Globus

Globus is a data transfer application for securely moving research data between storage resources. This tool is integrated with the Research Data Storage Service (RDSS) and U of A Google Drive to enable efficient, secure data transfers between these systems, local computers, and national storage systems. 

Why choose Globus?

Globus allows researchers to easily transfer, manage, and share data to and from central U of A storage systems or if configured, your local system. Our High Assurance subscription adds enhanced data security with authentication assurance, encryption and audit logs. 

Globus provides the ability to:

• Easily transfer, manage, and share data via a web or command-line interface
• Move TBs of data with fire-and-forget functionality that includes features for queuing transfers, restarting interrupted transfers and checking file integrity, and
• Share data securely with controlled-access functionality.

Key Globus terminology

Endpoints: Globus Endpoints are locations for managing user identities and data storage locations. They can be created using Globus Connect Server or Globus Connect Personal software. 

Collections: A collection refers to a specific location in a file system along with the policies and permissions for accessing files and folders. 

Who is eligible to use the U of A Globus Collections?  

Any of the following individuals with a CCID working with research data at the U of A:

• Faculty members
• Research staff and trainees under the direction of a principal investigator
• Librarians 
• Research administration staff

What data can be transferred with Globus?

The Globus data transfer tool was reviewed for general use with research data at the UofA. Individual research projects may require their own Privacy and Security Review to use Globus.

Getting Started: How to access Globus?

Access the Globus portal at https://www.globus.org/

Instructions are available in the KBA - User Guide for Transferring Data using Globus

The U of A Globus Subscription Group 

Researchers that need to create shared Globus collections on local computers or multiuser systems may need to be added to the U of A Globus Subscription Group, formerly known as a Globus Plus account. Submit a Globus Subscription Group Request to be added to this group. These requests are reviewed by the Digital Research Services team to ensure the subscription group aligns with your research data transfer or sharing use case. 

Not all Globus users need to be part of a Globus Subscription Group. Use of Globus to transfer data between mapped collections and Globus Connect Personal on local computers is available to all U of A researchers without being a member of this subscription group. 

Support & Training

Globus training specific to the U of A is available from the Digital Research Services team. Visit the Research Computing Training web page to see upcoming workshops. 

Questions? Contact the Digital Research Services team at research.support@ualberta.ca.