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Apply for usage

Usage of the DESY-based dCache InfiniteSpace service is not possible (and not reasonable) for single users.

As a responsible manager of a group, managed as Virtual Organisation (VO or sub-VO), you can apply for usage as stated below.

Why apply?

This service requires some expert knowledge within your group / VO.

  • This service is intended for large scale data handling: It provides a web front-end for very basic operations, however all reasonable usage scenarios require some knowledge on linux command-line operations.
  • HIFIS can provide limited support in setting up your storage environment – however for sustainable operation, you need to have people with such basic knowledge in your group.
  • Depending on your use case, we might advise you to refer to more convenient storage solutions, like Sync&Share.
  • The dCache InfiniteSpace scales horizontally avoiding the bottleneck of a single point of entry. Clients accessing data are always redirected directly to a data server. This comes with the caveat that you and your partner sites have to allow incoming and outgoing connections on higher ports to different nodes. The regular HTTPS port is only used for the browser frontend, all other operations happen with different nodes on different ports. This might cause problems with some of your partner sites depending on their firewall configurations.

Application procedure

1. You need a Helmholtz-group (“Virtual Organisation / VO”)

VOs represent cross-center groups, mostly working on a common purpose or project.

  • You are already manager of a suitable VO? Proceed to step 2.
  • You need a new VO?

2. Log in once to the DESY login service (Keycloak)

Log in once so that your log in data and the VO is known at DESY and can be mapped correctly in subsequent steps:

  • Log in at DESY keycloak, by clicking on “Helmholtz AAI” and selecting your institution. You may as well log in to hifis-storage-web.desy.de directly.

3. Send a mail to support@hifis.net

Send a mail in English or German, stating some basic infos that are needed to set things up:

  • Please provide the exact name of your VO (and optionally Sub-VOs) that you want to give access to storage data.
  • Acknowledgement of the Acceptable Use Policy of the Storage Service

And we are happy if you provide us further with…

  • Some usage details that allow us to assist you in setting up the best possible solution:
    • Users from which Helmholtz Centres or other institutions shall have full access to the data
    • Approximate amount of storage needed
    • Approximate time frame of storage needed
    • Any specific requirements on backup, availability, data transfer, use cases
  • Preferred Access Management Model:

4. We will come back to you with further instructions

Stand by. We will contact you again and try to find the optimal solution for you.