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Topic
Different types of data storage for employees and active students.
Information
"There are two types of computer users in the world; those who have lost data, and those that will."
This is a saying common in computer "techie" circles because we find that once someone has lost data, they take precautions not to have it happen again. We don't want you to be in the second group, either! So learn from the mistakes of others, save your data on a reliable source, and you will not suffer through having to recreate a file, grade book, etc.
We recommend that you store files on 1) Onedrive, 2) Sharepoint
Below is further information on each type of data storage device/media available.
SharePoint: This is the best option if you want to share files amongst departments or committees for collaboration. If someone leaves, the files will still be accessible to others. If files are deleted, users have the ability to restore the file(s) themselves and not have to contact IT. Since this is a cloud option, there is no need to keep physical media.
OneDrive: This is the best option if you want to back up your own files to the cloud. If someone leaves the University and they are not Alumni, the files will not be accessible to others as they will be deleted if the account is deleted. If files are deleted while the user is still active with the university, users have the ability to restore the file(s) themselves and not have to contact IT. Since this is a cloud option, there is no need to keep physical media.
Below is a summary of the advantages and disadvantages of the typical storage devices.
| Types of Storage |
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
| Sharepoint |
Max storage 25 TB per site (overall space is based on the number of MS licenses purchased). |
Network connectivity is required to ensure that data is being backed up automatically. |
| OneDrive |
5 TB, Ferris is already paying for the space. |
Network connectivity is required to ensure that data is being backed up automatically.
Note: Space is reduced to 100 GB for A1 licenses. A1 licenses are assigned to Emeriti, Alumni, and departmental accounts.
|
| USB |
Limited data corruption, multiple sizes, USB ports. |
Easy to lose; not secure unless the device is encrypted. |
| Hard Drive (internal) |
Multiple sizes, easy to use. |
possible data corruption; expensive data recovery with external vendor. |
| SAN (J or departmental drive) |
Multiple backups done by the University. |
data loss is possible; Needs Ferris network connection or VPN to access; expensive to the University. |