Data processing and scientific computing

We offer support for computation and processing in situations where a regular computer is inefficient, for example, the computational analysis takes several hours preventing other use of the computer, or RAM or disk space proves to be inadequate.

Virtual server solutions

Virtual servers are available for teaching and research purposes. They are available both locally (VMware environment TUNI Research Cloud, TRC) and from CSC (cPouta and ePouta).

cPouta is a cloud service provided by CSC, where you can easily launch a virtual server that is accessible from the internet and where you can install the software you need. Storage and performance can be allocated flexibly, and TUNI project folders (the same as the P or S disks on a Windows computer) can be attached. 

ePouta is a service similar to cPouta, but more secure for processing sensitive data. the ePouta virtual server can only be accessed within the TUNI network.

CSC provides comprehensive computing services for a variety of needs for academic institutions. Access to the calculation services is sought through CSC and some of the services are subject to a fee. TUNI’s IT Services also offer support for the maintenance of CSC’s servers. Further information: https://research.csc.fi/. 

To find an optimal solution, please contact our experts at it-helpdesk [at] tuni.fi (it-helpdesk[at]tuni[dot]fi). Choosing the solution depends on the amount of support needed, the method of using the capacity, timetable, and budget.

The European Open Clouds for Research Environments (OCRE) agreement gives you the opportunity to flexibly purchase commercial cloud capacity for your research project if the local or CSC services are not suitable for your needs. Currently, capacity can be purchased for Azure, but it is likely to become also available for, for example, AWS as well.

TUNI Virtual Desktop

TUNI Virtual Desktop is a virtual Windows desktop that is a good solution for: 

• Students’ access to TUNI research data on the network drive
• Temporary remote access to research data from your own machine
• Mathematical simulations

TUNI Virtual Desktop’s general service “for work” is available free of charge for staff and individuals with an extended resource agreement (can also be made for students). Instructions: TUNI Virtual Desktop for work

If your research needs more performance, capacity, or special software, you can order a paid Restricted virtual desktop. Instructions: TUNI Virtual Desktop in research

CSC Sensitive Data Desktop Services

Sensitive Data (SD) Desktop is a service provided by CSC for analysing sensitive research data. Built on top of ePouta, it provides an isolated and secure private cloud environment accessible via a web interface. All data processing takes place in Finland. Also suitable for material that needs a permit from Findata. Instructions: CSC/Sensitive Data Desktop. See also Secure file storage.

CSC Rahti

Rahti is a cloud service provided by CSC, where you can run existing Docker containers and build containers based on ready-made templates. Instructions: CSC/Rahti

Scientific computing

We can help transfer your computations to another environment. There are three levels of computing environments, that together form a European-scale scientific computing infrastructure.

• On the lowest performance level (Tier-2) consists of the TCSC computing environment maintained by University's IT Services. A right to use can be granted for all University researchers, see instructions at TCSC high performance computing cluster.
• The next level (Tier-1) is formed by CSC - IT Center for Science. Tier-1 meets the requirements of larger computation needs. Researchers at Finnish universities can obtain a user account for CSC's computing environment, which includes a certain amount of computing capacity. 
• The highest level (Tier-0) is formed by a European PRACE collaboration. 

If the computation cannot be transferred to the above-mentioned environments specializing in computation, a virtual server can be considered, or if the budget of the research project allows, an external cloud service could be purchased.

An alternative to the computing environments presented above is for example boosting algorithms, parallel computation, increasing the storage capacity or selecting another application for computation. If the budget of the research project allows, also purchasing a more efficient computer can be considered.

IT Helpdesk
0294 520 500
it-helpdesk [at] tuni.fi (it-helpdesk[at]tuni[dot]fi)
helpdesk.tuni.fi