Comparing File Storage at UConn

Individual Storage

OneDrive accounts and the files stored in them are deleted when the user leaves the university (e.g. graduation, academic dismissal, or end of employment). For that reason, department files should be stored in that department’s SharePoint site.

Individual storage solutions, such as OneDrive, allow users to store their documents in an accessible location. Users may choose to share files and folders in OneDrive with others.

	OneDrive
Access Limitations	Any computer, tablet, or smartphone with an internet connection.
How to Access	Office 365 website or through file explorer on your computer.
Encryption	Data is encrypted while stored and during transit to your computer.
Version History	Automatically creates versions while editing. Can recover the last 500 versions.
Collaboration and Co-Authoring	Real-time collaboration and co-authoring with team members.
Storage Location	Microsoft’s cloud servers
Storage Limit	5 TB (5,000 GB)
Individual File Size Limit	250 GB
Deletion	Self-recoverable through the OneDrive recycle bin.

More Information about OneDrive

Open OneDrive in a Browser

Set Up OneDrive on a Computer

Shared Storage

Shared storage solutions such as SharePoint allow any user within the SharePoint site to access stored documents by default. Shared storage is preferred for collaborating with team members.

	SharePoint	Enterprise File Service (Q: Drive, R: Drive)
Access Limitations	Any computer, tablet, or smartphone with an internet connection.	Any computer on a UConn campus. Any computer connected through Direct Access or UConn’s VPN.
How to Access	Office 365 website or through file explorer on your computer.	The Q: or R: drive mapped to your computer’s file explorer.
Encryption	Data is encrypted while stored and during transit to your computer.	Q drive: not encrypted. R drive: encrypted while stored.
Version History	Automatically creates versions while editing. Can recover the last 500 versions.	Creates version daily and are retained for 30 days.
Collaboration and Co-Authoring	Real-time collaboration and co-authoring with team members.	No co-authoring. Single user edit lock.
Storage Location	Microsoft’s cloud servers	Storage servers on Storrs Campus
Storage Limit	25 TB (25,000GB)	64 TB
Individual File Size Limit	250 GB	N/A
Deletion	Self-recoverable through the SharePoint site recycle bin.	Self-recoverable through Windows Previous Versions
Creation	Create through Office 365.	Creation request through ITS.

More Information about SharePoint

Accessing Files in SharePoint

Creating a Team SharePoint Site

Syncing a SharePoint Site on a Computer