IT Services for Research

Aalto University provides, manages, and supports computers for its’ researchers. As a researcher at Aalto, you can eitherget a laptop/workstation, use an existing Aalto workstation virtually, or loan a laptop for a short period depending on your needs and departmental recommendations. Scroll down to know more! 

Ordering a laptop/workstation

TIP! Did you know that you can use an Aalto virtual workstation on your own device from anywhere and use all available software and services offered by Aalto? Skip to the next section to know more!

Aalto IT Services (Aalto ITS) encourages researchers and staff to use Aalto virtual workstations wherever possible. However, if deemed necessary, you can also buy/order a laptop or workstation. Aalto ITS supports a selection of standardised PC models that are listed here.

In some units, the order must be placed only by the unit’s technical services personnel. Therefore, please consult with the personnel responsible for IT devices in your unit before ordering and getting the necessary approvals. In addition, Aalto IT Service Desk can advise on choosing the right models for you. Recommended set-ups are put together so that they cover the needs of your research.

Contact IT Service Desk

You will find instructions on how to order a computer through this page. 

Everything you need to know about ordering/buying PCDelivery methods and delivery times of PCs In general, employee laptops and workstations are centrally managed by Aalto ITS. On both managed laptops and workstations, you can become a “primary user” which allows you to install needed software and it is recommended practice by Aalto ITS. The following table shows the main benefits of using Aalto managed system.

Now that you have an Aalto-managed laptop/workstation, here are the end-user instructions for activating your laptop/workstation as well as the quick user guide for Aalto Windows machines.

End-user instructions for workstation activation

Aalto Windows Quick guide

In case of questions or issues related to Aalto-managed laptops and workstations, never hesitate to contact IT Service Desk.

Managed Laptops and Their Operating Systems

A managed laptop offers numerous advantages:

• Operating system upgrades are automatic. 
• Installing new software is simple from the Aalto Windows Workstation Selfservice Portal. Read more about the University software licenses.

As managed operating systems have been thoroughly tested, they have proved to be reliable. Nevertheless, if any issues arise, IT services offer support.

Operating systems

Aalto ITS provides three choices of operating systems for Aalto-managed laptops.

• Windows
• Mac 
• Ubuntu

With a managed operating system, you can focus entirely on teaching and research. In specific environments, such as laboratories, managed installations may not be feasible. In these instances, standalone installations are permitted. Standalone machines must be placed in a restricted network segments without internet access. Aalto Terminal device rule

Using an Aalto workstation virtually

Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) offers virtual Windows 10 and Ubuntu desktops that are located inside Aalto’s network. Using a virtual desktop is like using a physical one. You just need to connect to the desktop from your own device from anywhere by using VMware Horizon platform. You can do this either by installing VMware Horizon Client or through the web browser. Both methods can be used interchangeably. However, please note that it does not work with the old Edge browser.

Access VDI service

Aalto VDI Quick guide

Aalto VDI FAQs

To check the list of the software available at VDI, visit Aalto Wiki, and search there “VDI”. 

As an Aalto researcher, you can also open access for your own Windows research workstation via a remote log-in, from your own home computer, for example. The traffic of the remote connection is encrypted, so using it is safe.

End-user guide for taking a remote connection in use on a Windows research workstation (Remote Desktop)

In case of questions or issues related to using Aalto desktops virtually or Aalto VDI service, never hesitate to contact IT Service Desk.

Loaning a laptop for a short period

IT Service Desk loans out laptop computers to staff members for a fixed period, for short-term work use. This service enables working even if your own device is in maintenance or there is a delay in equipment deliveries, for example.

NOTE!The loan period for laptop computers is a maximum of two weeks in general. If necessary, a slightly longer loan period can be negotiated.

Everything you need to know about loaning a laptop computer

To loan a laptop or in case of questions/issues related to loaning a laptop computer, never hesitate to contact IT Service Desk.

IT Classrooms

TIP! If you do not have a need to use your own device, you can use computers in IT classrooms. 

• You can check available computers at IT classrooms (both Otaniemi and Mikkeli campuses) by visiting https://booking.aalto.fi/
• Linux computer names in IT classrooms in Otaniemi
• You can find the right physical locations of those computers by using Aalto Space app 
• Everything you need to know about IT-classrooms

In case of questions or issues related IT classrooms, never hesitate to contact IT Service Desk.

As a researcher, it is also possible for you to order IT equipment such as phones, displays, and other additional accessories.
 

Phone and mobile subscriptions

NOTE!The need for a mobile phone and phone model is decided by your supervisor following possible policies in your respective research unit/department. In some units, the order must be placed only by the unit’s technical services personnel. Therefore, please consult with the personnel responsible for IT devices in your unit before ordering and getting the necessary approvals.

NOTE! Aalto University's telephone subscriptions are provided for work use only. This includes calls, text messages, and data. Private use is prohibited, including data services.

Phone models and their recommendations can be freely browsed directly from the ordering portal by choosing "Phones, accessories" from the list. Aalto's current phone supplier is Telia. 

Everything you need to know about ordering a phone

Mobile subscriptions are also ordered through the ordering portal by choosing "Mobile subscriptions" from the list. 

Everything you need to know about ordering a mobile subscription Everything you need to know about mobile subscriptions and usage

In case of questions or issues related to phones and mobile subscriptions, never hesitate to contact IT Service Desk.

Other available research and IT devices at Aalto University

As an Aalto researcher, you can use/lend research and IT tools from Aalto IT Services (Aalto ITS), your own unit/department, or Aalto University.

