For research-scale storage and computing workflows, Biology IT strongly recommends starting with Virginia Tech Advanced Research Computing (ARC) and using local storage only where appropriate for archival or supplemental purposes.
Recommended Approach for Most Labs
Primary research storage: Use ARC Project Storage
Archival / offline snapshot backup (optional): Use Direct-Attached Storage (DAS)
Lab-managed servers and workstation-based file storage should be considered only when ARC does not meet a clearly defined technical requirement.
Virginia Tech Advanced Research Computing (ARC)
Website: https://arc.vt.edu/
Storage documentation: https://www.docs.arc.vt.edu/resources/storage.html
ARC provides high-performance computing systems and large-scale data storage services to all Virginia Tech research faculty and their students. These services reduce the need for department-managed infrastructure and provide scalable, centrally supported research storage locations.
ARC Storage Overview
| Storage Name | Typical Use | Quota / Notes |
| Home | Personal user files, scripts, configurations | ~640 GB per user |
| Project | Shared lab or research group storage | Baseline allocation (~50 TB per faculty researcher at no cost); additional space may be purchased |
| Scratch (temporary) | High-performance working space during active computations | No fixed quota; data automatically deleted after ~90 days |
| Archive (purchased) | Long-term, infrequently accessed retention | Available via purchase; managed through ARC staff (not directly browsable) |
Key Points
- ARC storage locations are complementary and often used together.
- Project storage is the appropriate location for long-term shared research datasets.
- Scratch storage is temporary and automatically purged.
- Archive storage supports long-term retention but can’t be directly accessed.
Local Storage Options (Supplemental or Special Use)
Network-Attached Storage (NAS)
A Network-Attached Storage (NAS) device is a self-contained storage appliance that connects directly to the network and provides shared file access to multiple users. NAS systems typically include multiple hard drives and support basic redundancy (e.g., RAID).
While NAS devices are commonly used in small business or home environments, they are not recommended on the Virginia Tech campus network due to security, compliance, and support limitations.
Direct-Attached Storage (DAS)
Direct-Attached Storage (DAS) devices are external enclosures that house one or more hard drives and connect directly to a single computer via USB. Many models support drive redundancy (e.g., RAID) for improved data protection.
Typical Cost: ~$200–$500 for enclosure + ~$25 per TB
DAS is appropriate for:
- Periodic archival snapshots of research data
- Short-term or supplemental storage needs
Due to their single-computer attachment model and limited performance compared to centralized infrastructure, DAS devices are not appropriate for:
- Large-scale or actively accessed research datasets
- Multi-user shared storage environments
Rack-Mounted File Server
A rack-mounted file server is a dedicated physical server designed to provide centralized storage and shared access to multiple users over the network. These systems typically support large drive arrays and hardware redundancy (e.g., RAID) and are installed in a rack or data center environment.
Typical Cost: ~$5,000–$8,000 baseline + ~$100–$200 per TB
Additional costs typically include backup infrastructure, backup software licensing, and future hardware replacement.
Rack-mounted file servers may be appropriate when:
- A lab has specialized technical requirements that cannot be met by ARC
- Dedicated on-premises infrastructure is required for specific workflows
However, they introduce:
- Significant upfront capital expense
- Ongoing maintenance and lifecycle management responsibilities
- Limited scalability
- Backup and disaster recovery requirements that typically involve a second server installed in a separate location
- Recurring software licensing costs for backup and management tools
University Cloud Storage (Collaboration & Light Storage)
Google Workspace (VT)
Google Workspace is Virginia Tech’s enterprise Google environment and includes Google Drive for individual storage and Shared Drives for collaborative lab storage. Due to its cost and ease of use, Google Workspace is generally the preferred cloud-based storage platform for routine collaboration and file sharing within Biology.
Within the Biology Department, research faculty receive additional Google storage funded by the department and managed by Biology IT. All other users follow standard university allocations, which vary by constituency group.
See: https://4help.vt.edu/sp?id=kb_article_view&sysparm_article=KB0013989
Google Workspace works well for:
- Securely storing personal data (My Drive)
- Storing documents that need to be shared with a group of users (Shared Drives)
- Storing research data to protect from deletion when a student/postdoc leaves VT (Shared Drives)
Microsoft 365 (OneDrive / SharePoint / Teams)
Microsoft 365 is Virginia Tech’s enterprise Microsoft collaboration platform and includes OneDrive for individual storage and SharePoint and Teams for group collaboration.
Most employees and graduate students receive 50 GB of OneDrive storage. SharePoint and Teams storage draws from a limited departmental allocation.
Microsoft 365 is well suited for:
- Securely storing personal data (OneDrive)
- Storing Microsoft Office files that need to be edited by multiple users at once (SharePoints/Teams)
- Collaborating with Microsoft-centric VT departments (SharePoints/Teams)