The Data Cluster is a system capable of storing both massive quantities of data and supporting complex data management projects and Nationally significant data collections. Applications are made using the forms for Merit Allocation Data Projects.

The data system is also used by the Merit Allocated computational projects on the National Facility. Each such project is granted a default amount of 20 Gbytes of storage for computational data. Computational projects can request more storage space to manage their data requirements, but may be asked to use the MAS Data Projects form to describe the good management of this data.

The Data Cluster is replacing the existing MDSS system: store.apac.edu.au. The data cluster has several primary functions:

• provides a resource for storing and retrieving data of magnitudes well beyond that of standard departmental or workstation storage capability.
• has high speed bandwidth and services to manage transfers between both National and international networks using multiple gigabit networks. The cluster and National Facility has the capability for appropriate connectivity to high data-generating instruments (in conjuction with AARNet)
• provides a management point for complex data needs, including fast (and/or large) relational database management.
• provides services for data grids, including capabilities for nationally and internationally federated datasets.
• has capability, services and software for allowing research groups to host signficant data collections
• provide computational power for data analysis.

For details on how to use this service and related policy matters, please follow the links below.

Userguide	The MDSS userguide on how to use SAM-FS has a number of components applicable to dc. (being updated)
Software available	Software that has been ported to the data cluster.
Software available on store	The software on store is being ported to the dc system, but is available now under the MDSS (store) system.
System Components and Configuration	The components of the data cluster
System Components and Configuration for store	The components of the (older) storage system
Data Protection
Downtime Information
SRB federation.	Information for system administrators wishing to federate an SRB zone with the Data Cluster and MDSS at the National Facility