1. IT Service Desk loans out laptop computers, phones, and AV equipment to Aalto staffs and researchers. Visit Loaning of devices from IT Service Desk to know more! Contact IT Service Desk
2. Aalto University departments/units make IT equipment available for Aalto staff and researchers, ranging from audiovisual production gear to scientific measuring devices. Anyone with an Aalto University user account can sign in and use the service. Equipment-specific restrictions may apply. Access to takeout.aalto.fi
3. If you are looking for IT equipment/s for research or teaching purposes, check out Aalto University's Infrastructure booking services. Infrabooking can be used by Aalto staff, students, researchers, and Aalto external users. Access to infrabooking.aalto.fi

NOTE! Most research and creative practice devices in Otaniemi can be found from Aalto's Device Registry. If you are looking for some specific IT device that you can not find on any of the above resources, please contact IT Customer Relationship manager at your school: [email protected]. 

Commonly asked IT devices and their locations

To make it easy for you, we have compiled the list and location of commonly asked IT devices by Aalto researchers on one page: Machines, tools and workshops in Aalto for Artistic and Creative Practices

On the page you can find:

• 3D Printers

NOTE! To use 3D Printers, researchers need to be familiar with working with 3D printers. To know more know about necessary training, please contact IT Customer Relationship manager at your school: [email protected].  

TIP! Did you know that Aalto School of Arts, Design, and Architecture offers a 3D Print workshop for Aalto students and researchers? The workshop is equipped with low- to high-end machines and the latest software that are used as teaching tools and for research support in the fields of design, the arts, and architecture. Everything you need to know about 3D Print Workshop

• High-Speed Cameras

NOTE! To use high-speed cameras, researchers need to have completed appropriate prior training. To know more know about necessary training, please contact IT Customer Relationship manager at your school: [email protected]. 

• 360 Photography, 3D scanners and Photogrammetry

Buying other research and IT equipment

When it comes to buying IT equipment, all IT equipment should be ordered through the ordering portal (http://itorders.aalto.fi) so you can get the Aalto prices/discounts and avoid unnecessary e-mails to get the needed information/approvals for your order. In some units, the order must be placed only by the unit’s technical services personnel. Therefore, please consult with the personnel responsible for IT devices in your unit before ordering and getting the necessary approvals.

NOTE! Acquisition of IT equipment does not involve purchases of non-standard devices for research use or purchases of information systems.

If you need a non-standard device, please check out Tendering of IT equipment

Send an e-mail to the IT Procurement support

If you need a new or updated software/information system, please check out Procurement of Information Systems and consult with the IT Customer Relationship manager at your school. Contact IT Customer Relationship managers: [email protected] 

Aalto University has a full licence for the reference management tool - EndNote. It allows users to collect, write, import, organise, and format references. Users can also collaborate and share references with other users having access to the same reference management software. 

-> Know more about EndNote reference management software  

Aalto transcription services

Aalto University offers transcription services provided by Tutkimustie, which comprises Finnish and English language transcriptions and interpretive transcriptions. Also transcriptions of other types and in other languages can be ordered from Tutkimustie. The services can be used for material that contains sensitive personal data. Delivering and handling recordings and transcriptions containing sensitive personal data should be agreed on separately with the service provider.

-> Details of the transcription services, including prices and instructions

Transcribe and dictate tools of Microsoft Office 365

You can convert speech to text  using the Microsoft Word Transcribe tool. In addition, the Dictation tool in Microsoft Word, Outlook, OneNote and PowerPoint lets you use speech-to-text to author content in with a microphone and reliable internet connection.

-> More information on how to transcribe recordings in Microsoft Word

-> More information on how to dictate documents in Microsoft Word, Outlook, OneNote and PowerPoint

Aalto IT Services (Aalto ITS)provides and maintains software/licenses to support teaching and research activities.

TIP! Did you know that in addition to Aalto ITS-provided software and licenses, Aalto researchers also can benefit from the largest collection of scientific software and licenses in Finland provided by CSC (Finnish IT center for science)? Scroll down  to the end to know more!

Software and licenses by Aalto ITS

By default, some software applications (e.g. MS Office, Visio, MS Teams; Adobe reader etc.) are installed on all centrally managed Windows workstations and you can find the all-inclusive list below. 

List of default applications on Windows workstations

In addition to the applications listed above, Aalto ITS offers a wide variety of software for classroom use. From an Aalto Wiki link below, you can find the list of software installed on the windows computers in IT classrooms. 

List of Aalto IT Windows Classroom Software

Also, Aalto ITS provides staff members and researchers with applications that can be installed on personal/home computers or use remotely. 

List of free software for home computers

How to install/request software?

1. For Aalto Windows machines, visit the Self-service Portal to find and install additional software. There are over 300 applications ready to be installed with Aalto licenses and/ or configuration. If the application you want to use is not available in the self-service portal, please visit here. End-user instructions for using the Self-service Portal for requesting Windows software installations 
2. For Aalto Linux, if you are marked as 'primary user' of the machine, then you can install software from Aalto repository with your normal user rights. End-user instructions for installing software on Aalto Linux
3. For Aalto Mac computers, you can install or remove optional programs through application distribution of the Managed Software Center. End-user instructions for using the Managed Software Center on Aalto Mac
4. For self-managed workstations, software applications are mostly installed from automated software deployment using packages prepared by Aalto ITS. Installation media for self-managed workstation

In case of questions or issues related to Software and licenses by Aalto ITS, never hesitate to contact IT Service Desk.

If you have campus license suggestions, drop an email to the IT Customer Relationship manager at your school: [email protected]. 

Software and licenses by CSC

CSC provides researchers the largest collection of scientific software and databases in Finland.

To read more about all available software/licenses provided by CSC, please visit: CSC: Scientific Software and databases

Aalto AV services provide appropriate audiovisual solutions for meetings and lectures, for instance. AV expert services offer acquisitions, solutions, planning, and implementation related to the University’s Audiovisual (AV) technology. Unigrafia offers to record lectures and video production.

