MBIM researchers can use UBC Advanced Research Computing (ARC) resources and national Alliance services for high-performance computing, cloud infrastructure, storage, and other advanced research workflows. These services are useful for data-intensive analysis, custom research platforms, batch processing, and collaborative infrastructure that goes beyond a standard desktop or shared drive.
On this page
Default research computing capabilities
The Digital Research Alliance of Canada provides free national digital research infrastructure (DRI) through a single Alliance account. Depending on your project, this can include access to high-performance computing clusters, cloud infrastructure, and multiple storage tiers.
- Compute (HPC): National clusters for batch processing, large-scale simulations, and high-throughput or parallel workloads.
- Cloud (Alliance Cloud / Arbutus): Flexible virtual infrastructure for persistent services, web applications, APIs, and custom software environments.
- Storage: Home, project, and high-performance storage options to support active work, collaboration, and longer-term data retention.
Use these services when your research workload is larger or more specialized than a standard workstation can support. For department-specific guidance on local devices and storage practices, also review MBIM pages such as Backup and File Services, Network Access, and Device Encryption.
Alliance Cloud (Arbutus)
Alliance Cloud, also known as Arbutus, is intended for research teams that need more flexibility than a scheduled cluster environment provides. It is especially useful for services that must remain available over time or that require a customized operating system and software stack.
- Provides fully configurable virtual machines for custom environments and long-running services.
- Supports persistent applications such as research portals, APIs, dashboards, and collaborative platforms.
- Runs on OpenStack and includes compute, block storage, and object storage services.
- Object storage supports S3 and Swift-compatible workflows for large-scale data sharing.
- Data remains in Canada within managed research infrastructure.
Use Alliance Cloud when you need flexibility, persistent services, or custom infrastructure. Use HPC clusters when the primary need is batch jobs, queue-based scheduling, or tightly coupled large-scale computation.
How UBC ARC and Alliance work together
UBC researchers often use both local and national research computing services. These are complementary rather than competing options.
- UBC ARC: Local infrastructure, consultation, and support for UBC researchers.
- Alliance: National-scale compute, cloud, and storage resources for broader or more customizable workloads.
- Combined use: Many projects use local UBC support alongside Alliance infrastructure depending on data sensitivity, scale, and technical requirements.
- Local fit: UBC ARC can be a better match when institutional requirements, compliance, or hands-on support are important.
- National fit: Alliance can be a better match for large-scale, multi-institutional, or highly customized workloads.
When to use each resource
Use HPC clusters when you need
- Batch jobs and large simulations
- Parallel processing with MPI, OpenMP, or related tools
- Shorter-lived but resource-intensive workloads
Use Alliance Cloud when you need
- Persistent services or web applications
- Custom software environments and operating system control
- Interactive, real-time, or service-oriented processing
Use UBC ARC when you need
- Support for sensitive or regulated data workflows
- Closer alignment with local institutional requirements
- Direct consultation and hands-on support from UBC specialists
Scaling beyond the default allocation
The default allocation is often sufficient for exploratory or moderate workloads. If your project grows beyond those limits, you can request more capacity through Alliance allocation programs.
- Rapid Access Service (RAS): A faster path for moderate increases to resource limits.
- Resource Allocation Competition (RAC): Larger, more formal requests for dedicated resource allocations.
Projects involving regulated or particularly sensitive data should confirm data-handling requirements before moving workloads to shared national infrastructure. If you are unsure, start with UBC ARC and review the ARC consultation service before building a workflow.
How to sign up
Use the steps below to register for an Alliance account and begin accessing compute, cloud, and storage services.
1. Register on the CCDB portal
- Go to ccdb.alliancecan.ca.
- Select Register and create your account.
2. Accept policies and confirm affiliation
- Accept the Alliance terms, policies, and usage agreements.
- Confirm your institutional affiliation, such as UBC.
3. Choose the correct role
If you are a Principal Investigator (PI):
- Register first and wait for approval, which commonly takes 1–2 business days.
- Receive your Role Identifier (RI / CCRI) after approval.
If you are a student, postdoctoral fellow, or staff member:
- Register as a Group Member.
- Enter your supervisor’s RI (CCRI) during registration.
- Your PI must approve your request before you can use group resources.
4. Verify your email
- Check your inbox and confirm the registration email.
5. Access services
- Log in to Alliance HPC clusters such as Cedar, Béluga, or Niagara when appropriate for your workflow.
- Use Alliance Cloud (Arbutus) for virtual infrastructure and persistent services.
- Access storage and transfer tools associated with your account.
Notes
- You only need one Alliance account for the different service types.
- Accounts need periodic renewal to remain active.
- Most users begin with default resources and request expansion later through RAS or RAC.