# Patch notes
This page contains major and minor updates to our services.
This page contains descriptions of updates (patches) to HUNT Cloud's services. All with the aim to provide the best possible conditions scientific explorations.
# Patch note 2.11.3
2024-10-09
Do science
Major changes
Onboarding video guides for Windows users
We have added video guides for Windows users to the lab access links. The aim is to ease the onboarding and support the written information. The videos supplement the video guides for Mac that was published earlier this year.
As a next step we are thinking about how to expand the video guides into other topics. Feel free to contact us with suggestions and ideas.
Minor changes
- MATLAB: We have started upgrades to v2024b for NTNU users.
- RStudio: Upgraded from v2023 to v2024, and improved the start-up time in Workbench.
- Visual Studio Code: Version upgrade (2024/8) and included support for Snakemake.
- Workbench environment: Extended the environment timeout from 3 to 10 days. This means that environments that are inactive for more than 10 days will be shut down.
- fixed issue in Windows lab access link where commands would not work if you have space in your user directory structure
Administer science
Major changes
Storage performance configuration
We noticed substantial performance reduction on our block storage configuration in Cloud2 as the usage increased over the summer.
After spending a significant amount of time identifying the root cause, we are now adding several measure to increase the system predictability.
As part of this, we have started to move current storage volumes over to new configurations. Labs will be contacted to schedule such updates with approximately one day downtime during implementation.
As a next step we plan to differentiate on different storage types/performance in our services specification and price list.
Minor changes
Migration milestone
More than half of all labs are now migrated from Cloud1 to Cloud2. After a small pause due to the storage performance issues, we have now resumed the migration. Remaining labs will be contacted to schedule their move to limit the downtime of scientific activities.
Govern science
Major changes
Policy ownership
The ownership of our Security and privacy management policy is moved from the Head of HUNT Research Centre to the Head of HUNT Cloud as part of an internal reorganization.
New quality policy
We have established a new Quality policy independent from HUNT Research Centre as part of the effort towards our own ISO/IEC 9001 certificate in Quality management. The document outlines the quality measures that we strive towards for our services.
Minor changes
New Lab transfer order
To simplify the movement of Labs between different Data spaces (administrative units), we have added a new "Lab transfer order" that define the process. The order is signed by the Data space leader of the current and destination Data space and specify the date when the costs will be moved.
# Patch note 2.11.2
2024-04-15
Do science
Major changes
Onboarding video guides
We have added video guides for the most common steps in your lab onboarding. When you get your lab access link, you will see a new icon that allows you to watch a guide where we walk you through specific steps in your onboarding process to support the written access link guide. Let us know if you would like us to expand the video guides into other topics.
Tailored lab access links
We have updated your lab access links so it is tailored for your specific request. For example, if you request a Workbench ceritficate you will now only see the sections that are relevant for this configuration.
New machine type (E-series)
Based on requests, we have updated our default machine series with a new E-series that holds 16 GB ram per CPU. These can be ordered by Requesting a machine size update in our administer science service desk.
New GPU type (A40)
NVIDIA A40 GPUs with 48 GB of memory are now available as GPU accelerator types in Cloud2. Contact us for prioritized migration if you want to give it a try.
Minor changes
Apptainer (Singularity)
The containerization tool Singularity was renamed to Apptainer when it moved into Linux Foundation (opens new window). Our documentation is updated accordingly.
Guide for VS Code in Workbench
We have added a Workbench guide for VS Code with information on how to create a Jupyter notbook or Python environment, how to run R code with r kernel and similar.
BRAT annotation tool in Workbench
We have added BRAT rapid annotation (opens new window) tools to Workbench. This is a tool for collaborative text annotation.
Freedom to explore in new languages
Our community translation of Freedom to explore continues to grow, and we have added Bulgarian, Serbian and Indonesian since the last patch note - now counting an impressive 44 translations! Help us grow the list and send us your translation if your language is missing!
Administer science
Major changes
Migration to the new location has started
After years in the making, we are excited to announce that the migration to our new location and cloud installation has started! We have a new server-room with upgraded equipment and more flexibility ready for your as soon as you complete your migration. We are reaching out to labs to schedule the migration with the aim to avoid conflicts with deadlines and other important work. See our FAQ pages for migration for more information.
New price list (v4.1)
We have updated our price list with a new version (v4.1) that includes the new E-series machine types and the new NVIDIA A40 GPU type. The price calculator is updated accordingly.
Invoice updates
We have updated our supportive invoicing information from 2023-Q4 with additional information. The new versions combine all costs under one invoice profile with listings per lab and resource type. The aim is to increase the transparency and overview of your costs. Contact us with suggestions of how we can further improve your invoice.
Dataspace reports
We have created and shipped the first Data space reports. These aims to summarize information and resource consumption across one to several invoice profiles that are attached to a data space. The aim is to increase control and const control across your entire scientific portfolio. Contact us with suggestions of how we can further improve your report.