Aalto AV services Quick guide

Everything you need to know about Aalto AV services

As an Aalto staff, you can lend some AV equipment (e.g. catchbox, web camera, headset, conference speakerphone, video camera/tripod, video projector, presentation remote) from IT Service Desk.

TIP! Did you know that many of Aalto University's departments/units lend audiovisual production gear to staff members for a fixed period, for short-term work use? Visit https://takeout.aalto.fi/ to know more!

TIP! In case you need media production facilities, Aalto Studios provide media production resources and expertise for all Aalto University. Aalto Studios offer services such as user trainings, equipment takeout, web studios, AV production services, and research facilitation. Visit https://studios.aalto.fi to know more!

To get more information about Aalto AV services or to order a hosting service for meetings, please contact IT Service Desk.

Collaboration tools enable collaboration and data sharing within groups, as well as publishing data to the internet. All the services mentioned below can be accessed with your Aalto credentials (username and password).

Collaboration tools for video conferencing, online meetings, chat, and mobile collaboration

Microsoft Teams and Zoom are the two online meeting tools that are supported by Aalto IT services (Aalto ITS). 

1. Microsoft Teams is an Aalto Office 365 application, and it enables efficient teamwork. Teams is available to all employees and students at Aalto University. It suits well for e.g. projects, research groups, service teams and working with the external users (requires MS account). Microsoft Teams Quick guide
2. Zoom offers communications software that combines video conferencing, online meetings, chat, and mobile collaboration. Zoom is available for staff members and students at Aalto University. Microsoft Zoom Quick guide
3. Panopto is a software and media service that is designed to capture, edit, stream, and share video presentations and recorded lectures. You can not use Panopto for online meetings. Everything you need to know about Panopto service

Collaboration tool for Aalto University staff

1. Aalto Wikiis a collaboration tool for staff members at Aalto University provided by Aalto ITS. It enables teamwork with both Aalto staff members and people outside of Aalto University. People without Aalto University’s account can use the service with Haka-authentication or with separate accounts. It’s possible to restrict read and write permissions by a single user or a groupAalto Wiki Quick Guide
2. Aalto Social is internal social media that supports open and active discussion and communality. It complements our internal communication channels, i.e. the For personnel page (Aalto.fi) and the Personnel Newsletter.  The platform is in Teams and can be accessed with Aalto credentials.

Collaboration tools for storing and sharing files/documents 

1. OneDrive for Business (O365)allows you to store your files in one place, share them with others, and get to them from any device connected to the Internet. Every user at Aalto University gets 5 TB of OneDrive storage for free. Aalto OneDrive Quick guide
2. Google Drive is a cloud service provided by Aalto University to staff members and students. With Google Drive, you can create, save and edit documents as well as share them with other people (even outside Aalto University). Using the service requires a valid Aalto University username and password. End-user instructions for start using Google Drive at Aalto University
3. Aalto Dropboxis a cloud storage and collaboration platform available for Aalto employees. Aalto Dropbox suits well especially those who use Dropbox within research groups or collaborate externally already with Dropbox. Aalto Dropbox Quick guide
4. Eduunienables collaboration and sharing data within a group, as well as publishing data to the internet. It is used mostly for EU-wide, international research projects because it enables cooperation also with parties outside of Aalto University. Eduuni Quick introduction

You can also use Microsoft Teams for sharing documents with your team. To know more about the differences between collaboration tools for storing and sharing files/documents, please refer to:  Comparison of different file services/ collaboration tools

Collaboration tools for writing and publishing

1. Overleafis a collaborative cloud-based LaTeX editor used for writing, editing and publishing scientific documents. It partners with a wide range of scientific publishers to provide official journal LaTeX templates, and direct submission links. Aalto provides Overleaf Professional access to all students and staff.
    

To read more about all the collaboration tools used at Aalto University, please visit the SharePoint page for collaboration tools. (Aalto log in required)

In case of questions or issues related to collaboration tools, never hesitate to contact IT Service Desk.

For mathematical collaboration involving formulas and advanced calculation, the following tools are recommended for use by Aalto IT Services (Aalto ITS).

1. Zulip is an open-source chat platform suitable for group discussions. It offers LaTeX support and collaborative features that can be useful in teaching. Features like private streams, user groups and the option to mark topics as resolved can be used to enable Q&A and groupwork activities. More info also from: Zulip — Aalto Scientific Computing (ASC)
2. Slack renders LaTeX math formulas. (Not secure - not supported by Aalto ITS)
3.  For simple math equations, we recommend Microsoft Office 365 tools available at Aalto University. 

In case of questions or issues related to mathematical collaboration tools, never hesitate to drop an email to the IT Customer Relationship manager at your school. Contact IT Customer Relationship managers

For visual and image-based collaboration, the following tools are recommended for use by Aalto IT Services (Aalto ITS).

1. MS Whiteboardis a freeform digital canvas where researchers come together and share ideas and content. MS Whiteboard Quick introduction and installation guide
2. Flinga Whiteboardis an Aalto ITS-supported application that enables collaborative work, discussion, and taking notes at the same time on the same whiteboard. Flinga Quick guide
3. Google Jamboard
4. Miro board (Not secure - not supported by Aalto ITS)
5. Mural (Not secure - not supported by Aalto ITS)

To read more about all the visual and image-based collaboration tools used at Aalto University, please visit the SharePoint page for coloration tools. (Aalto log in required)

In case of questions or issues related to collaboration tools, never hesitate to contact IT Service Desk.

NOTE!To avoid unintentional data leaks, one has to be careful when handling confidential data with collaborators. Please refer to guidance and instructions. 

If you are not sure about what is confidential/sensitive data, please check out: 

A quick guide to information classifications: what IT systems to use with classified dataSecure processing of personal data

Aalto IT Services (Aalto ITS) recommends careful use of Microsoft Teams for collaborations involving data classified as confidential.

