Data Transfer Tools
Defining Data Transfer Tools
Data Transfer Tools are computer programs which support moving data from Storage Facility to Storage Facility.
Warning
You may be wondering, Why can’t I just use a removable thumb drive or just email them to myself? Using either of these approaches increases the likelihood of losing or misplacing data, breaches data security, and risks introducing malware into our systems. Besides, these tools are much more efficient when moving large amounts of data from place to place. Therefore, these Data Transfer Tools are necessary for data security and are beneficial for user efficiency.
Supported Tools
At the DCCN, we support four Data Transfer Tools. Each of these four tools have their advantages and disadvantages: DCCN policies are shaped around these to maximize ease-of-use and efficiency.
There is no need to memorize the specifics of each of these tools - just know that there are multiple tools which have different forms and different function!
Tools at a Glance
Cyberduck and Repocli are both generic tools which support the transfer of data to-and-from all of our Storage Facilities. Cyberduck is easier to use while Repocli offers more scriptability.
In contrast, Stager and Uploader are DCCN specific tools which serve very case-specific functions. Uploader is used to simaltaneously move raw data into the Project Folder and the Data Acquisition Collection (this is an RDR collection that saves raw data, but more on this in a second) which automatically saves these data in a standardized, easy-to-use format (this is called BIDS format, more on this in a second as well). Stager moves data between the Project Folder and the RDR, enabling researchers to efficiently restore lost data (or use existing data) or archive data.
User Interface |
Graphical |
Comamnd-Line |
Web |
Web |
Transfer Routes |
Local <=> RDR
Local <=> HPC
|
Local <=> RDR
HPC <=> RDR
|
Project <=> RDR
|
Local => Project
Local => RDR
|
Access
Restriction
|
Trigon Network
or eduVPN
|
Trigon Network
or eduVPN
|
||
OS Support |
Windows
MacOSX
|
Windows
MacOSX
Linux
|
Windows
MacOSX
Linux
|
Windows
MacOSX
Linux
|
Key Feature |
Ease-of-use |
Scriptable |
Efficient |
Data Organization |
Take Home Messages
Data Transfer Tools are necessary to ensure data security and to maximize efficiency
Some Data Transfer Tools are better than others in certain situations