Data Storage

All MSI users have access to High-Performance Storage (Tier 1 Storage) that is integrated across all of our systems. This eliminates the need to juggle data when utilizing any of MSI's computational or interactive systems and provides MSI users with a secure data storage platform that is ideal for high-performance computing.

While High-Performance Storage fulfills the storage needs for most computational work, in this era of Big Data other storage paradigms are needed. MSI also provides Tier 2 Storage, an object storage system supporting new workflows and inactive data parking.

Tier 1 (Primary) Storage

High-performance, high-capacity primary storage platform. MSI PIs (internal to the UMN) are issued 150 GB initially, and can receive up to 20TB with justification. Amounts over 20TB will be charged annually according to the Service Cost table below.  PIs external to the UMN will need to pay for all high-performance storage.

Learn more about High-Performance Tier 1 Storage

Learn more about the 2025 Primary Storage upgrades

Tier 2 Storage

Object storage platform for new access modes and inactive data parking.  MSI PIs (internal to the UMN) can use up to 120TB of object storage and can purchase annual access to more if needed. PIs receive a storage quota of 120 TB and group members will see a 5GB quota. PIs external to the UMN will need to pay for all Tier 2storage.

Learn more about Tier 2 Storage

Other Resources

Research Computing provides limited funding to support the purchase of data storage under certain circumstances through our seed grant program. 

Database servers Data Lifecycle After a PI Leaves MSI Shared User Research Facilities Storage (SURFS)