For data classified as secret, such as health data, we recommend to organize collaboration using:

Secure operating environment for sensitive data (SECDATA)CSC Sensitive Data Services

In case of questions or issues related to collaborations involving confidential/sensitive data, never hesitate to contact IT Service Desk.

Webpages solutions for Aalto researchers

As an Aalto researcher, you can select from the following options when it comes to creating a web page. 

1. Aalto Drupal Official (aalto.fi) - Official webpages for Aalto university
2. Aalto Drupal Spinnoff (e.g. batcircle.aalto.fi) - Webpages cloned from official Aalto webpage
3. Aalto Wiki (wiki.aalto.fi) - Collaboration and webpage tool for research projects and events
4. Aalto Blogs (blogs.aalto.fi) - Blogging and simple webpages
5. Wordpress (order wordpress) - Customized websites for projects and events

Comparison of Drupal solutions

Comparison of Other solutions

💬 In case of questions related to setting up a web page or website, never hesitate to contact IT Service Desk.

Webpage hosting solutions for researchers

As an Aalto researcher, you can select from the following options when it comes to creating a web page hosting 

1. WordPress-hosting provided Aalto partner Seravo Oy
2. Static webpage server
3. Webserver for IT administrators and advanced users

Comparison of web hosting solutions

In case of questions related to webpage hosting, never hesitate to contact IT Service Desk.

Webpage as service

1. Web Studio of the Aalto Studio offers WordPress webpages and help Aalto people with their Internet ideas and problems.
2. Unigrafia offers services for WordPress webpages and website's graphic design.

Comparison of webpage services

In case of questions related to web page services, never hesitate to contact IT Service Desk.

Webpages for personal information

There are the following three solutions within Aalto for creating a webpage that deals with personal information. 

1. research.aalto.fi - Research information portal
2. aalto.fi/en/people - Personal information collection
3. users.aalto.fi - Personal website space

Comparison official pages

Comparison custom pages

In case of questions related to personal information webpages, never hesitate to contact IT Service Desk.

Research data management is about how you do your research. Properly managed research data creates competitive edge, enables open science and is an important part of a high-quality research process. Aalto University provides services, instructions and support to help researchers manage their data well. 

Research Data Management (RDM) and Open Science

For specific data management related topics, please check the following pages: 

Data Management Plan (DMP)Storage services for research dataCollaboration tools section aboveData management and storage for scientific computing (scicomp.aalto.fi)Practical steps to publish research data

Aalto University Data Hub

The Aalto University Data Hub makes research data easier to find and promotes the reuse of costly datasets. Our catalogue of data sources (data sets, databases, vendors, repositories, and other data providers) contains information about data resources, which are available for students and researchers, covering many research fields related to Aalto's six schools. Additionally, our dedicated staff offers supporting data-related services - we are here to help you obtain access to and get started with new data.

Visit our website Browse through our catalogue

Datasets published by Aalto University

The datasets published by Aalto University researchers are listed at our research portal.

Browse datasets at research.aalto.fi

Reusing data

Instructions and sources for finding reusable datasets are available at:

Reusing data in research

Remote access to research data

You can access data stored to Aalto Network Drives remotely using VPN (Virtual Private Network) connection.

Establishing a remote connection (VPN) to an Aalto network

Deployment of a network drive in Windows

Deploying of a network disk in Mac

Aalto University provides a wide range of storage services for different needs, free of charge. Check these pages for recommendations for research and comparison of available options: 

Storage services for research data

Comparison table of different file servicesData storage for scientific computing (scicomp.aalto.fi)

Working with confidential data 

Classify your data to identify confidential data. Take extra care and use storage services that are approved for confidential data. Check the quick guide for the list of approved IT services: 

A quick guide to information classifications: what IT systems to use with classified data

Personal data is the most common type of confidential data in research context. Check the instructions for required preparations and proper handling of personal data: 

How to handle personal data in research

Working with secret data

For data classified as secret, there are a few options to use:

Secwork network storage

SECDATA environment, audited for research with health and social data

CSC Sensitive Data Services

Kaivos database service

Kaivos is a relational database service hosted by CSC. It is intended for users who want to use MariaDB databases in CSC computing environment without managing their own database server.

• Private networking
• User support
• Integrations with other CSC systems
• Free for research

Kaivos

Allas object storage service

Allas is CSC's general purpose data storage service. Allas provides an environment for storing and sharing data. Allas can be used both for static research data that needs to be available for analysis and to collect and host cumulating or changing data

• Free for research
• High capacity
• Reliable
• Integrations with other CSC systems
• Confidential data classification

Allas

Aalto IT Services recommends the following methods for transferring big files between organisations.

Funet Filesender

• Secure and safe way to transfer max. 300 GB files.
• The sender or receiver needs an account for Haka login (ex. Aalto user account). The other party needs only an email address. 
• The sender uploads the file via a web browser and the receiver gets a download link for the file.
• For confidential data, use the built-in encryption by providing a password, and share the password via a secure channel (like phone/SMS)
• The service is available at https://filesender.funet.fi/.
• Free of charge.

SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol)

• Secure and safe way to transfer any sized files.
• The sender needs an SFTP server and the receiver SFTP client or vice versa.
• Aalto workstations have WinSCP Client installed. Linux/Unix systems have SCP command.
• If you need an SFTP server, contact Aalto IT Service Desk.

General Advice

• Never give your Aalto user account to anyone.
• Do not use personal services (Whatsapp, Facebook, etc) to transfer work-related files.

