Online Backup

One of the extra tasks I have taken on for the group is to look at storage and online backup. 

Storage

Document Storage

Options

1.     GoogleDrive / GoogleDoc through GoogleApps

2.     University hosted file sever costing 250  per 1Tb

Recommendation

1. GoogleDrive / GoogleDoc through GoogleApps             

·      Currently provided by GoogleDoc and Google Drive.

·      Everyone seems confortable with.

·      Main issue  is there is no encryption security provided

Large data set storage

Currently students using the largest Datasets. They have access to a Earth Science hosted database for their work. Leave for later date.

Version Control Repository

Why – good practice to store versions of software.

Options

1.     Git:

             GitHub

·      Uni has a evangelist, who would help with introduction

·      I have used it.

·      Private Repository hosted in the Cloud by reputable GitHub available to education groups free, but further investigation shows there are quite a few hoops

Bitbucket

·      Uni has a evangelist, who would help with introduction

·      BitBucket allows unlimited Private Repositories with up to 5 users

·      Other Departments use it.

2.     Subversion :

·      PIK uses it

·      I can administer it

·      We would need have a box,

o   Upfront costs

o   Location issues.

Recommendation

1.  BitBucket unless likely to have more than 5 users.

Wiki

            Why – great way to communicate with in the Phd group.

Particularly as a single point for new comers to get established, record any issue or work arounds

           

Recommendation

Google Sites included as part of GoogleApps Education

Laptop Backup

Important Consideration

·      Off Site

·      Cost

·      Size

·      Encryption Security

·      Longevity

·      Ease of Use

·      OS Support (Windows , Mac, Linux)

·      Organisation Solution

 Uni does not support or have a recommended solution

Dual solutions provide best disaster plan.

            Regular Manual Hard disk / USB backup

            Online Automated Backup

Reasonable bandwidth

Ability to turn off when in a low bandwidth situation.

Non Free Solutions

            SpiderOak     

~$5 per month per user  200Gb (e)

            iDrive             

from $25 per year for 150Gb (e) individuals

 also org. pricing need further investigation,

start with 5Gb free

            CrashPlan     

~ $5 per month per user 

                        need to investigate educational discounts

                       start with 2Gb free

           

Free

	Mega	GoogleDrive	iDrive
Size	50Gb	30Gb	5
Encryption	No	No	Yes
Longevity	Unknown / Could be issue	Good	Good
Windows	yes	yes	Yes
OSx	no	yes	Yes
Linux	no	yes	Yes
Org Sol	no	somewhat	Upgrade
Location Choice	yes	no	Yes

 

Distributed Computing (CPU) power

Not Considered