Duke University Virtual Machines (VMs) Options
🤖 RAPID Virtual Machines (via Research Toolkits)
Description:
Self-service virtual machines for faculty research projects, managed through Research Toolkits.
Data Classification:
Public and Restricted data.
Cost / Resources:
- No cost for the base allocation by faculty
- Default allocation: Linux or Windows - 4 CPU cores, 40 GB RAM, 200 GB storage
Notes:
- Ideal for faculty-led research computing environments that do not require high-security isolation.
- Integrated with Duke’s identity and research data infrastructure.
🔒 Protected Network for Research (PNR) Virtual Machines
Description:
Secure and controlled virtual machine environment designed for the analysis and storage of sensitive or regulated research data (e.g., PII, CUI, FERPA).
Data Classification:
Sensitive / Regulated data.
Cost / Resources:
- No cost for baseline allocation: 4 CPU cores, 8 GB RAM, 200 GB network-attached storage
- Additional compute and storage charged at Linux or Windows - standard Research Computing rates, see next section
Notes:
- Built for compliance with NIST 800-171 and Duke’s Protected Network policies
- Managed access controls, network segmentation, and continuous monitoring
- Recommended for research projects handling data with access restrictions or compliance requirements
🖥️ Researcher Owned VMs Managed by OIT
Description:
Centrally hosted VMs for research needs that require production use. Includes options for OIT-provided system administration.
Data Classification:
Restricted data.
Cost / Resources:
- Linux or Windows - Charged by VM size (e.g., 10 core VM with 100 Gb of Storage would be ($85/Core/Year10 cores) + ($0.50/Gb/Yr 100 Gb) = $900/Yr)
- To request pricing please contact oitresearchsupport@duke.edu.
Notes:
- Suitable for long-term research studies
- Managed in Duke’s enterprise infrastructure with OIT support and monitoring
💻 Virtual Computing Manager VMs (VCM)
Description:
VM and container reservation system for coursework, software development, or general community use.
Data Classification:
Public data only (intended for teaching, dev/test).
Cost / Resources:
- Free to use
- Linux or Windows - Allocation: 2 CPU cores, 4 GB RAM, 50 GB storage
Notes:
- Ideal for classroom labs, testing environments, and student projects
- Not intended for production or sensitive data workloads
- Managed through Duke’s VCM web interface
Summary Table
| Service / Environment | Description | Data Classification | Cost / Resources |
|---|---|---|---|
| RAPID Virtual Machines | Self-service research VMs | Public / Restricted | By faculty allocation (4 CPU / 40 GB RAM / 200 GB storage) |
| PNR Virtual Machines | Secure VMs for sensitive data | Sensitive / Regulated | No cost for approved projects; paid upgrades |
| Researcher Owned VMs Managed by OIT | Production VMs | Restricted | To request pricing please contact oitresearchsupport@duke.edu. |
| Virtual Computing Manager VMs (VCM) | Course & dev/test VMs | Public | Free (2 CPU / 4 GB RAM / 50 GB storage) |