Aalto Electronic Laboratory Notebook (ELN)

Aalto Electronic Laboratory Notebook (ELN) is a secure and compliant browser-based digital laboratory notebook. It facilitates better data management practices​ by enabling electronic searching of metadata​, reusing of data​, traceability of experiments, and seamless sharing & collaboration​. ELN is useful for recording experiment methods and metadata using an intuitive editor for text, tables, images, links​ and source code​. Other features include: templates for experiments, database for products/protocols​, timestamping, tags and statuses for experiments​, advanced search function​, molecule editor, and data export​​.

Aalto Materials Digitalization Platform (AMAD)

Aalto Materials Digitalization Platform (AMAD) is a robust and versatile data infrastructure for experimental & computational materials data. It facilitates data collection, documentation, management, analysis, sharing and reusing in line with the FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) principles. It also enables the use of digital research tools, machine learning, and automation. AMAD not only provides access to machine-readable data but is also equipped with machine-learning and AI tools that assist in data analysis, expose hidden correlations in data and aid in the discovery of new relations and novel materials. 

Proposals and projects

Aalto Project List (APL) is Aalto University's internal platform used for managing information external funding proposals and projects and facilitating internal approval processes. The information from this system is the source for Aalto Project List Analytics which supports data-driven decision making.

A short introduction to APL at aalto.fi

APL front page (eDuuni)

Boilerplate texts for grant proposals

Aalto Scientific Computing page contains various texts which describe Aalto Science IT, Aalto ITS, and CSC resources suitable for inclusion in grant and funding applications. 

Aalto Science IT, Aalto ITS, and CSC resources

Vision of Aalto University Information Technology and Infrastructure page describes the current IT infrastructure and a vision for the future.  

Aiti Vision

Research and learning infrastructures page lists Aalto University's research and learning infrastructures and also some technology infrastructure.

Research and learning infrastructures

IT competences for research projects

IT Services has professional IT specialists, up to PhD- and doctor-level degree, who have worked for research projects e.g. as an IT, data or an information expert.

There is no existing Aalto-level policy for utilizing service personnel for research projects. We recommend contacting your school CRM for more information.

CRM contact information (if link don't work look below of this page) People Hub - IT Services

Analytics and reports

Aalto Project List (APL) Analytics is a cloud-based automated reporting service that analyzes Aalto Project List research project proposals and projects statuses. Reports built on APL system data statuses supports data-driven decision-making strategies.

Schools and departments level users who have access to APL system, also have automatic access to APL Analytics. U level users get access to APL Analytics based on request via [email protected]. For more information on user rights, please visit here.

NOTE! Use Aalto credentials to log into APL Analytics. Aalto VPN must be enabled for successful login!

A short introduction to APL Analytics at aalto.fi

Aalto Project List Analytics - Power BI Report Server

In case of questions or issues related to APL and APL Analytics, never hesitate to contact IT Service Desk.

Research and researchers' information 

Aalto Current Research Information System (ACRIS) is Aalto University’s research information management system. The system contains information about the up-to-date research and artistic activities of the university. 

ACRIS collects important research and activity information and makes it visible and available in research.aalto.fi thus improving the impact of Aalto University’s scientific and artistic activity. Access to public portal:

research.aalto.fi

The researchers of Aalto University are expected to submit information about their research activities (papers, artistic and non-textual outputs, datasets, visits abroad etc.) to ACRIS. If you are a researcher, log in to:

acris.aalto.fi

For all the ACRIS-specific questions (including questions about publications, activities, profile descriptions, open access publications and open data), never hesitate to contact ACRIS Support: [email protected]

In case of technical issues (like issues with passwords), never hesitate to contact IT Service Desk.

Common dashboards and reports (myreports.aalto.fi)

Basic information and a list of widely used analytics and reports. 

Home to all reports
Research related reports 

Producing your own content 

Instructions for the use of Aalto University's Power BI Service: how to use and share reports, upload content and track changes in the service. These instructions applies to the use of the service which access rights are based on the job and role in Aalto University. 

PowerBI solution and support group

Open science publishing 

Aalto University aims to publish all publications according to open access principles. Aalto's Learning Centre helps researchers with questions regarding open science and open access publishing.

Open access publishing

Also, the Learning centre supports researchers by providing access to information resources. 

Learning Centre services for researchers

Research funding and project management services

Research Services provides support to researchers in finding upcoming research funding calls, applying for fundings, drafting research contacts, and managing research projects. 

Research and Innovation sercices for researchers

Commercialization and innovation services 

The innovation advisorsat Aalto evaluate, develop and transfer research project results and inventions to commercial use in close co-operation with researchers.

Commercialization of research results

Aalto's innovation services

To know more, do not hesitate to contact Research and Innovation services . 

Free credits, software and licenses are sometimes offered for Aalto. It is important to carefully analyze the terms and conditions of the funding before accepting the offer.

Be aware, that

• If we are already using the offered service, we may consider accepting funding, but the terms must be carefully analyzed with the help of legal services.
• It's important to ensure that accepting the funding does not lead to vendor lock or unnecessarily increase our dependence on the service.
• If the offered IT service is new to Aalto, it may be advisable to reject the funding until the service has passed Aalto’s security review. Accepting free funding for untested IT tools can lead to inefficiencies and higher long-term costs if it turns out they are not the right fit for our needs.
• Calculate possible extra costs if the free credits are not enough (E.g. excessive usage of services). All paid services are subject to public tendering if we can anticipate the costs to exceed 60,000 euros in 4 years term.

To analyze the terms and conditions of a funding offer, we advise you to contact Aalto Legal Services or ask for assistance from IT Services.

IT Service Desk

Research Specialized IT End User Support (RSITE) is a versatile group of IT experts from department to service unit levels, designed to help especailly researchers with demanding IT support needs. IT experts of the RSITE is available for consultation via online. 

Research Specialized IT End User Support - Online reception

In case of questions or issues related to Research Specialized IT End User Support, never hesitate to contact IT Service Desk.

