Cloud Computing

The Center for Advanced Research Computing (CARC) offers a private, on-premises cloud platform for USC researchers. Additionally, we provide consulting to help faculty and campus researchers obtain access to and effectively use cloud computing resources through its relationship with Amazon Web Services (AWS) as a preferred vendor.

CARC can help:

• Determine if the cloud is a good fit to meet your research requirements.
• Plan for and manage costs of custom cloud solutions.
• Gain access to cloud computing resources, both for research and research-related instruction.

0.0.1 Private cloud computing

The CARC private cloud platform—Artemis—complements existing CARC systems and services by offering researchers access to virtual machines (VMs) on which to run alternative operating system environments and deploy resources.

The virtualized platform offers our users a cost-effective, on-premises cloud service that will enhance research endeavors and improve access to cloud computing for the USC community.

To get started using Artemis, see our Artemis user guides.

0.0.2 Amazon Web Services

Amazon Web Services (AWS) is USC’s preferred and recommended cloud provider. AWS provides a broad set of infrastructure services, such as computing power, storage options, networking, and databases, all delivered as a utility: on-demand, available in minutes, with pay-as-you-go pricing. All of these resources are maintained in secure data centers in multiple geographic locations.

CARC works closely with public cloud vendors to provide research teams with cost-effective cloud access while meeting federal compliance regulations (e.g., HIPAA, FERPA).

To get started, see our AWS Account Setup page.

0.0.3 Does your research belong in the cloud?

If your current research computing environment is costing you time, straining your budget, or requires a different operating system, you may want to consider cloud computing. Cloud computing offers a versatile and powerful platform for research, allowing you to utilize various operating systems and customize your experience. CARC can help you understand the costs and benefits of the cloud.

0.0.4 Moving research to the cloud

CARC can consult with researchers to help them understand what is involved in moving their research computing to the cloud. While cloud computing is relatively new, it has quickly become recognized as an empowering technology that is being widely adopted across many research domains.

If you are interested in the cloud or not fully satisfied with your current computing solution, CARC can help you build a model demonstrating how cloud implementation would work for your research, and what it will cost you in time and money.

To contact us for consulting services or to get help, please submit a help ticket.