Minor changes
VAT extemption outside NTNU
We updated the invoice profile form with a section on possible extemptions from value added tax. Documented collaborations with partners from NTNU may be exempted from VAT if delivery of trusted research environments is part of the collaboration agreement. Contact us is this is relevant for you.
Automatic overhead estimates for temporary Internal kistas
We are now automatically calculating file system overhead in internal kista orders. This means that you order a size that is equal to the amount of data that you plan to transfer. In short, kistas with a size below 1TB receives 100GB additional buffer size, and kistas above 1TB recieves 10 percent buffer to compensate for the file system.
Restore option for new storage volumes
We have added an option to select if you want restore to be anabled when you order new storage volumes. Previously such volumes was deployed without restore by default.
External kista IPv4 validation
Added a new field which will prompt user to validate their public IPv4 address. If IPv4 address is private, user will not be allowed to continue and should double check validity of their IPv4 address.
Upcoming features
Spending limits
We see a need to increase the spending limit intervals on invoice profiles from quarters to yearly amounts. The aim is to improve our reporting when you close in on the thresholds. We plan to reach out to invoice profile contacts before the 2024-Q2 invoice.
Service descriptions
We plan to introdue the new Services descriptions for Explore, Evolve and Scientific suite during the during the upcoming Tingweek.
Govern science
Major changes
New ISO certificates available
The new certificates for ISO/IEC 27001 and ISO/IEC 27701 from DNV is now available from our compliance section.
New service center reports
Based on the last Tingweek resolution (R10/LT11/T11/24), we have made a new service center report that summarize resources, activities and costs inside all data spaces and labs under your center. The intention is that this will increase transparency and enhance dialogues on how to improve our systems and advance your science. We will forward the first version on email with the aim to automate shipments from 2024-Q2.
Community deletion policy enforced
Community messages in Slack is from 2024-01-01 stored for 1Y only. Older messages automatically deleted in accordance with our community consent. Read more about the consent history here.
Security and privacy policies with new privacy controls
Security and privacy policies are updated with additional privacy controls from ISO/IEC 27017 and with updated sections on roles and definitions. The updates are based on findings from DNV in November.
Minor changes
Updated Statement of applicability
Statement of Applicability (SoA) is the document where we state which ISO control objectves we have applied in our certificate. We have updated the document with new roles and comments for our privacy controls.
Agreement updates
- The data encryption section in the Security measures appendix to our Data processor agreements is updated to reflect that data is encrypted for regular hard drives at the new location (Site 2).
- The Price list appendix to the service center agreement is updated with a new machine series and a new GPU accelerator choice. The change is directly implemented since they affect new services.
Upcoming features
Next Tingweek
The next Tingweek is held from May 28 to 30. Now is the time to contact us with suggestions and dialogues on new resolutions.
# Patch note 2.11.1
2023-12-21
Do science
Major changes
Remote desktop in Workbench
We have added new icon to Workbench called "Remote desktop". By opening this application, a new window will open in your browser with a graphical interface where you can run your favorite tools over VNC. The new application is developed based on user feedback in an attempt to limit the use of tools such as x2go.
Note that this feature is available for labs running Ubuntu 22.04 operating system. If you don't the see VNC icon, you are probably on an older Ubuntu version. If so, Remote Desktop will become available in your Workbench as soon as your lab migrate to Cloud2.
End of support for SPSS
IBM decided to end their support and licensing for SPSS on Linux. This means that NTNU users will no longer have access to this tool in our labs. We are exploring open-source alternatives such as jamovi (opens new window). Let us know in your lab channel on Slack if this is something you would like to see priorized in HUNT Workbench.
Minor changes
Latest version of MATLAB 2023b in Workbench
All Workbench sessions are running on the latest MATLAB 2023b version.
Freedom to explore
We humbled and proud of your response to help us translate our tagline «Freedom to explore» into languages among our community members. So far we have register 42 translations! Click here to see the results and to read more about he project.
Administer science
Major changes
Fire safe for the off-site tape archive
We have improved the fire safety of our off-site tape archive with an new safe that will withstand fire for up to 60 minutes.
Minor changes
Services specifications
We have made two minor updates to the Services specifications since the last patch notes.
Updated invoice profile
We have simplified the Invoice profile by moving Free quota and Pilot periods into separate agreements.
Upcoming features
- We aim to improve the granularity of lab costs in the upcoming invoice cycle.
- We aim to propose major changes to our Services descriptions during the upcoming Tingweek.
Govern science
Major changes
External audit from DNV
DNV audited us towards ISO/IEC 27001, 27017 and 27701 in November. The result was 0 major nonconformaties (CAT2), 5 minor nonconformaties (CAT1), 15 observations and 6 opportunities. We are currently working on the mitigations. The report from DNV is available for data controllers on request.
