Test operation of the new system OCTOPUS began on September 1, 2025. In this page, how to start free trial program on OCTOPUS, how to move onto service charged operation, and data migration between SQUID and OCTOPUS are detailed.
Service Schedule
| OCTOPUS |
Test operation has been underway since September 1, 2025. Free Trial program, under which you can use OCTOPUS without any service charge, is scheduled from September 1 until November 30. Note that you need to apply the free trial program. From December 1, OCTOPUS will be available with service charge. |
|---|---|
| SQUID | Nothing has changed from the fiscal 2025. SQUID is available throughout the fiscal 2026. |
How to apply for paid service.
Please refer to this for your application.
For details on application patterns, please refer to the following "How to start Free Trial Program and how to move onto service charged operation."
How to start Free Trial Program and how to move onto service charged operation.
| OCTOPUS Free Trial Program (From Sep. to Nov. 2025) | OCTOPUS charged operation (From Dec. 2025) | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| A | the user group who uses SQUID in the fiscal 2025 (General(academia) use and Industrial use) | The representative of service application needs to register (*1). Everyone in the group can get a free trial with their existing account. | - When moving onto service charged operation: Application of adding usage resource for OCTOPUS is needed. - When do not move onto service charged operation: Job requests will be stopped from being submitted and data on OCTOPUS will be deleted at end of March 2026. |
| B | those who have never use SQUID in 2025 | Application for free trial will serve a new account. | - When moving onto service charged operation: First application for General (academic) use for OCTOPUS is needed. - When do not move onto service charged operation: Job requests will be stopped from being submitted and free trial account will be deleted at end of March 2026. |
| C | the user group who uses SQUID through HPCI, JHPCN, Research Proposal Based Use | Application for free trial from each individual will serve a new account. Group applications are not accepted. | Same as above |
*1 Individuals other than the representative may apply for the free trial. However in that case a new account will be served. Therefore, reciprocal access between the file systems of SQUID and OCTOPUS is not available. Additionally, the account will be deleted at the end of free trial period unless move onto service charged operation.
Data migration between SQUID and OCTOPUS
The SQUID users those who applied for OCTOPUS Free trial Program as a group can access both storage interchangeably. Mutual access is only possible from the front-end nodes of each system. Mutual access is not possible from the compute nodes.
| Accessing data on SQUID from OCTOPUS |
Home area: /sqfs/home/(user name)/ Work area: /sqfs/work/(group name)/(user name)/ SSC area: /sqfs/ssd/(group name)/(user name)/ |
|---|---|
| Accessing data on OCTOPUS from SQUID |
Home area: /octfs/home/(user name)/ Work area: /octfs/work/(group name)/(user name)/ |
OCTOPUS Free trial program
| Period | September 2025 – November 2025(scheduled) |
|---|---|
| Trial Target | All of computing nodes on OCTOPUS (140 nodes) - Waiting time is there due to shared use. - The upper limit of simultaneous execution and elapse time is set. Storage (HDD: 3.58 PB) - 5TB per 1 group. |
| Quota | None |
| Remarks |
- For moving onto service charged operation of OCTOPUS, this plan may be subject to change. - As to account and data after the OCTOPUS free trial program is finished, we will announce. - We will ask for a questionnaire for you during the Free Trial program. Please cooperate with our survey. |
How to apply for OCTOPUS Free Trial Program
Applications are accepted on a group basis. Please apply using this form below on behalf of the application representative.
Deadline: 31 October 2025
Deadline: 31 October 2025
FAQ
Q: Will a new account be assigned when using SQUID?
A: The account used in SQUID can also be used in OCTOPUS.
Q: Is there a fixed service charge system of SQUID?
A: You will be charged from December 1st, but details are under consideration. We will announce it as soon as it is decided.
Q: Can I use OCTOPUS only during the free trial program?
A: Yes. Please cooperate with our questionaire.
Q: What happens to the data on OCTOPUS after the free trial period ends?
A: If you do not move onto service charged operation, it will be deleted at the end of March 2026. Your own download from OCTOPUS is essentially required.
Q: If the application representative applies, will everyone in the group be eligible for free trial use?
A: Yes. All users in the group managed by the application representative are eligible for the Free Trial Program.
Q: Is it possible to apply individually instead of in groups?
A: It is possible, but in that case it will be treated as a "first application for system use". The account used in SQUID cannot be used.
