These pages provide documentation for the image data storage and analysis system prototype developed at the Light Microscopy Unit (LMU), Institute of Biotechnology, in anticipation for growing data storage needs following the acquisition of a HCS-automated confocal microscope.
These pages can also work as a base for collaboration with other Biocenter Finland imaging groups with similar data storage needs. There are two aspects to the collaboration:
- Join forces to create something that can be replicated (with necessary variations) at all Biocenter Finland imaging sites.
- Use the developed system for sharing / transferring data between sites and researchers.
Status
The prototype is in an advanced beta stage. We have managed to test or implement several features as documented on these pages. The current system is running on a RedHat 5 VM managed by the university IT. The storage resources it has are still quite limited, though. Currently there are two 0.5 TB disks.
Next step: collaborative maintenance
We feel confident that in terms of technological features, iRODS is a suitable solution. The challenge lies in the fact that currently there is no long-term funding for personnel to maintain the system. To make the maintenance of the proposed setup feasible, the current project should be seen as a pilot case in a larger undertaking where the aim is to enable (IT specialists from) research groups to collaborate (between each other and the IT department) in creating and administering similar systems. This project includes the definition of university wide standards for iRODS installations, so that compliant installations can be more easily maintained. Creating this pattern of collaboration is the main focus of the future work. The work will be coordinated by the IT department.
Motivation
Some points about why the proposed setup is appealing are listed in the blog. Please feel free to comment.
To join the effort, please login to this Wiki site with your HAKA user account (top right). After that, you can edit these pages. To see what still needs to be done, see the TODO page.