Cloud to Ground Secured Computing: User Experiences on the Transition from Cloud-Based to Locally-Sited Hardware

TL;DR

This paper discusses the transition from cloud-based to local high-performance computing solutions for handling sensitive data, highlighting user experiences, benefits, and operational challenges.

Contribution

It introduces Weber, a locally-sited HPC system for CUI data, demonstrating improvements in data access, portability, usability, and cost-effectiveness over cloud solutions.

Findings

Weber offers enhanced data access and portability.

Operational costs are reduced with Weber.

User experience improves with local HPC deployment.

Abstract

The application of high-performance computing (HPC) processes, tools, and technologies to Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) creates both opportunities and challenges. Building on our experiences developing, deploying, and managing the Research Environment for Encumbered Data (REED) hosted by AWS GovCloud, Research Computing at Purdue University has recently deployed Weber, our locally-sited HPC solution for the storage and analysis of CUI data. Weber presents our customer base with advances in data access, portability, and usability at a low, stable cost while reducing administrative overhead for our information technology support team.