Cost Model for Research and Archiving Storage
As a researcher, you can use various solutions for storing and archiving research data. Some of these solutions are recommended and managed by VU: Research Drive, Yoda and DataverseNL. The costs of using these solutions are charged to users in different ways. The cost model below provides insight into the applicable fees.
Introduction
To clarify which systems, volumes and costs are involved and how they are charged, a cost model has been developed. This distinguishes only between storage for archiving purposes (Yoda archive, DataverseNL) and (active) storage during research (Research Drive, Yoda active).
Note: as of 2024, the costs for archiving are part of the ‘Kosten Doorbelasting Model’ (Cost Chargeback Model).
The cost model described below is only applicable to solutions managed by the Network Research Data Support (NeRDS): Research Drive, Yoda and DataverseNL. A different cost model currently applies to Scistor. Storage and archiving solutions managed in-house and solutions from external providers are not part of this model.
Cost Model
The usage of storage space is tracked and calculated on a monthly basis. The processing of the storage costs of the previous year, is calculated in January of the new year. If the storage usage increases in October to above 500GB of storage space for the rest of the year (e.g. 650GB). This will result in the following calculation: Monthly costs €200,-/12 * 3 months of usage = €50,-. Therefore €50,- will be billed to the cost center number or WBS-element related to the research project.
A more detailed description of the cost model, including examples of how the costs turn out in practice, is available in this document.
1. Storage up to a volume of 500Gb per project
This first level is a basic provision for all researchers. The costs of the storage are passed on through the Cost Chargeback Model.
2. Storage between 500Gb and 2Tb per project
At the intermediate level, costs do get passed on to researchers and research projects, but not on a 1-to-1 basis. The associated costs are:
Active storage: €200 per year for all data between 500Gb and 2Tb
3. Storage over a volume of 2Tb per project
At the third level, the costs are fully charged to researchers and research projects. The associated costs are:
Active storage: €250 per Tb per year on top of the costs for the intermediate level