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allocations_part1

What is an allocation?

An allocation is an allotment of computing time or data space on XSEDE resources that is given to a researcher who serves as the principal investigator (PI) of an approved project. An account is the specific method through which an individual (or community, in the case of Science Gateways) logs in to a resource to utilize that time or space. An XSEDE allocation provides access to computing and storage resources and to advanced support services at XSEDE service provider (SP) sites.

Computational Resources

XSEDE SPs offer a variety of High Performance Computing (HPC) systems for allocation. Computing platforms include clusters, scalable-parallel systems, and shared-memory systems with various CPU, memory, communications, and storage configurations. It is important that the platform you choose is a good match for your computational plans. For more information about available machines, including XSEDE capabilities, please visit the XSEDE Resources Catalog to view recommended use guidelines for individual resources or search for a resource that meets your criteria.

Time on compute resources is allocated in Service Units (SUs). Computing power on machines differs significantly. To compare SUs on different platforms, see the SU Conversion Calculator.

Storage Resources

All XSEDE compute allocations include access to disk and archival storage to accomplish project goals. In addition, several SPs offer storage platforms to serve other data and storage needs, such as data management, and large-scale persistent storage. These storage allocations are independent of compute allocations

Allocation Eligibility & Types

Allocation Eligibility

To apply, the principal investigator (PI) must be a researcher or educator at a U.S.-based institution, including federal research labs or commercial organizations, though additional information may be needed from researchers not affiliated with academic or non-profit research institutions. A postdoctoral researcher is eligible to serve as PI. After receiving an allocation, PIs can request that students be given accounts to use the allocation.

In general, XSEDE follows the guidelines described in the current NSF Grant Proposal Guide. However, investigators with support from any funding source, not just NSF, are encouraged to apply. If your institution is not a university or a two- or four-year college, special rules may apply.

Allocation Types

The process for requesting and obtaining access to XSEDE resources differs depending upon the type and purpose of the allocation being requested.

  • Startup allocation requests are reviewed continually throughout the year, are the fastest way of getting started on XSEDE, and are recommended for all new XSEDE users. Startup allocations are for one year, after which, the PI should request a Research allocation. Renewals will be permitted with appropriate justification. Once a PI has fulfilled his startup needs, a PI may request a Research allocation.. A PI may submit a Research allocation request at any time during an active Startup allocation. A successful Research allocation will supersede any Startup allocation and start a new 12-month allocation period. A PI may have only one active Startup allocation at a time.

    Startup Allocations on XSEDE are available to faculty members and postdoctoral researchers at U.S. academic research institutions, as well as to K-12 teachers for classroom use.

    Appropriate uses for Startup allocations may include:

    • Application development by principal investigators (PIs)
    • Experimentation on XSEDE platforms
    • Use of XSEDE systems for classroom instruction
    • Developing a science gateway

  • Education allocations are for academic or training classes such as those provided at a university that have specific begin and end dates. In addition to training classes Education projects support classroom instruction. Education allocations are appropriate for academic courses or training classes having a registration number, class description and known timeframe. Education requests have the same allocation size limits as Startup requests. PIs on education allocations must be faculty.

    Startup and Education allocations are easy to request with fast approval time. The request process requires a CV and short abstract; PIs may apply at any time. Startup allocations are appropriate for code development, experimentation with XSEDE platforms, or for application testing. Most first-time XSEDE users begin with a Startup allocation. PIs may request a single computational resource or a combination of resources. Startup requests may total up to 200,000 CPU-hours (or Service Units, SUs), though limits for individual resources may vary. For resource specific startup limits view the table below.

    The PI should assess the amount of time that will be necessary to accomplish their computational project. If you are just getting started and not certain of your computational needs, then apply for a Startup allocation request. For a project that requires a significant amount of time or data storage, apply for a Research allocation. You must supply a formal request (proposal) document for a Research allocation.