Infrastructure

What is data infrastructure?

Data infrastructure refers to the underlying systems, technologies, and processes that support the storage, management, sharing, and preservation of data throughout its lifecycle. This includes hardware (servers, storage devices), software (databases, repositories, data management tools), networks, and standards that enable secure, efficient, and scalable data operations.

Why is data infrastructure important?

Robust data infrastructure is essential for:

• Ensuring data is securely stored and backed up
• Facilitating efficient data access, sharing, and collaboration
• Supporting compliance with legal, ethical, and institutional requirements
• Enabling scalability as data volumes grow
• Promoting adherence to FAIR principles by making data findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable
• Reducing risks of data loss, corruption, or unauthorized access Without proper infrastructure, data management becomes inefficient, error-prone, and potentially insecure.

What should be considered for data infrastructure?

To ensure best practices and adherence to FAIR principles in data infrastructure, consider the following:

• Security: Implement robust access controls, encryption, and monitoring to protect data.
• Scalability: Choose infrastructure that can grow with your data needs.
• Interoperability: Use standards-based systems and formats to facilitate data exchange and integration.
• Backup and Recovery: Establish regular backup routines and disaster recovery plans.
• Sustainability: Plan for long-term maintenance, funding, and support of infrastructure.
• Documentation: Maintain clear documentation of infrastructure components, configurations, and policies.
• Compliance: Ensure infrastructure meets relevant legal, ethical, and institutional requirements (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA).
• FAIR Principles: Support metadata standards, persistent identifiers, and open protocols to enhance data FAIRness.
• Performance: Monitor and optimize infrastructure for reliability and efficiency.

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