A Flexible and Secure Cloud Service for Life Science Research

Performance and Network

Safespring offers a range of VM flavors on a flexible IaaS platform that can easily be adapted to customer requirements. VM flavors range from 1 vCPU to 128 vCPU and RAM from 1 GB to 256 GB. Safespring can also add new VM flavors as customer requirements change over time.

To improve performance and stability, Safespring uses a Calico network plugin for OpenStack, providing top-tier separation between customer infrastructures and reducing network load. This also enhances the security of sensitive data often used in bioinformatics.

Calico enables management of all network traffic at layer-3 using the established BGP protocol, reducing load and complexity compared to traditional layer-2 bridging and providing optimal network performance. Safespring also applies security groups (virtual firewall rules) per virtual machine to protect customers’ sensitive data.

Storage and Security

Safespring delivers cloud-based storage to meet SciLifeLab’s needs for high storage capacity for their data management and AI modeling systems. Safespring uses S3 object storage as standard to enable storage of large volumes of data in a scalable and secure environment. SciLifeLab also uses Safespring storage as a building block for creating research environments.

Safespring maintains a detailed Service-based SLA and monitors technical performance and service levels of its systems and services 24/7. Safespring uses ITIL4-compatible processes, procedures, tasks, and checklists to achieve this. All monitoring and service analysis data are transparent and available to the customer upon request.

Safespring responds promptly to all support cases, ensuring that researchers can perform their tasks without distraction. Safespring provides regular reports to customers on their current technical delivery status against SLA and on the development of new/updated service features.

What is a GPU?

GPU stands for Graphics Processing Unit and is a processor designed specifically for handling graphically intensive tasks, such as computer games and image or video editing. In this context, GPUs are used for Protein Folding and image data analysis in research.

Compliance

Safespring is a cloud service provider that recognizes the importance of meeting regulations and standards to protect customer data and security. By complying with regulations and standards, Safespring can guarantee that their cloud services meet the highest security standards. Safespring is also part of the European Gaia-X initiative, an independent cloud infrastructure that guarantees European digital sovereignty. By using Safespring’s cloud services, researchers can be confident that their data is stored and managed securely in accordance with the highest standards and compliance requirements.

Open Standards

Safespring supports open standards like OpenStack and Kubernetes, ensuring that their cloud services are open, scalable, and compatible with other cloud platforms and technologies. Open standards also provide researchers with flexibility and freedom of choice in selecting technology that suits their specific research needs. Safespring’s open standards also offer the advantage of researchers using cloud services that are compatible with their existing IT infrastructure.

Digital Sovereignty

Safespring is a Swedish cloud service provider unaffected by US legislation such as FISA 702 and the CLOUD Act. This means that Safespring does not need to share customer data with US authorities, and the customer retains full control over their data and information. Additionally, Safespring is part of the European Gaia-X initiative, guaranteeing European digital sovereignty and self-determination over data management. By using Safespring’s cloud services, researchers can be sure that their data is secure and protected against surveillance and intrusion.

What is OCRE?

Open Clouds for Research Environments (OCRE) is an EU-funded project that aims to promote the use of cloud services and Earth Observation (EO) services within the research community. The OCRE project strives to facilitate and accelerate the use of commercial cloud services in research by acting as a bridge between the research community and cloud service providers.

Learn more about OCRE.

What is GÉANT?

GÉANT is a European research and education networking organization that brings together Europe’s national research and education networks (NRENs). GÉANT supports research and education across Europe by providing infrastructure, services, and solutions for data sharing, communication, and collaboration.

In the context of OCRE, GÉANT is one of the main parties in the OCRE project. GÉANT, along with other partners, works to facilitate access to and use of cloud services for the research community through OCRE.

GÉANT’s role within OCRE involves helping to negotiate agreements with cloud service providers, providing a platform for access to these services, and supporting the research community in utilizing these resources effectively. GÉANT’s extensive network and experience in research and education make them a key partner in the OCRE project.