Data Agents are researchers who work to improve data management in their department, school, or unit. They are a first, practical, hands-on resource to researchers in their department. Data Advisor is a full-time specialist working on the Aalto University level and support research staff in all departments. 

To contact a data agent at your department/school/unit, please check out the contact list of data agents. 

The Aalto Research Software Engineers (RSEs) provide specialist support regarding software, computing, data and basically for anything related to digital research, optimization, scaling-up, high-performance computing, artificial intelligence etc. 

Check: Everything to know about Aalto's RSE

Minor support is This service is free for everyone at Aalto thanks to a grant from Aalto IT Services. Member schools/departments have more time allocated and are currently CS, NBE, PHYS, and SCI overall (and others may join).

Software engineers can help you with three level:

• Do it for you: You need some custom technical software/solution to get straight to your work.
• Do it with you: RSE co-work with your group, teaching while we go along.
• Make it reusable: You already have something, but it doesn’t work for others.

Instead of hiring your own intern, postdoc, etc. to struggle with certain issues, RSE can help instead. RSE consists of experienced researchers who have relied heavily on computing technology (programming, computing, data) for our academic work, and thus can seamlessly collaborate on research projects. RSE can also do consultation and training. You will have more impact since your work is more reusable, open, and of higher quality. RSE can work on existing projects or you can write RSE directly into your grant applications.

In case you are interested, please go to RSE's daily garage, every day online at 13:00 (Tuesdays are RSE focus days). Or contact them by email: [email protected] or fill out their request form. 

The procurement of IT devices and software must comply with the procurement laws and Aalto University's internal processes. Before purchasing new software or services, you must obtain security approvals. Please see Cyber security for projects and small scale development | Aalto University for more information.

The most common IT-related procurement categories are listed in the table below, together with links to more detailed information. 

To know more, do not hesitate to contact the Procurement support. 

NOTE! Aalto University offers free virtual servers for researchers. When it comes to physical servers, those should be purchased by a researcher or a research group because Aalto IT Services does not provide servers or equipment. 

Virtual servers

The virtual servers are hosted in Aalto University’s own data centre. The offered virtual server is reserved fully to serve a single purpose and in practice, it functions as a normal physical server. The capacity of the virtual machine is chosen by estimated load and can be adjusted when needed.

It is also possible to host servers in clouds. Read more below the cloud section.

Physical servers

Aalto University offers a service for server procurement and installation. Aalto also offers free hosting for servers in a data centre that is designed to offer safe and continuous operation. With the hosting service, you will get higher resilience to failures for electrical power, air conditioning systems and networks.

Comparison of virtual and physical servers

Aalto ITS data centres

• Redundant power supply with UPS and standby generator
• Redundant data communication connections
• Air conditioning and fire suppression
• 24/7 environment monitoring
• Access control and alarms
• Possibility to get personal access
• Free for research and teaching staff

In case of questions related to servers and hosting, never hesitate to contact IT Service Desk.

Public Clouds

Aalto provides secure and ready to use availability to cloud providers ranging from AI/machine learning to virtual machines, virtual classrooms and labs.

Aalto IT Services (Aalto ITS) has a contracts with Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud Platform in order to use cloud infrastructure and applications. For AWS, please see the link for details on availability.

Send Azure subscription requestRead more about cloud services at Aalto

In case you need an adaptive server for computing capacity for permanent or especially for temporary teaching or research purposes, cloud services may be the solution. IT Services will pay reasonable costs, but cost of high volumes will be targeted to the user of the service.

Storing and processing information in public clouds should be done carefully with privacy and security aspects in mind. Confidential information is not allowed in clouds without proper encryption.

To evaluate your case and needs together with IT Services, never hesitate to contact:

Contact IT Service Desk

CSC Cloud Services

CSC (The Finnish Centre for Information Technology in Science) also offers free cloud services for researchers at Finnish higher education institutions.

To start using the CSC services first create a CSC account by logging in to MyCSC with Haka user authentication.

cPouta and ePouta

CPouta is a generic service which can be used for most tasks. You can use cPouta to build your own service, do a quick test, have a development platform, build a data processing pipeline, or any other purpose you can think of. The servers are attached to the public internet.

Description for CPouta

ePouta is designed for processing sensitive data. It allows you to deploy virtual machines and storage resources directly to your organisation’s internal network, not to the internet.

Description for EPouta

Rahti

Rahti is a Container Cloud service that makes the deployment of applications easy. Rahti provides a platform for you to host your own applications and make them accessible over the web. Rahti can run many different kinds of applications from web servers and databases to data analysis pipelines.

Description for Rahti Container Cloud Service

CSC provides free user support for the cloud services. The services integrate easily with each other.

Light computing - for computing that does not require high performance

Parallel and Performace computing - for computing that benefits from parallelism and performance

Demanding computing and supercomputers

CSC supercomputing

Mahti

Mahti is a supercomputer designed for massively parallel jobs that require large floating point performance and a capable interconnect.

• Extremely powerful
• Batch processing
• Integrations with other CSC services
• Free for Academic Research purposes
• Immediate provisioning speed
• Low amount of work to get started (tools pre-installed)
• Confidential data classification

Mahti

Lumi

LUMI is one of the most competitive supercomputers in the world, located in CSC's data center in Kajaani, Finland. 

• Extremely powerful
• GPU processing based
• Integrations with other CSC services
• Internet access
• Free for Academic Research purposes
• Immediate provisioning speed
• Low amount of work to get started
• Confidential data classification

LUMI

FGCI - Finnish Grid and Cloud Infrastructure

The FGCI stands for the Finnish Grid and Cloud Infrastructure. As far as the grid is concerned, computing clusters, situated at different locations around Finland, are logically combined into a grid. 

