Application for access to national resources

On this page, you will find the information necessary to apply for resources on the facilities in the NorStore project.

1. Definitions

The following definitions are used in the remainder of this page:

  • 'Metadata' is data on a digital file that includes information on creation, access rights, restrictions, preservation history, and rights management.
  • 'Long-term' is defined as long enough to be concerned with the impacts of changing technologies, including new media and data formats, or with a changing user community. Note that 'long-term' may be indefinite and e.g., extend beyond the end of a (time-limited) research project to ensure that data that is generated during the project remains accessible to the scientific community.
  • 'Short-term' projects are projects that are not considered long-term. In particular, short-term projects make temporary usage of the resources. Project details and data are removed from the NorStore resources at some point. Currently, any usage of the NorStore resources that does not exceed two (calendar) years is considered short-term.

2. Available resources

One can apply for resources (services and capacity) on a number of facilities. In general, each facility consists of large storage capacity connected to a number of file- and application servers.

One can apply for resources on any of these facilities. However, the researcher must be convinced that the resources that are being applied for, are appropriate for the applications that will be used. In case of doubt, researchers are encouraged to consult the system support staff or UNINETT Sigma. The Resource Allocation Committee that evaluates the applications for resources may modify the requested resources in case the proposed activity can be mapped better onto resources that differ from those applied for.

Some more information about the facilities is given in the section on Services.

3. Allocation Periods

Resources on the facilities are allocated two times per year, the first working day in April and the first working day in October.

The start of the allocation periods on the NorStore services are the same as the criteria for the national High-Performance Computing project Notur. The Notur compute allocations expire after six months.

Allocation of storage is typically for a period that is longer than one allocation period. In NorStore, it is possible to apply for access for multiple allocation periods.

4. Application Types

Scientists working on the same research project are strongly encouraged to submit one (joint) application.

Two types of applications are distinguished:

  1. applications for long-term usage of NorStore resources
  2. applications for short-term (temporary) usage of NorStore resources.

Short-term usage of NorStore resources requires less detailed information.

5. Application Procedure

Verify that you are eligible to apply before filling the application form. In case of doubt, contact UNINETT Sigma.

The information that is gathered from applicants before access to the NorStore resources is granted, is typically obtained in two stages: an on-line application form and an interview.

  1. The objective of the application form is to obtain information on the applicant, the purpose and necessity of using the resources and the overall capacity and service requirements.
  2. The interview is typically a physical or phone meeting that is held with the applicant to better understand mutual commitments and responsibilities, technical requirements, plan deployment of (project-specific) services, etc.

The interview is typically used only for applications that concern long-term usage of the resources or for applications with complex or challenging resource and service requirements.

The applicant shall make sure that the information supplied in the application is accurate and up-to-date. Failure to comply with requirements set out by the NorStore project may lead to rejection of the application. Incomplete applications will be given low priority, will take longer time to process, or may even be rejected.

6. Application Evaluation

The applications that are received within the deadline are reviewed by the Resource Allocation Committee (RFK). The decisions of the RFK are guided by the following:

  • Quality and completeness of the application
  • Quality and state-of-the-art of the solution methods and software
  • Scientific value and impact of the work, e.g., internationally competitive research
  • Expected measurable output in number of publications and students (master and PhD)
  • Demonstrated need for leading edge facilities
  • New user groups and disciplines will be given priority
  • Review of the requested amount and requested type of resources.The request for resources must be reasonable, e.g., projects that repeatedly overestimate their needs (i.e., use considerably less resources than they applied for) in successive allocation periods will be reduced in size.

For the evaluation of an application, the RFK may choose to consult experts in the scientific and engineering area of the application and experts in techniques for efficient resource utilization.

The RFK reserve the right to alter the request for resources, e.g., in the following situations:

  • The capacity of the requested facilities(s) is insufficient. In such case, the application may be reduced in size or be assigned to another facility.
  • The request for resources appears to be too large and/or the need for the amount of resources is not sufficiently motivated.
  • The application is incomplete.

The RFK reserves the right to forward an application to a university for resources on the local part of the requested machine.

When the application is approved, a project will established on the facilities that is valid for the period that has been applied for. The applicant will be responsible for this project and must keep an overview of the usage of the resources within the project. The applicant shall make sure that the granted resources are used only for the activities specified in the application.

7. Application Deadlines

There are two calls for applications per year. The deadline for application is 4-8 weeks for the start of the allocation period.

Upcoming deadlines are:

  • August 26, 2010, for projects starting period not sooner than October 1, 2010

Applications for small allocations or short-term projects are handled continuously and are normally processed within a few working days.

Applications that are received after the deadline will be given lower priority and approval will be subject to available resources.

NOTE: The available resources on the facilities are allocated to projects a few weeks before the start of a new period. It is therefore important to submit an application during the regular calls.

NOTE: The deadlines for applications for advanced user support are normally the same as the deadlines for applications for access to the NorStore facilities.

8. Application Form

The on-line application form: http://www.notur.no/application/login.php

 

Relevant projects

The site will grow and more information will become available, please check back later.