Services¶

Research services available through UCT eResearch¶

This section helps you understand what each service is for, when to use it, and where to go next.

Use the services section when you need to:

understand what a service provides
decide whether it fits your research workflow
see how services connect to each other
move from a broad need to the right next step

If you already know what you want to do, start with Tasks.

Available services¶

High Performance Computing (HPC)¶

Use HPC when your work needs more compute power than a laptop or standard workstation can provide.

Typical reasons to use HPC:

large datasets
long-running analyses
parallel or distributed computation
GPU-based workloads
repeatable batch workflows

Go to this page if you need to understand whether HPC is the right fit before getting started.

Research data storage ¶

Use research data storage when you need reliable, scalable storage for active research data.

Typical reasons to use research data storage:

large or growing datasets
persistent project storage
controlled access for collaborators
storage connected to HPC workflows
data that should remain within UCT-managed infrastructure

Go to this page if you need to understand how project storage works and when to use it instead of other storage options.

Data transfer ¶

Use data transfer services when you need to move data between systems, collaborators, or storage environments.

Typical reasons to use data transfer services:

moving large files
transferring data to or from HPC
sharing data securely
avoiding unreliable manual transfer methods
supporting repeatable data movement workflows

Go to this page if your main need is moving data rather than storing it or analysing it.

Research software ¶

Use research software services when your work depends on code, version control, repositories, or shared software workflows.

Typical reasons to use research software services:

collaborating on code
managing versions of scripts and analysis pipelines
sharing software within a team
improving reproducibility
supporting structured development workflows

Go to this page if your main need is managing code and software rather than compute or storage.

How to choose the right service¶

A useful way to decide is to ask what your main need is right now:

I need compute → HPC
I need project storage → Research data storage
I need to move data between systems → Data transfer
I need to manage or collaborate on code → Research software

If you are still unsure, use Choose the right service.

How the services work together¶

Most research workflows use more than one service.

A common pattern looks like this: 1. store active data in research data storage 2. move data where needed using transfer tools 3. run analysis on HPC when more compute is required 4. manage code and workflows through research software tools

This means the services section should help you understand the role of each service, while other sections help you act:

Tasks help you start from a research goal
How-to guides help you complete a specific action
Reference helps you understand systems, terms, and technical detail

Suggested starting points¶

Start here when your need is clear:

Need help?¶

If you are not sure which service to use, start with: