faq.md

title: <i class="fas fa-question-circle"></i> FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
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excerpt:
    Collection of Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) about HIFIS.

Motivation for HIFIS

The top position of Helmholtz research is increasingly based on cross-centre and international cooperation and common access to data treasure and -services. At the same time the significance of a sustainable software development for the research process is recognised.

HIFIS aims to ensure an excellent information environment for outstanding research in all Helmholtz research fields and a seamless and performant IT-infrastructure connecting knowledge from all centres. It will build a secure and easy-to-use collaborative environment with efficiently accessible ICT services from anywhere. HIFIS will also support the development of research software with a high level of quality, visibility and sustainability.

Documentation, Full Proposal texts and Publications can be found here.

General

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What is the mission of HIFIS?

The Helmholtz Infrastructure for Federated ICT Services (HIFIS) ensures an excellent information environment for outstanding research in all Helmholtz research fields. See also our Mission Summary.

How can HIFIS help me as a researcher?

The purpose of HIFIS is to support science and scientists. Within the HIFIS platform, we are building:

• The Helmholtz Cloud, providing a portfolio of seamlessly accessible IT services to simplify your daily work.
• All cloud services and software trainings and support are free of charge!
• A Helmholtz-wide login mechanism, the Helmholtz AAI,
• A stable, high-bandwidth network infrastructure connecting all Helmholtz centers,
• Software services to provide you with a common platform, training and support for high-quality sustainable software development.

When will all of this take place?

The HIFIS platform was set up in 2019, with basic infrastructure services (AAI) and pilot services online in 2020. The initial cloud service portfolio is expected to be available by end of 2020. Please also refer to our HIFIS Roadmap to stay up to date. The Software Services Training and Support platform is already available.

Anything I can do to get things done faster?

We have several pilot cloud services and installations running. Please contact us if you need urgent assistance.

Where can I register for a newsletter?

We do not send newsletters, but you are invited to register for our Announcement letter announce@hifis.net to never miss any upcoming events!

Either register by clicking on this link and sending a registration mail or register here - you can also unregister here.

To stay updated on general HIFIS news, you are invited to check out our RSS news feed - besides, of course, regularly checking our website and news section!

My Helmholtz center is not directly involved into HIFIS. Do you still help me?

Yes, of course. HIFIS is a Helmholtz-wide platform that aims to provide offers for all Helmholtz centers. Please contact us or any of the HIFIS team members to get assistance.

How should I acknowledge HIFIS assistance in a publication?

Please include the following text:

We gratefully acknowledge the HIFIS (Helmholtz Federated IT Services) team for ... (e.g. support with the components above)