Google Cloud Storage (GCS) and Amazon Web Services (AWS) S3: Cloud Storage Solutions

The University of California, Riverside (UCR) provides access to leading cloud storage solutions, Google Cloud Storage (GCS) and Amazon Web Services (AWS) S3, to support the diverse storage needs of our research and academic community. These platforms offer scalable, secure, and cost-effective options for storing, accessing, and managing large datasets. Both GCS and AWS S3 fall under our Enterprise Discount Programs (EDPs), ensuring cost-effective access for our community.

Google Cloud Storage (GCS)

GCS is a robust and highly scalable online file storage web service for storing and accessing data on Google Cloud Platform infrastructure. GCS is designed for high availability and durability, offering a range of storage classes tailored to different use cases.

• Features:
  • Multi-regional and regional options for storing data close to users or compute resources.
  • Strong data consistency, ensuring immediate accessibility of uploaded data.
  • Integrated data analytics and machine learning capabilities.
  • Customizable access controls and encryption options for securing data.

Amazon Web Services (AWS) S3

AWS S3 provides object storage through a web service interface, offering scalability, data availability, security, and performance. S3 is designed to make web-scale computing easier for developers, featuring a simple web services interface to store and retrieve any amount of data from anywhere on the web.

• Features:
  • Scalable storage without capacity limits, accommodating large datasets with ease.
  • Comprehensive security and compliance capabilities, including built-in encryption.
  • Lifecycle management for automating transitions between different storage classes.
  • Integration with AWS analytics and machine learning services.

Use Cases

• Data Backup and Recovery: Securely back up critical data and easily recover it in case of loss.
• Data Archiving: Cost-effectively archive large amounts of data with easy retrieval options.
• Content Distribution: Quickly distribute content to users worldwide with high data transfer speeds.
• Big Data Analytics: Store and analyze large datasets to uncover insights and drive decision-making.

Getting Started

To utilize GCS or AWS S3 for your research or academic projects at UCR:

1. Evaluate Your Storage Needs: Consider the size, access patterns, and security requirements of your data.
2. Choose the Right Service: Decide between GCS and AWS S3 based on your specific project needs and preferences.
3. Contact ITS for Setup: Reach out to UCR’s IT Services for assistance in setting up and configuring your cloud storage account under our EDPs.
4. Migrate or Upload Your Data: Begin storing your data securely in the cloud, leveraging the features and capabilities of GCS or AWS S3.

Support and Assistance

UCR’s IT Services and Research Computing teams are available to provide support and assistance in leveraging Google Cloud Storage and AWS S3 for your storage needs. Whether you need help with account setup, data migration, or optimizing your storage strategy, our teams are here to support your success.

For further assistance or to get started with GCS or AWS S3 under our Enterprise Discount Programs, please contact:

• Research Computing Support: research-computing@ucr.edu
• IT Help Desk: helpdesk@ucr.edu

Google Cloud Storage and AWS S3 offer powerful solutions for the storage challenges faced by researchers and educators, enabling UCR to advance its mission of fostering innovation and academic excellence under cost-effective terms.