At IU, what is the Research File System (RFS)?

UITS provides a data storage service, the Research File System (RFS), specifically to support the needs of Indiana University researchers. Requests from non-research users to use the service will be handled on a case-by-case basis.

RFS gives researchers access to their files from a broad range of locations and enables group collaboration through file sharing. UITS expects to expand the service in the future to support new functionality, such as grid computing and inter-institutional file sharing. Individual users will start with a 10GB quota, and collaborators can request additional quota for projects. Data in RFS at IU are backed up regularly.

RFS is based on OpenAFS, which is an open-source version of the Andrew File System (AFS). With OpenAFS, UITS is able to build a scalable and robust storage system.

If you are a researcher using RFS, you can map or mount your RFS account to your workstation using the instructions in At IU, how do I map or mount my RFS account to my workstation? Alternatively, you may connect to the RFS through an OpenAFS client (for more, see At IU, how do I install and configure OpenAFS on my workstation for use with the RFS?), with a web browser using RFSWeb (see At IU, what is RFSWeb and how do I use it?), or via SFTP (see At IU, can I use FTP or SFTP to access my RFS space?).

You can create an RFS account using the Account Management System (AMS). Visit the AMS at:

Follow the prompts to create your account. For more, see At IU, how can I apply for an account on the MDSS or RFS?

In addition to the RFS, IU offers its researchers archival storage on the Massive Data Storage Service (MDSS).

If you have questions, email Research Storage.

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