Comparison

Title

Compare Options for Data & Document Storage

Challenge

As a student, faculty, or staff member, what are my options for online file storage for my project, my research or my department?

Solutions

There are a variety of options for online file storage depending on what your needs are and the type of data you need to store (see the Data Security Classification policy). We have outlined the available storage solutions, rated them for effort required, and identified key considerations.

Laptop computer with file folders coming out of the screen representing many storage options.

Google Drive

Every student, faculty and staff member has access to Google Drive account through their UMN Internet ID and password. Google Drive can be used for storing, sharing and collaborating on files.

Recommended Resources

Learn more about Google Drive
Google Drive: Working with Files and Folders

Effort Required

  • Low
  • Medium
  • High

Key Considerations

  • Create and share files and folders online
  • Files can be accessed anywhere from any mobile device or computer
  • Unlimited storage
  • Not recommended for sensitive and private-highly restricted files

Box Secure Storage

Delivered by the Center of Excellence for HIPAA Data, Box Secure Storage is a secure environment intended for storing, sharing and accessing sensitive and private-highly restricted files. Our implementation of Box Secure Storage is specifically designed to be compliant with HIPAA and security standards for private-highly restricted data.

With Box Secure Storage, not only can you securely share files, you can also create, edit and review documents with others in real-time.

Recommended Resources

Learn more about Box Secure Storage
Box Secure Storage Self-Help Guide

Effort Required

  • Low
  • Medium
  • High

Key Considerations

  • Compliant with HIPAA and security standards for private-highly restricted data
  • Provides unlimited storage capacity for individual files up to 15 GB
  • Includes encryption and activity logging
  • Uses Duo Two-Factor Authentication and provides access controls such as view-only access

Google Shared Drives

Google shared drives is a shared space where teams can easily store, search, and access their files anywhere, from any device.

Files in shared drives belong to the team instead of an individual. Even if members leave, the files stay exactly where they are so your team can continue to share information and get work done.

Recommended Resources

Learn more about Google shared drives
Get started with Google shared drives

Effort Required

  • Low
  • Medium
  • High

Key Considerations

  • Files are owned by the team not by an individual
  • All members of a shared drive see the same content
  • When a user is added to a Google Group they’re automatically added to all the shared drives that include that group
  • You can add external users to a shared drive

General Data Storage

Store and share data and documents of any type and in any amount. General Data Storage is  suitable for backups, archives, file-level storage, and general storage use.

Recommended Resources

Learn more about General Data Storage
Storage Services Request Form

Effort Required

  • Low
  • Medium
  • High

Key Considerations

  • Manage and move large amounts of data
  • Easy access and meets most performance needs
  • Integrates with active directory
  • Protect your data using replication and snapshots

Supercomputing Storage

Through an agreement with the Minnesota Supercomputing Institute (MSI) we have access to research storage and high-performance computing storage for data. If you have significantly large files, a large number of files, complex data, applications, or content, and/or data related to grant-funded projects you may need these fee-based storage services.

Recommended Resources

Learn more about Supercomputing Storage
Request a consultation

Effort Required

  • Low
  • Medium
  • High

Key Considerations

  • Access to a high-performance high-capacity primary storage platform
  • Second tier storage with an object storage system supporting new workflows and inactive data parking
  • Hadoop Cluster supporting MapReduce workflows on HDFS
  • Database servers
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Additional Resources

Manage Data & Documents