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HBS Research Computing Platform (RCP) – Frequently Asked Questions

🔄 Transition from HBSGrid to the RCP

Why is the HBS Research Grid being retired?

HBS is transitioning to a more modern, scalable, and flexible research computing environment. The cloud-based Research Computing Platform (RCP) offers enhanced performance, greater elasticity, access to GPUs, and integrated data science tools that better support evolving research needs.

Do I need to take action today? Will my current projects and home directory be affected right now?

No immediate action is required. All active and archived projects, along with home directories, on the HBSGrid remain fully accessible at this time. You may continue your work without interruption.

What should I do if I am starting a new research project?

Many new project spaces can be provisioned on the RCP. Please see the available software and tools below, or contact research@hbs.edu with a description of your work if you'd like to discuss using the platform. We’re happy to discuss your project requirements, or to answer any other questions you may have.

🔐 Access & Project Setup

How do I get access to RCP?

Visit the RCP documentation homepage and follow the access instructions:

🔗 https://hbs-rcs.github.io/hbsrcp-docs/

You must log into RCP at least once before being added to a project.

If you need help, contact research@hbs.edu.

What is a project space?

A project space is a shared workspace where the following are managed:

  • Data
  • Compute sessions
  • Storage
  • Permissions
  • Costs

All work in RCP happens inside a project space.

Learn more:
🔗 https://hbs-rcs.github.io/hbsrcp-docs/manageprojects/

Who can add me to a project?

Only the Project Owner can add users to a project by reaching out to research@hbs.edu.

You must log into RCP at least once before the Project Owner can add you.

I logged in but don’t see any projects. Why?

Most likely:

  • You have not been added to a project yet, or
  • You have not logged in at least once before being added

Contact your Project Owner or research@hbs.edu.

💾 Data Upload & Storage

How do I upload a file from my laptop?
  1. Open your project Workbench.
  2. Click the Files tab.
  3. Click Upload File.
  4. Select your file.

File transfer guide:
🔗 https://hbs-rcs.github.io/hbsrcp-docs/syncfiles/

Is there a file size limit?
  • Web uploads support single files up to 5GB.
  • For large or multiple files, use Globus or compress your files.

More details:
🔗 https://hbs-rcs.github.io/hbsrcp-docs/syncfiles/

Where is my data stored?

Your data is stored in your project’s S3-backed storage, accessible through:

  • The Files tab
  • Your launchers (RStudio, Jupyter, VSCode)

Storage documentation:
🔗 https://hbs-rcs.github.io/hbsrcp-docs/storage_software/

Can I use Git?

Yes. Git can be used within launchers such as VSCode or RStudio terminals.

Documentation:
🔗 https://hbs-rcs.github.io/hbsrcp-docs/syncfiles/#managing-source-code-syncing-to-git

💻 Launchers & Compute Sessions

What is a launcher?

A launcher is an interactive compute session, such as:

  • RStudio
  • JupyterLab
  • VSCode
  • SageMaker environments

Launchers guide:
🔗 https://hbs-rcs.github.io/hbsrcp-docs/launchers_sessions/

How do I start a session?
  1. Open your project Workbench.
  2. Select a launcher.
  3. Choose instance size and type.
  4. Click Create.
  5. Click Connect when ready.

Detailed instructions:
🔗 https://hbs-rcs.github.io/hbsrcp-docs/launchers_sessions/

What’s the difference between Stop and Terminate?
  • Stop: Pauses compute. You can restart later.
  • Terminate: Permanently deletes the session.

Stopping prevents ongoing compute charges.

More details:
🔗 https://hbs-rcs.github.io/hbsrcp-docs/launchers_sessions/

📦 Available Software & Tools

Available Packages and Tools

RCS and IT are continually working to add functionality to the RCP. As of February 2026, the available software and tools include:

  • Aurora Database
  • JupyterLab
  • RStudio
  • SageMaker Canvas
  • SageMaker Notebook
  • Spyder
  • Stata
  • VSCode

Coming Soon!

  • Mathematica
  • MatLab
  • SAS
  • Batch processing capabilities
  • Parallel processing

For more details on software environments and storage:
🔗 https://hbs-rcs.github.io/hbsrcp-docs/storage_software/

Can I install additional packages?

Yes. You can install R or Python packages within your launcher session.

Installation guidance:
🔗 https://hbs-rcs.github.io/hbsrcp-docs/storage_software/

💰 Costs & Billing

All costs will be covered by DRFD and HBS IT through FY26 using a reimbursement model.

When am I charged?

You are charged while a session is running.

Stopped sessions incur minimal storage costs.

Billing documentation:
🔗 https://hbs-rcs.github.io/hbsrcp-docs/billing/

How can I monitor project spending?

Project Owners can view usage and cost dashboards within the project.

More information:
🔗 https://hbs-rcs.github.io/hbsrcp-docs/manageprojects/

How do I reduce costs?
  • Stop sessions when not actively using them
  • Choose appropriately sized instances
  • Terminate unused sessions

Billing guide:
🔗 https://hbs-rcs.github.io/hbsrcp-docs/billing/

Does the RCP cover the cost of API keys (e.g., OpenAI, Gemini, external data services)?

No. The RCP covers platform-related cloud costs (compute, storage, and built-in services), but it does not cover costs associated with external APIs or third-party services that you access from within the platform. These must be paid separately by your research budget.

Please note that Harvard provides access to many APIs, including AI APIs such as Gemini and OpenAI, which can be used securely for data up to Level 3. Information about how to request an account and set up billing for these APIs through Harvard is available below.

Harvard APIs:
🔗 https://hbs-rcs.github.io/hbsrcp-docs/billing/

🔒 Security & Data Classification

What data security levels are supported?

RCP supports research workloads aligned with Harvard’s data security classification Levels 1 to 4.

For official guidance:
🔗 https://privsec.harvard.edu/

If you’re unsure about your data classification, consult your Project Owner.

🛠 Troubleshooting & Support

Who do I contact for help?

Email: research@hbs.edu.

This is the central support channel for:

  • Access issues
  • Billing questions
  • Technical problems
  • Documentation clarifications