General Usage Policy

The iPlant Collaborative cyberinfrastructure provides resources to help solve Grand Challenge (GC) problems in the plant sciences. The following policies govern the usage of the iPlant systems, storage, and networks. The purpose of these policies is to provide a clear understanding about using the iPlant Collaborative cyberinfrastructure while describing the level of availability and security for the infrastructure. All users must agree to these policies.  Many of the policies below are detailed in iPlant's Service Level Agreement.

1. Appropriate Use

In addition to its own systems, the iPlant Collaborative's cyberinfrastructure integrates with many other resources from other institutions. Users are expected to use iPlant's resources in a manner consistent with the intent described in their systems access request. For details, read iPlant's Acceptable Use Policy.

Commercial activity is strictly prohibited, unless explicitly approved by iPlant management.

2. Security Considerations

Users should take reasonable measures to prohibit unauthorized access to their accounts and systems. Access is limited to those systems explicitly assigned by iPlant Collaborative. Account sharing is not permitted; additional user accounts may be requested by contacting iPlant support.

Users are expected to notify staff of any systems and network configuration changes, such as opening network ports and services.

Any suspicious activity should be reported to support@iplantcollaborative.org. iPlant staff may disable accounts that have "weak" passwords or may have been compromised.

3. Systems Monitoring

To ensure a high level of service and security, the iPlant staff will monitor all network and systems activities within iPlant, such as network traffic, data storage, processes, and user activity.

4. Maintenance

Systems or network maintenance occurs on a regular basis, as specified in iPlant's Service Level Agreement. In the event of a scheduled downtime, all affected users will be notified in advance via email.

All users will also be subscribed to a low-traffic email list, used to distribute announcements or alerts relating to the cyberinfrastructure.

5. Support

Users may request support using the iPlant Collaborative support web form, email (support@iplantcollaborative.org), or telephone +1 (520) 621-0011.