In this series, we dive into the world of the Midwest Research Computing and Data Consortium. We explore its members, their challenges, and prospects. Recently, we had the opportunity to speak with Charles McClary, Manager of Research Storage at Indiana University Bloomington Research Technologies, who shared his insights on the field. Edited excerpts below:
As Manager of Research Storage at Indiana University Bloomington Research Technologies, I oversee multiple storage services that we provide to our users. My responsibilities include ensuring reliable, effective solutions by managing a team that supports the technical infrastructure, user services, and storage solutions, enabling researchers to carry out their work seamlessly.
I have a background in computer science, beginning with my undergraduate studies at Indiana University (IU). After graduation, I started my career in administrative computing at IU, programming in COBOL on IBM mainframes. Over the years, I transitioned through various roles, including network support and development. A stint in the private sector broadened my experience, after which I returned to IU as IT Director for a large business unit. This varied background prepared me well for my current role in research storage.
A key part of my position is working closely with researchers to understand their storage needs and provide tailored solutions. Our team collaborates across disciplines, assisting with data management and ensuring secure, accessible storage solutions. One service that users particularly value is the Scholarly Data Archive, which has become one of IU’s most important offerings.
A recent project involved a major refresh of our tape archive environment, where we replaced old tape libraries with new ones. This required migrating around 100 petabytes of data, a task that took approximately 13 months to complete.
One of the most significant challenges is managing the ever-growing demand for storage while keeping pace with the evolving needs of the research community. Building a cohesive, effective team has been one of my most satisfying achievements. Knowing that our work directly supports researchers and contributes to their success is a source of great pride.
Looking ahead, the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning into high-performance computing will continue to shape the research computing landscape, especially regarding storage capacity. It can be difficult to make decisions about storage infrastructure, given how fast technology evolves. You can only make the best decision possible with the information available at the time.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time outdoors, particularly cycling and hiking. These activities provide a great balance to my professional life and keep me energized. Family is also a priority, and I cherish spending time with my wife, kids, and grandkids.