File Sharing over Globus

Globus allows users to share files and data with users at other institutions using a web browser or command line interface. Data is transferred between source and destination securely while maintaining high level performance and validates the data transfers between locations.

Once you have logged into the allocation from which you want to share, browse to the specific folder you’d like to share out to someone else.

Important note for sharing:

You can only share directories, not individual files. If you only need to share one file, put it in a directory, then share that directory.
You should never share your entire top level /home or /data directory. Instead, when sharing data with a collaborator, you should create a subdirectory and share that.
You should share a directory only with a specific colleague or colleagues. Do not select “all users” when sharing.
Globus allows directory trees to be shared as read or read/write. This means any subdirectories within the tree inherit those same permissions. If the user has read/write access, they CAN delete files within that directory tree.
When you data transfer or project is complete and you no longer need to share data, you should remove delete the shared endpoint.

First verify the folder path and make sure that the last folder listed in that folder path is the one your want shared out. This last folder and all it’s contents and subfolders will be shared with the user you specify later. Example: In the screenshot below, we are sharing out our desktop folder within our personal home on Beartooth.

Assuming this is correct, select the share option on the right hand side of the globus window to begin sharing this folder:

You will now be presented with a Guest Collections configuration page. Click “Add guest collection” on the right side to create a new share.

This wording can be misleading. We aren’t actually creating a new folder/directory, we’re extending this directory “Desktop” and it’s contents (subfolders, data, etc) which is still located in our /home folder on Beartooth out to “guests” that may be outside of our institution - usually because we want to collaborate with them and it can otherwise be difficult to share these resources with users outside the institution. This directory and it’s contents is now shared out as a “new guest collection” that we’ve named “My Desktop to share with Pistol Pete”.

We may add more information by clicking the “view more fields” option or just create the share now by clicking “Create Collection”. If we view more fields we’re presented with an information link (So you may link another page regarding information about your data) and provide a contact e-mail, organizational information or other information.

Once our collection has been created, we can share it out to others. Click the add permissions - share with option.

Put in the person’s e-mail and if they’re going to be adding data to the folder, check the write box to provide them with ability to make changes to and add content to the folder.

Fill out the information as specified. By default, an e-mail will be sent to the user allowing them to gain access to the file share, and you may add context to the e-mail in the body text box below their e-mail address. When ready, click “Add Permissions” to grant the person access to this directory through globus and send out the sharing e-mail.