Upcoming features
- We aim to update governing documents based on suggestions from DNV over the next months.
- We aim to propose major changes to our Services descriptions during the upcoming Tingweek.
# Patch note 2.9.2
2023-10-16
Do science
Major changes
New community consent
We will introduce a new consent for our HUNT Cloud community during Tingweek #10 next week. The intention is to ensure that you know and agree to how we processed your personal data in Slack.
We will forward a consent link on email to all active users. Users that do not consent will be deactivated from Slack.
This is part of our wider effort to strengthen our protection of your personal data as a user of HUNT Cloud.
Workbench certificate expiration reminder
We have started to forward reminders on email to renew your workbench certificate before expiration. The aim is to send you the notification roughly one week before you need to install the new certificates.
Lab Access configuration
We have removed the old onboarding guide, and new lab users will do their initial lab access setup by clicking a Lab access link that we send in the initial onboarding email. The new "Configure access-page will point you a service desk button where you can request a lab access link if you don't have yours at hand.
Minor changes
New Slack URL
Our Slack URL is updated to hunt-cloud.slack.com (opens new window). You may need to update the URL in your web browser, while apps on phones should automatically register the change.
Automatic replys in Slack
We have introduced custom Slackbots for common troubleshooting requests. For example, type 403 in your lab channel to give it a try.
Administer science
Major changes
No updates.
Minor changes
Add a new community member
Labs under a BLUE data space subscription may now invite persons that are not lab users to their HUNT Cloud community lab channel. Click here to request memberships.
Membership is voluntary, and new members will be asked to consent to our data processing for the service. See our community section to learn more about our community and the new community consent.
Upcoming features
Improved granularity for individual lab costs on future invoices.
Govern science
Major changes
New privacy statement
We have introduced our own privacy statement that described how we process data for scientists and scientific administrators that users our services. A link to the privacy statement is included in all web pages and before individual service desk requests.
New community consent
We are introducing a new consent for the data processing in our HUNT Cloud community Slack chat. We will forward a consent link to all members. See our "Do science" patch note above for more information.
Minor changes
Threats and vulnerabilities
We have included the ability to report threats and vulnerabilities on our contact page.
Deregister to future Tingweek invitations
We have introducted a new service desk button where all users can deregister to future Tingweek invitations.
Upcoming features
New policies and statement of applicability
We will welcome DNV for a joint ISO 27001 and 27701 certiication audit in the first week of November. We plan to upgrade our Security and privacy policies and Statement of Applicability with new ISO/IEC 27001:2022 control set before the audit.
# Patch note 2.9.1
2023-08-21
Do science
Major changes
Visual Studio Code added to HUNT Workbench
Virtual Studio Code (VS Code) is now available to all HUNT Workbench users. The application is linked with your lab directory, and Jupyter and python extensions are available by default. Contact us in your Slack lab channel if your require additional extensions.
Custom IaaS access links
New access guides tailored for individual lab users are added for unmanaged IaaS and GPU machines. The new guide will ship with new machine orders.
Minor changes
Extended Singularity guide
We have added a guide on how to run Singularity in your lab environment using Conda. The guide covers:
- Installation
- Common practices and commands
- Pull, Run Docker image
- Listing running containers
- Stop running container
- Finding your images
- Temporary file storage
RStudio updated in HUNT Workbench
RStudio is updated to version 2023.06.1 in HUNT Workbench.
Updated JupyterHub in HUNT Workbench
JupyterHub4 is now running on all Workbench sessions.
Lab Access link update
We keep improving onboarding experience for new users.
- Users are now guided on how to setup VPN and TOTP (Time-based One-Time Password) in more convenient fashion with trackable progress of your onboarding.
Extended X2Go guide
We have updated the X2Go guide with screenshots and tried to clarify how you best can setup your lab session.
Upcoming features
- Singularity guide on Nextflow for scientific workflows.
Administer science
Minor changes
Services specification
Update to the Services specification (2.9) where references to "security" is extended to "security and privacy" as a preparation for the upcoming ISO/IEC 27701-certification.
Agreement updates
We have updated the link to the service desk buttons at the bottom of all service orders.
Upcoming features
- Invoices are planned shipped in the first week of September.
- Community membership consent.
- We have been piloting a service to fill out PDF orders in your local browser. You can see an experimental version for our Internal kista orders.
Govern science
Major changes
We have started the implementation of ISO/IEC 27701:2019 (opens new window) for the planned certification audit with DNV later this year. This first step updates our policies and statement of applicability.
Updated Security and and privacy management policy
We have included 'privacy' in our updated Security and privacy management policy (v2.4). This document sets the direction for all our security and privacy work.
