Cloud Platforms

Cloud Platforms#

Use a Northwestern Cloud Account

Researchers using the cloud for Northwestern research must do so through a Northwestern-affiliated cloud account, unless the project involves only public data, as defined by the Northwestern Data Classification Policy . Personal or unaffiliated cloud accounts do not meet University data policy requirements for research involving any other data type. See Requesting an Account to get started.

Cloud computing lets researchers use on-demand computing resources, including virtual machines, storage, databases, and AI services, over the internet without managing physical hardware. Rather than purchasing and maintaining servers, you set up what you need, when you need it, and pay only for what you use.

At Northwestern, cloud computing is available through three commercial providers: Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP).

New to the cloud? Start with What Is the Cloud? and work through the pages in order. Already have a Northwestern cloud account? Start exploring the pages under Working in the Cloud section.

Getting Started#

  • What Is the Cloud?: An overview of cloud computing, whether it is the right fit for your project, and the major providers available at Northwestern

  • Choosing a Platform: A comparison of AWS, Azure, and GCP to help you decide which platform fits your project

  • Requesting an Account: The benefits of a Northwestern-affiliated cloud account and the steps to request one

  • Picking Cloud Services: The core cloud services most research projects use and how to decide which ones your project needs

Working in the Cloud#

  • Moving Data to the Cloud: Methods for transferring data into your Northwestern cloud account

  • Cloud Billing and Costs: How to control costs, monitor spending in Kion (Northwestern’s cloud cost management tool), and estimate your budget with provider calculators

  • Security Best Practices: Practices for reducing the risk of data exposure or unauthorized access

  • Getting Support: Who to contact for help with your cloud account, designing your cloud setup, or costs