Read moreCSC Computing

In case of questions related to computing, never hesitate to contact IT Service Desk.

Internet of Things (IoT) services

Aalto IT provides tools and services can be found at below page.

Internet of Things services

IoT Platform

As of now, there is no IoT platform supported by Aalto IT Services (Aalto ITS). However, in case you want to discuss possible IoT-related cloud solutions, never hesitate to drop an email to the IT Customer Relationship manager at your school.

Contact IT Customer Relationship managers

Artificial intelligence (AI)

Aalto IT has productized Azure OpenAI GPT3.5 and GPT4 language models. Check the latest information from the Aalto AI page.

If you require the use of language models from public clouds for research purposes, it is recommended to reach out to the IT Service Desk for assistance. IT Services will collaborate with the research group to assess the use case and potentially offer some support in implementing it into the cloud. Additionally, it's worth noting that CSC has the Lumi supercomputer available, which can be utilized for developing expansive AI models.

AI services in Aalto

Aalto offers free network services on campus to researchers. These services include, but are not limited to:

Wired network for workstations

• Backbone 100Gbit/s
• Public IPv4 and IPv6 addresses including firewalling as a service

Physical cable infrastructure

• Wide optical fiber infrastructure in Otaniemi area
• Twisted pair cables inside buildings

DNS (Domain Name System) service

• Service for managing DNS information of Aalto's internet domains
• Possible to get admin rights to manage your own domain names
• Support for IPv6 available

VPN (Virtual Private Network) service

• Secure access to the Aalto network through the Internet
• Possible to get access to the specific network when using Aalto workstation
• Also available to personal devices

Everything you need to know about Aalto VPN

Inter-campus connections

• Co-operating with Funet an option to implement high speed optical wavelength division multiplexing (xWDM) connections between universities

In case of questions related to the wired networks, never hesitate to contact IT Service Desk.

Wireless network (WLAN)

Aalto IT provides three wireless networks through its centralised system of wireless networks: Aalto WLAN that is directed at staff members (SSID: aalto), eduroam (SSID: eduroam), and aalto open that is aimed at visitors (SSID: aalto open). Wireless networks are free to use for everyone.

NOTE! Department's own WLAN may be linked to a specific SSID for research purposes. 

Everything you need to know about Aalto wireless networks

Aalto 5G

On Otaniemi campus, we have an internal 5G research network. It is not possible to place calls on this network (internal or external), but the network offers a fast mobile internet connection. The Aalto 5G network is a platform to conduct 5G research and to develop and test 5G applications.

Everything you need to know about the 5G network at Aalto UniversityIn the Otaniemi area, commercial operators have also their own 5G coverage. Devices and subscriptions to commercial networks can be requested from the IT Procurement support. 

Send an e-mail to the IT Procurement support

Narrow-Band Internet of Things (NB-IoT)

Narrow-Band Internet of Things (NB-IoT) is a communication network for IoT devices. In Otaniemi Area, NB-IoT technology is provided by commercial operators and by the Departments of Communications and Networking.

Low Power Wide Area Network (LoRaWAN)

Low Power Wide Area Network (LoRaWAN) is a data network for IoT devices. A device can send small amount of data with a minimal power which makes batteries to last long. LoRaWAN is suitable for static and mobile sensors that are operated by batteries.LoRaWAN in Finland is operated by Digita. Aalto community can use the network free of charge.

Everything you need to know about the LoRaWan 

In case of questions related to mobile networks, never hesitate to contact IT Service Desk.

TIP! Wireless Network is available in all classrooms but certain lecture halls and classrooms have improved WLAN capacity. These halls are suitable especially for electronic exams and other network-dependent events. Also, the number of freely available power sockets varies between the rooms.

Main Building

• Otakaari 1: Hall A (500 / a few) (max. simultaneous WLAN users and availability of power sockets)
• Otakaari 1: Hall B (300 / a few)
• Otakaari 1: Hall C (200 / to be filled)
• Otakaari 1: Hall D (100 / to be filled)
• Otakaari 1: Hall E (100 / to be filled)
• Otakaari 1: Hall U2 (600 / to be filled))

TUAS Building

• Maarintie 8: Hall AS1 (100 / moderate)
• Maarintie 8: Hall AS2 (300 / moderate)
• Maarintie 8: Hall TU1 (100 / moderate)
• Maarintie 8: Hall TU2 (300 / moderate)

CS Building

• Konemiehentie 2: Hall T1 (300 / good)
• Konemiehentie 2: Hall T2 (100 / good)
• Konemiehentie 2: Hall T3  (100 / a few)
• Konemiehentie 2: Hall T6  (100 / a few)

In case of questions related to WLAN capacity in lecture rooms, never hesitate to contact IT Service Desk.

It is possible to have a sandbox where a research environment can be built safely without disturbing Aalto's production network. A sandbox network is the right solution to build Proofs-of-Concept, to test research setups or to run measuring devices.

Sandbox is:

• A logically separated part of the network that can be built anywhere on the campus.
• The network can have a connection to the public internet if required. Connections to Aalto's internal network are not recommended.
• Network properties can be chosen freely: public or private IP addresses, the number of attached devices, and firewall settings.
• The sandbox can be combined with other ITS-provided services, for example with virtual servers, storage services, Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), and Domain Name Servers (DNS).

Contact the IT Service Desk and share the details of the research plan. ITS specialists will build a suitable IT environment together with the researchers.

In case of questions related to setting up a research network, never hesitate to contact IT Service Desk.

Security for research

Researchers need to ensure the privacy of research subjects with the proper handling of research and personal data. Key security concerns are to ensure the confidentiality, accessibility and integrity of research data.