Updated Security and privacy policies
Our new Security and privacy policies (opens new window) version (v4.4) includes 119 new privacy controls from ISO/IEC 27701:2019. The aim is to clarify control objectives aimed to protect information that we control or process on behalf of scientific institutions.
Updated Statement of applicability (SoA)
The new SoA includes 85 additional control objectives from ISO/IEC 27701:2019. New objectives are included as 'Planned, not implemented', and objectives that are merged with existing ISO/IEC 27002:2013 controls are adjusted from 'Fully implemented ' to 'Partly implemented' pending internal audits.
Upcoming features
- Planning of Ting #10 agenda and resolutions. Contact us if you have topics that you would like us to include.
- Including justifications, comments and implementation status for new and merged privacy controls in SoA after on internal audits.
- General updates to our privacy practices related to the ISO/IEC 27701:2019 implementation.
# Patch note 2.8.2
2023-06-27
Dear cloud community,
Welcome to our first patch note!
We created this page to keep you informed about our activities and progress here at HUNT Cloud. In the below notes, you will read about what is new, what we are currently working on, known issues and more.
For the HUNT Cloud team
Jakub
Do science
Major changes
Workbench guides for SSH reset
We are introducing the ability for users to reset passphrase directly in Workbench.
- This method works for new and existing users.
- Once you request SSH passphrase reset, head over to your Workbench to easily reset your passphrase in a familiar manner.
- You can find further details in this guide.
Lab access link
We are changing the way we approach onboarding of new users. This approach allows you to connect to our services using tailored-to-you copy-paste commands for your initial configuration.
- You can find Lab access link in your onboarding email, or request a new link in our Do science service desk
Minor changes
Azcopy guide
- We added a quick guide for users who want to transfer files from Azure Storage to their lab. Click here for details.
Upcoming features
- NVMe storage - faster storage type for GPU and CPU intensive workloads.
- User paths - simplify ways to use our services.
- Simplified IaaS access - similar to Lab Access.
Administer science
Major changes
Scientific access
We are simplifying Scientific access for new scientific centers and scientific groups and have updated the initial onboarding process:
- New section that describes the scientific onboarding.
- New scientific access bundle that combines information needed to add your first Data space and Lab.
- FAQ section dedicated to scientific access.
Minor changes
Agreement updates
We updated the agreements for External kista import order (v2.1) and External kista export order (v1.4):
- Naming of "Internal lab user" included in separate header to improve differentiation from lab leader.
Govern science
Major changes
Organizational access
We are simplifying Organizational access and have updated the initial onboarding process:
- New section that describes the organizational onboarding.
- New organizational agreement information form that combines information needed to generate your first data processor agreement and services center agreements.
- FAQ section dedicated to organizational access.
Lagtun resolutions
The new resolutions from Tingweek #9 are adopted:
- Enable reduction of inactive compute resources
- Clarify costs for migration to new systems
- Explore data provider initiated data deliveries
Minor changes
New Tingweek dates
Dates for upcoming Tingweeks: Tingweek #10 (2023-10) and Tingweek #11 (2024-02) are published in the Tingweek section.
# About
# Feedback
Found an issue, or want to submit a feedback? Send us a general request form in Service Desk.
# Schedule
There are no fixed publication schedule for the next Patch note. The intention is to publish a new version whenever we think we have interesting updates to communicate. New notes gets communicated to our cloud community in Slack.
# Numbering
We use a three digit numbering system on our Patch notes, for example version 2.8.3.
| Number | Description |
|---|---|
| 2 | Major services specification update |
| 8 | Minor services specification update |
| 3 | Patch notes number |
Click here for details on the numbering
.
# Major services agreement update
The first number indicates which major Services specification version the Patch notes are attached to.
The number references the first digit of the current Services specification version. For example, Services specification version 2.8 will be listed as 2.
A major services agreement update indicates that services are changes in a way that need major agreement updates. Such updates are forwarded to all contractual partners on email, and major changes on existing services take effect 90 days after the announcement.
# Minor services agreement update
The second number indicates which minor Services specification version the Patch note are attached to.
The number references the second digit of the current Services specification version. For example, Services specification version 2.8 will be listed as 8.
A minor services agreement update indicate a change in the agreement text, such as clarifications, syntax updates and similar. These changes takes effect when they are communicated on these docs pages, and are not forwarded to contractual partners on email.
# Patch notes number
The third number indicates which patch version the current note is attached to. Thus, a patch note is always linked to a specific Service specification version.
Major updates
Major updates indicates what we think are a substantial update in your user experience of our services. Such improvements may not always need updates in legal documents.
Minor updates
Minor Patch notes indicates what we think are small (but often important) user experience updates of our services, for example updates of guides, agreements or other good-to-know-about things.
Upcoming features
These are features that we have planned to move forward by the time of the notes publication, although they are not always the features that we end up prioritizing over the next period.