Findata’s data transfer services are being renewed throughout spring 2025. The current transfer service, Nextcloud, will be renamed Tunneli, and a new service, Supertunneli, will be introduced for transferring larger datasets. These updates aim to improve the security and usability of the services.
Supertunneli for transferring large datasets
Supertunneli (Finnish for Super Tunnel) is based on the S3 interface and addresses the capacity issues of the current transfer services. At present, the maximum size for a single transfer is 4 GB, which has caused additional workload and risk of errors, particularly when handling large datasets.
The new interface-based solution will allow for the transfer of large datasets in a single operation. Initially, Supertunneli will offer at least 1 terabyte (1 TB) of storage space for data transfers. Larger transfers are also possible, but they must be notified to Findata in advance. Additionally, the process can be optimised by automating data encryption and decryption.
The interface of Supertunneli will also be used for transferring datasets to Secondary Use Act-compliant environments.
“Supertunneli will be rolled out in phases. In the first phase, we will include data controllers who frequently need to transfer large datasets, as well as the environments to which these large datasets are being transferred,” says Hannu Vilpponen, Head of ICT at Findata.
Future developments
The S3 interface is also planned to be used in the future to support the anonymisation of published results. A later development, called Tulostunneli (Results Tunnel), will allow service providers of secure environments to define a convenient way to deliver published results to Findata.
“Until now, it has been the responsibility of researchers to transfer published results. In the future, the process can be automated, which supports Findata’s mission to ensure the anonymity of the results,” Vilpponen adds.
The development of Supertunneli is part of Findata’s EU co-funded FinHITS project.
Tunneli – formerly Nextcloud
The Tunneli (Tunnel) service will remain in use for smaller, individual transfers. Researchers, for example, can use Tunneli to send their datasets to Findata if they need to be combined with data obtained under the Secondary Use Act.
Changes coming into effect on 28 April 2025:
- The transfer service will be renamed Tunneli, and its appearance will be updated.
- User accounts for Tunneli will be automatically created when placing a Kapseli order – no separate account request will be needed. For Kapseli customers who do not yet have an account, one will be created automatically.
- Inactive accounts will be deleted automatically after 12 months. Kapseli users’ accounts will remain active as long as their subscription is valid.
With these changes we hope to simplify account management and enhance data security.
More information
Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Health and Digital Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.