Issues in annual folders resolved
(9.9.2026)
The ready-made data sets will be made available in the annual location for the remaining projects during weeks 37 and 38. Projects are requested to check that the correct data sets have been made available in the annual folder structure.
For more information, see page Annual folder structure for ready-made datasets.
FIONA's Windows operating systems will be upgraded during 2026
(28.8.2026)
Windows virtual machine environments used in FIONA will be upgraded during 2026. The environments are transferred to a new server platform, and in connection with it, the projects are asked to test the applications, customisations and standard work processes of the new environment. The new and old environments can be used side by side during the test period.
We will give more detailed information about the transfer schedules and necessary measures to the projects by email.
Read more about the upgrade of Windows virtual machine environments and detailed instructions
Issues observed in the introduction of annual folders for ready-made datasets
(18.6.2026)
The annual folder structure for ready-made datasets introduced at the beginning of the month has caused visibility issues for datasets and drives in some projects. The problems are currently being fixed, and updates will be provided once the fixes are completed. More information about the issues is available on the page Annual folder structure for ready-made datasets.
Roaming profiles to be introduced in FIONA during the June maintenance break
(25.5.2026)
During the June maintenance break (16 June 2026), roaming profiles will be introduced for Windows-based FIONA remote access system projects. With this change, users’ desktop, files and application settings will be stored on a network drive instead of the C: drive in the remote access environment. The folder structure and view will remain unchanged for users. The profiles will be enabled automatically. The first login to FIONA after the implementation may take longer than usual.
Read more about the introduction of roaming profiles
The SAS license will become chargeable as of 1 July 2026
(1.4.2026)
SAS, which is currently used in FIONA by some research projects, will become subject to a fee at the beginning of July. The cost is EUR 150 per month per project machine. The principal investigators of projects wishing to continue using SAS must notify Research Services (tutkijapalvelut@stat.fi).
For projects where SAS is currently installed, the software will be automatically removed at the beginning of July unless continuation is requested, and therefore no additional charges will be incurred.
Microsimulation projects will continue to use SAS free of charge until the model has been migrated to another platform.
New functionalities in FIONA
(27.3.2026)
FIONA projects will have a new, clearer compilation view that gathers together key data on users, user rights and storage space. It allows users to see the key information of the project at a glance. The aim is to facilitate the work of both researchers and the Research Services by providing better visibility to the project's situation. The new view is currently being piloted, and it will be made available to all FIONA projects during this spring.
Another current improvement is the dynamic activation of workstation capacity, which scales computing power according to the needs of the research. The solution speeds up the start‑up of processes that require substantial computing power, frees up unused capacity and reduces bottlenecks. The functionality is currently being piloted, and the pilot will soon extend to other projects using the Ubuntu operating system.
The new functionalities have been developed in cooperation with the FIRE consortium.
