Accessing Resources

We are dedicated to providing an advanced research computing (ARC) platform that meets the needs of our diverse user community. In addition to existing support for large-scale research projects, Canada’s national ARC platform is capable of sustaining robust research for mid- and smaller-scale data-intensive projects, in any discipline.

Please consult the Technical Glossary for more information about the terminology below, or contact support@tech.alliancecan.ca.

ARC Access Model

Non-competitive 

Competitive

Default access

Start right away

Rapid Access Service 

I need a bit more

Resource Allocation Competition

I need more than RAS

Create an account.

 

Storage: 1 TB of /project storage granted automatically in most clusters.

 

CPU/ GPU: available for opportunistic use (resources are not guaranteed but there is no cap either).

With a simple request users receive:

  • additional /project and /nearline storage.
  • basic cloud resources.
 

(CPU and GPU access is the same as Default).
  • Users with Faculty, Adjunct Faculty and Librarian positions only.
  • Any available resource can be requested. 
  • No maximum limit is imposed on resource requests.
  • Resources available are scaled across all research disciplines.

Important: 

While resources are provided for free to researchers at a Canadian institution and their collaborators, all users must request access to the specific system(s) that they intend to use.

Steps to access ARC resources

Create an account

To access any of our ARC resources, you must first apply for an account. Access to cloud resources via Rapid Access Service (RAS) or the Resource Allocation Competition (RAC) also requires a cloud project. For more details on gaining access to a cloud project, see our cloud documentation. 

Accounts must be renewed annually to remain active. To learn more about the account renewal process visit this page.

Default access 

All users get access to a basic amount of resources after  account activation, so you can experiment and start working right away.

  • Storage: see default storage quotas available.
  • Compute: CPU and GPU resources are available for opportunistic use (no priority).

Rapid Access Service (RAS)

The RAS offers Principal Investigators the possibility to request additional storage and cloud resources than what is available by default. 

While additional CPU and GPU resources can only be increased with the submission of a RAC application, many research groups can meet their needs through what is available through the RAS alone and therefore do not need to apply to the RAC.

For more information, please visit the RAS page.

Resource Allocation Competition (RAC)

This is a peer-reviewed competition for projects that need resources beyond what is available via RAS. There are two main application processes:

  • Resources for Research Groups (RRG): Intended for projects whose primary purpose is to conduct research requiring compute, storage and cloud resources to meet their goals. 
    • Successful RRG projects are allowed to reapply for up to two additional years through the Fast Track process, which requires the submission of a lightweight progress report.
       
  • Research Platforms and Portals (RPP): A peer reviewed application process for projects whose primary purpose is to provide a service through scientific gateways that improve access to shared datasets, enhance existing online research tools and facilities, or advance national or international research collaborations. RPP projects typically involve cloud resources, usually through the development of a front-end gateway on persistent virtual machines, with possible backend compute either through cloud compute nodes or job-based submission to the national clusters. Many platforms and portals also include large databases.
    • Successful RPPs are required to submit an annual progress report to continue with their resource allocations for the awarded period.

Below are some additional information resources that you may want to consult:

Technical Support 

We offer consultation and technical support to Canadian researchers across the country. Furthermore, we have more than 200 experts employed at 38 campuses in Canada. Our experts are available to offer bilingual support on a wide range of topics.