Everything you need to know about cyber security for research (Aalto Security Hub)

We have selected a list of useful links when it comes to IT security for research. Cyber security quick guide Secure use of applications in research Safe programming in research Security of Aalto IT infrastracture and cloud in research Handling of personal data in research Encryption for researchers Encrypting emails and filesNOTE! Any new IT services or tools to be acquired or developed in research projects must follow the security model of Aalto University.  Cyber security for projects and small scale development5 questions before acquiring software or digital services

Need help? In case of questions related to cyber security for research, never hesitate to contact IT Service Desk or drop an email to Aalto IT Security team. 

Troubles? Don’t panic, the Cyber Security team will help you. Report all security incidents to [email protected].

Report an information security incident

Security and survey tools

Not all survey platforms/tools are equally secure. You can find the list of survey tools reviewed for personal data and secure processing of personal data by an Aalto security expert in the following link. 

Listing of survey tools reviewed for personal data

Security scanning and auditing

• IT security team performs scheduled and on request security scans of Aalto networks and services. Scanning requests can be sent to [email protected] by the admin and/or owner of the target system. We will contact you then for the details and schedule.
• IT security's main task is to support Aalto University's work by ensuring reliable and secure environment for the university's and its stakeholders' data. The objective is to protect data and information systems against avoidable threats and keep disturbances and damages caused by deviations at an accepted level. To accomplish this occasional and select security audits are conducted. Help is also provided to units reaching for KATAKRI approval.

CSC Services

CSC (the Finnish IT Center for Science) is a center of expertise in information technology owned by the Finnish state and higher education institutions. They provide internationally high-quality ICT expert services for higher education institutions, research institutes, culture, public administration and enterprises. All of their services are free to the academic community (paid directly by the state of Finland). 

To start using the CSC services first Create a CSC account by logging in to MyCSC with Haka user authentication.

NOTE! On the following link, you can browse the full list of the computing and data management services and tools that CSC provides for researchers. CSC service catalogue for researchersHowever, below we also have selected some of the commonly used tools.

Softwares and licences

CSC Software

High performance computing 

LUMI

LUMI is one of the most competitive supercomputers in the world, located in CSC's data center in Kajaani, Finland.

Mahti

Mahti is a supercomputer designed for massively parallel jobs that require large floating point performance and a capable interconnect.

Puhti

Puhti is a supercomputer for high performance computing.

Cloud servers

cPouta

CPouta is a generic service which can be used for most tasks. You can use cPouta to build your own service, do a quick test, have a development platform, build a data processing pipeline, or any other purpose you can think of.

ePouta

EPouta is designed for processing sensitive data. It allows you to deploy virtual machines and storage resources directly to your organisation’s internal network, not to the internet.

Rahti

Rahti is a Container Cloud service that makes the deployment of applications easy. Rahti provides a platform for you to host your own applications and make them accessible over the web. Rahti can run many different kinds of applications from web servers and databases to data analysis pipelines.

Data management and storage

CSC data management and storage

Data analytics 

CSC data analytics

Database

Kaivos

Kaivos is a relational database service hosted by CSC. It is intended for users who want to use MariaDB databases in CSC computing environment without managing their own database server.

Object storage

Allas

Allas is CSC's general purpose data storage service. Allas provides an environment for storing and sharing data. Allas can be used both for static research data that needs to be available for analysis and to collect and host cumulating or changing data

Sensitive Data Services

Sensitive Data Services for Research

File sharing

Funet FileSender

Funet FileSender is a tool to share large files securily outside Aalto using a web browser.

In case of questions related to CSC services, please contact Aalto IT Service Desk or directly CSC Service Desk.

National Open Science (Avoin Tiede, ATT) Services

• Learn more about Open Science and Research project here: http://openscience.fi
• http://avointiede.fi/palvelut (in Finnish)
• http://openscience.fi/services (in English)

Research portal

National web portal on research in Finland enables to search for publications, datasets, projects, people, funding calls, research infrastructures and organizations from the Finnish scientific community. 

https://research.fi/en

The European Open Science Cloud (EOSC) is an environment for hosting and processing research data to support EU science. On the following link, you can browse the full list of EOSC services. EOSC service portal for researchers NOTE! Some of the services can be taken into use immediately. However, many of them require an agreement with the service provider and technical arrangements. Contact the IT Service Desk to get assistance in starting to use a new EOSC service.

On the list below we have collected a selection of the most commonly used services by researchers. 

Networking

• GÉANT Connectivity: GÉANT provides point-to-point connections globally with technologies suitable for different use cases. Contact IT Service Desk to get assistance in building a connection. The discussion with GÉANT will be done with the aid of the Finnish national NREN, Funet. See the detailed list of networking services here.

Security & Operations

• eduRoam: EduRoam is one of the most well-known international services by GÉANT. Eduroam makes it possible to use Aalto´s user accounts to log into the eduRoam wireless network outside the university´s own campuses. Read more about eduRoam here.
• Trusted Certificate Service: Trusted Certificate Service (TCS) provides free SSL/TLS certificates for academic services. Read here the instructions on how to apply for a server certificate.

In case of questions related to EOSC services, please visit EOSC's customer portal.

You can check trainings for IT solutions and services from Aalto -Training to support research page. 

 Aalto ARTS has also licenses for LinkedIn learning available to all Aalto ARTS staff and students. 

For training to use CSC solutions and services, visit CSC - Training page. 

If you cannot find desired IT training, don't hesitate to contact IT Customer Relationship Managers at your school or send message to [email protected].

IT, financial and legal services can help you to check the security, legal and IT architecture compliance. 

They can examine contract/donation documentation and ensure example that there is no IT architecture nor security limitations, and user rights are fine and there will not be any distribution/update/maintenance difficulties. 

Easiest way to contact right people would be send message to your school's IT Customer Relationship Managers or [email protected].

Contact your IT Customer Relationship Manager for remote solution advice at [email protected].