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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?

While you can continue using the HBSGrid for the next few months, we recommend migrating your project spaces now to allow sufficient time to complete the process. RCS is reaching out to all project space sponsors individually to review migration plans. Additionally, note that home directories will be archived when the HBSGrid retires, so we encourage you to migrate any project-related files into your project spaces prior to migration.

What is the process for migrating my projects from the HBSGrid to the RCP?

The general steps for migration are included below, but we encourage project space owners to email research@hbs.edu if they would like a demo of the platform, or would like to talk through their specific case.

  1. Request an RCP account and log into the platform once to activate it. Note that any collaborators you would like to access the new space will also need to request an account.
  2. Request a project space. Note that only faculty and doctoral students can request project spaces.
  3. If your HBSGrid project space contains Level 3+ data, update your DAT record to include the RCP as a storage location.
  4. Migrate your data using our documentation on transferring files or by contacting research@hbs.edu to request migration by IT.
What should I do if I am starting a new research project?

Almost all 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.

I'm a doctoral student with an anticipated graduation date of May 2027. Should I migrate my project space(s)?

Doctoral students graduating in May 2027 have the option to archive their project spaces in place without migrating. If, however, the RCP offers computing capabilities of interest, doctoral students are welcome to migrate their space(s) prior to graduation.

What if I anticipate completing my project on the HBSGrid in the near future?

If you expect that you will complete the work in your HBSGrid project space before April 2027, you may opt to archive it in place rather than migrate. Per University guidelines, project space contents are retained for seven years. After that, the contents can either be transferred to the library for permanent archiving or destroyed — this decision is made by the faculty member in consultation with the library.

What if I no longer need my HBSGrid project space?

If you no longer need your HBSGrid project space, please email research@hbs.edu so we can mark it for archiving. Per University guidelines, project space contents are retained for seven years. After that, the contents can either be transferred to the library for permanent archiving or destroyed — this decision is made by the faculty member in consultation with the library.

🔐 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 July 2026, the available software and tools include:

  • Aurora Database
  • Claude Code
  • JupyterLab
  • MatLab
  • Parallel Computing Services
  • RStudio
  • SageMaker Canvas
  • SageMaker Notebook
  • Spyder
  • Stata
  • Utility Launcher (word processor, spreadsheet application, database GUI, internet browser, etc.)
  • VSCode

Coming Soon!

  • Mathematica
  • SAS

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 FY27 using a reimbursement model. Project sponsors will receive monthly bills for transparency, but are not being charged.

When does my project accrue costs (even though they're currently covered)?

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