Before you start#
Research data includes measurements, derived results and records explaining them. The main approved copy is the version the owner treats as correct. Sensitivity describes disclosure/access restrictions; durability describes survival; retention states how long a copy must be kept.
| Fictional beam item | Recovery need | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Measurements | Cannot be reconstructed | Owner approves classification and durable main copy |
| Derived report | Useful result with provenance | Collaborators need an approved recoverable copy |
| Mesh cache | Can be rebuilt from recorded inputs | Compute location and safe cleanup condition |
A checksum is a calculated fingerprint comparing contents. It establishes neither permission nor durability. Keep code separate from data and results.
A copy is readable and its checksum matches. Which placement decisions remain? Try the decisions before opening the explanation.
Separate a verified copy from an approved main copy
Verify contents, then confirm the owner's approved service, access, backup/recovery and retention. Temporary work does not replace the durable main copy. Stage high-I/O inputs to approved compute storage; verify needed output back before owner-approved cleanup.
Choose storage by ownership, access, recovery and lifetime; a filename does not establish those properties.