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Features and Capabilities of the ReD Environment

The ReD Environment provides Harvard researchers with a secure, scalable, and DUA-compliant platform tailored for advanced research computing. Designed in collaboration with the Office of the Vice Provost for Research (OVPR), the ReD Environment enables high-performance workflows involving regulated data while minimizing the burden of cybersecurity and compliance.

Key Features of the ReD Environment

AWS ParallelCluster with Open OnDemand

A high-performance computing (HPC) platform designed for advanced parallel workflows, featuring:

  • SLURM Job Scheduling: Efficiently manage resources, submit batch jobs, and automate workflows.
  • Parallel Computing: Distribute workloads across multiple nodes with MPI support.
  • Dynamic Scaling: Adjust cluster size automatically to meet computational demands.
  • Customizable Partitions: Dedicated partitions for each Principal Investigator (PI) or project, tailored to specific needs.

AWS Research and Engineering Studio

A virtual desktop environment for streamlined research computing, offering:

  • Custom Virtual Desktops: Tailored configurations for storage, memory, cores, and GPUs.
  • Pre-Installed Research Software: Tools such as Stata, RStudio, SAS, and Python are readily available.
  • Compliant Ad Hoc Workspaces: Secure environments for reviewing or editing sensitive documentation.
  • User-Friendly Access: Leverage familiar interfaces, including Windows Remote Desktop and web-based applications.

Data Storage & Transfer

Multi different data storage and high throughput data transfer exist:

  • Elastic File System: Provides small capacity of storage for home directories and software in both computing environments.
  • FSx for Lustre: Provides performat SSD filesystem cache for Lab Shares in ParallelCluster and is backed by S3.
  • S3 File Gateway: Provides SMB access to S3 storage for Windows VDI session in Research Enginering Studio.
  • Globus: Globus provides a secure, unified interface to import/export data to/from of ReD Environment.

Advanced Capabilities

Parallel Computing

  • Efficient distribution of tasks such as simulations or large-scale data processing.
  • High throughput for concurrent operations, reducing time-to-completion.

Massive Memory Allocations

  • Support for memory-intensive tasks like genome sequencing, machine learning, and big data analysis.
  • Instances configurable with terabyte-scale memory.

Job Scheduling and Automation

  • Use SLURM to schedule, queue, and automate jobs with complex dependencies.
  • Automate recurring tasks or schedule off-peak operations to optimize resource utilization.

Researcher Benefits

Enhanced Efficiency

  • Streamline workflows with easy access to secure resources and powerful tools.
  • Dynamic scaling ensures cost-effective resource utilization.

Compliance Without Compromise

  • Fully compliant with FISMA-Moderate, NIST 800-171, CMS ARS 3.1, and Harvard Data Safety Level 4 standards.
  • CMMC Level 2 certification anticipated by the end of 2025.

Custom Support

  • Dedicated office hours every Tuesday (2:00–4:00 p.m. EST) via Zoom.
  • Tailored onboarding, consultation, and troubleshooting through ServiceNow.

Contact and Access

To request access or learn more about the ReD Environment, email regulated_data_environment@harvard.edu. Whether you're running simulations, managing large datasets, or conducting compliance-driven research, the ReD Environment empowers you to achieve world-class results.