Research data management has historically been an uphill battle for many institutions. Princeton University is now leading the way with TigerData, a robust new service designed to simplify, secure, and optimize the entire research data lifecycle.
This innovative platform is more than just a storage solution, it represents a fundamental shift in how Princeton supports its researchers, offering tools and practices that keep pace with the evolving demands of modern scholarship.
Solutions for Growing Research Needs
With projects ranging from a few gigabytes to hundreds of terabytes, Princeton's research community faces immense data storage and management hurdles. Previously, many faculty and research groups relied on improvised solutions, which often led to inefficiency and compliance concerns.
TigerData addresses these issues by providing a centralized, secure, and scalable ecosystem. Researchers can now focus on discovery rather than logistics, knowing their data is well-managed and accessible.
Serving Every Discipline
One of TigerData’s most notable strengths is its inclusivity. The service is built to support all fields, from the sciences to the humanities. For researchers like Professor Jon Cohen, who rely on advanced tools generating vast datasets, TigerData opens doors to new experimental possibilities. Its launch not only modernizes data management at Princeton but also sets a benchmark among top research institutions.
From Basic Storage to Smart Management
TigerData goes beyond simply offering more storage space. It ushers in a culture of comprehensive data management, starting at the inception of each project. Researchers are encouraged to integrate best practices from the beginning, minimizing issues around organization and future retrieval.
Metadata plays a critical role: by tagging datasets with key information, users ensure data remains understandable and accessible. Dedicated support and training, including the appointment of data managers within research groups, further reinforce these standards.
Core Features and Functionality
TigerData’s infrastructure is powered by Mediaflux, a platform designed to track and organize data efficiently, regardless of where it physically resides. The system’s customizable metadata options allow users to categorize data by ownership, project, funding, and retention needs making compliance and discovery straightforward. TigerData’s main features include:
- Scalable storage: Supporting everything from small-scale projects to massive data endeavors.
- Metadata tagging: Enhancing organization, searchability, and regulatory compliance.
- FAIR principles: Ensuring data is Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable.
- On-campus support: Personalized technical and data management assistance.
Institutional Benefits Over Commercial Services
Unlike generic platforms like Dropbox or Google Drive, TigerData is tailored to Princeton’s unique research workflows. This allows for rapid adaptation to user feedback and seamless integration with high-performance computing resources, perfect for projects requiring fast, reliable access to large datasets. The collaborative leadership behind TigerData ensures it continually evolves to meet researchers’ needs, providing an institutional edge over off-the-shelf solutions.
The Road Ahead for TigerData
TigerData is currently available at no cost for most users, with a cost-sharing model planned for the largest data consumers in the future. This approach helps maintain system sustainability while ensuring broad access. As research at Princeton continues to grow in scale and complexity, TigerData is equipped to adapt, supporting compliance, long-term data stewardship, and the university’s mission to drive innovation.
TigerData marks a transformative leap in research data management at Princeton, empowering researchers to unlock new opportunities and tackle bigger challenges. By combining robust infrastructure, user-friendly practices, and dedicated support, TigerData positions Princeton at the forefront of academic innovation in the digital age.
TigerData Is Set to Transform Research Data Management at Princeton