or your research team). For help with inactive data (i.e. your research project is complete and/or the data is stable), see the FAQ entry on "Where can I deposit data?"

When storing any important digital data, you should strive to use a storage solution that provides backup (multiple copies in different physical locations), monitoring, and appropriate security. For these reasons, networked and professionally-managed storage is almost always preferable to storing data on a personally-managed workstation and consumer media (e.g., thumb drives, external hard drive).

For active data storage at Pitt, a good first step is to contact the CSSD Help Desk (Computer Services and Systems Development) at 412-624-HELP [4357] or helpdesk@pitt.edu. 

Currently, there are a variety of research data storage scenarios, many of which are connected to research computing and/or scientific computing resources. For example, the Center for Simulation and Modeling (SaM) is a research computing resource that also provides consulting, storage, and a connection to other regional and national resources. CSSD's Network Operations Center (NOC) also provides a number of different server and storage options, including a FISMA-compliant environment for researchers working on projects requiring special handling of sensitive data.

A self-service option is to use Box, a cloud storage platform that offers unlimited storage to Pitt faculty, students, and staff; however, not all kinds of data are appropriate for storage on Box. 

Find out more at ULS Support for Research Data Management . You can view details about managing your data throughout the research lifecycle at Research Data Management @ Pitt.  Contact us to ask a question, set up a consultation, or learn more about available service.