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Self-Migration from the HBSGrid to the RCP

This guide walks you through moving an existing HBSGrid project to the HBS Research Computing Platform (RCP).

Step 1: Get access to the RCP

Request an RCP account, log in once to activate it, and then request a new RCP project to replace your HBSGrid project.

Get started with the RCP

Step 2: Check your data security requirements

If your HBSGrid project space contains Level 3 or Level 4 data, you must update your DAT record to include the RCP as a storage location before moving the data.

How to update your DAT record

The RCP supports research data at Levels 1–4.

Step 3: Move your data

If you prefer to move your data yourself

For small amounts of data, you can upload files through the RCP Files interface.

Transfer files using RCP File interface

For large datasets or many files, use Globus.

Transfer files to the RCP using Globus

Contact RCS for guidance on migrating MariaDB databases.

If you prefer IT to move your data

Please contact RCS and provide a time window that works for your research team. Depending on the size of your HBSGrid project space, the migration may take several days, so please plan accordingly.

Step 4: Recreate your computing environment

Assign launchers, configurations, and services to your project space.

Manage your project

Launch the tools you need and recreate your working environments:

  • JupyterLab
  • RStudio
  • Stata
  • Spyder
  • VS Code
  • MATLAB

Launching sessions

Recreating your environments

Step 5: Recreate your batch jobs (if applicable)

If your HBSGrid project uses the scheduler for batch jobs, review your job scripts carefully.

HBSGrid uses LSF, while RCP uses AWS Parallel Computing Service (PCS) with Slurm. Existing submission scripts will need to be updated.

Learn about batch jobs

If you do not need a job scheduler and your primary aim is to run background jobs, you can run these inside launchers.

Background jobs in launchers

Step 6: Add your collaborators

Ensure everyone who needs access has an RCP account and has logged in once to activate the account.

Email RCS to add collaborators to your space.

Step 7: Test before the HBSGrid is retired

Verify that:

  • Your data is complete and files open as expected
  • Your code runs
  • Your jobs run successfully
  • Your collaborators have access

Once everything is working, please contact RCS for the HBSGrid project space to be archived.

Need help?

RCS can help with migration questions.

Contact Research Computing Services at research@hbs.edu.