Have a Look at the Helmholtz Cloud Survey Results!
The results of the Helmholtz Cloud survey, conducted from December 2nd, 2024, to February 7th, 2025, are now available on Gitlab. A total of 1,648 individuals from across Helmholtz participated in the survey. We have chosen to keep the report concise while encouraging you to explore the findings in more detail. In addition to overall charts, we have prepared center-wise charts for your review.
Project Management Tool & Visual Collaboration / Mindmapping Tool Are the Most Requested Services
The Project Management Tool and Visual Collaboration / Mindmapping Tool have been confirmed to be of great interest to users. In contrast, other service ideas have received more balanced responses, with some users expressing interest and others not (Wiki, Video Conferencing Tool, Overleaf PRO). Surprisingly, the Statistics / Analytics / Reporting Tool, Federated Messenger, and Electronic Laboratory Notebook, which we expected to be in high demand, have not generated as much interest.
AI Tools Are Also in High Demand
The free-text answers regarding additional service ideas have revealed that many services already offered in Helmholtz Cloud are indeed needed, albeit with slightly different twists or extended functionalities. For instance, there is a strong interest in GDPR-compliant Large Language Model (LLM) tools, such as writing assistance, co-programmers, and image generators. Blablador, an LLM tool, is already available in Helmholtz Cloud. Additionally, an online document sharing/editing tool with Microsoft functionalities (like Nextcloud) and a short online survey tool (like LimeSurvey) have been frequently requested. A service that is not yet provided but has garnered significant interest is an eLearning Tool.
Raising Awareness for HIFIS Is Crucial
A considerable number of participants are either unfamiliar with HIFIS or have heard of us but lack a clear understanding of our services.
Those participants who are familiar with HIFIS or Helmholtz Cloud primarily learned about us through (Helmholtz) colleagues. Some were also informed by their internal IT department or via internal communication (email, wiki, newsletter). However, a significant number of participants first heard about HIFIS during the survey.
From the survey participants’ perspective, it would be helpful to raise awareness if HIFIS and Helmholtz Cloud were promoted more within the centers (e.g., top-down). Additionally, lectures/workshops and information on the intranet would be appreciated. According to the free-text answers, participants would like to receive information about HIFIS via email/newsletter, including details such as: “What is HIFIS? How can I use services? What are the costs?” A template from HIFIS to integrate information into local intranets or wikis would also be beneficial. The information should clearly state the value proposition, provide useful services for everyday work, and emphasize the advantages compared to local services. Finally, information about HIFIS should be integrated into the (staff) onboarding process.
What’s Next?
The HIFIS Cloud Team is pleased to have a prioritization of some service ideas! In May 2025, we will address the most requested services with the heads of IT departments at the Helmholtz Centers to find service providers. We have also received valuable information on how to increase HIFIS’ awareness and will consider integrating these suggestions into our processes. Furthermore, we are working on establishing a continuous service idea voting system, allowing us to gather insights on the priority of numerous additional service ideas we have already collected. Understanding your requirements enables us at HIFIS to develop Helmholtz Cloud in the best possible way. Thank you again for your support!
Acknowledgement
This text was slightly refined with the assistance of Helmholtz’s own Large Language Model Service, Blablador.
Questions or Proposals?
Please contact our Service Portfolio Manager at support@hifis.net.