Unlike an archive, a repository is designed to provide each user with storage space to save and share digital IT material (digital products) without requiring the detailed structuring typical of archives.
A repository does not feature discovery functionalities (such as applying search filters via forms or key-value parameters) and does not expose descriptive metadata of scientific data. Instead, it is the equivalent of a directory tree without a standardized definition of structure or content.
Repository Services Offered by IA2
In addition to managing the main INAF archives from ground-based telescopes, the IA2 Data Center (Italian Astronomical Archives) provides the INAF community with Data Sharing and Long-Term Preservation services.
In both cases, activation of a dedicated personal account is required. Storage resources can be requested through the bi-annual call “INAF USC -C "INAF USC-C – Call for Computing Resources and Long-Term Data Preservation"“It is also possible to request "on-demand" storage resources by submitting a comprehensive Data Management Plan .
Any requests (including storage space increases, account activations, or general inquiries) should be sent to: ia2@inaf.it