Purpose and Overview
Miami University provides a variety of document storage solutions to meet the needs of students, faculty, and staff. These services enable users to securely store, access, and collaborate on documents from multiple devices. The primary storage solutions offered include Google Drive, Google Shared Drive, and Windows File Servers (G: Drive), each designed to support different use cases based on collaboration needs, data sensitivity, and retention requirements.
Features and Benefits
Features:
- Google Drive: Personal cloud storage for individual files and collaboration. These files are owned by the person and follow the person. If that person leaves Miami, they are eventually deleted.
- Google Shared Drive: Shared space for teams with persistent file ownership.
- Windows File Servers (G: Drive): On-premises storage with access control for sensitive data.
- Secure Access: Encrypted storage options with access control measures.
- Cross-Platform Compatibility: Access from desktop, web, and mobile devices.
Benefits:
- Flexible storage options for different collaboration and security needs.
- Automatic backup and versioning for cloud-based services.
- University-supported infrastructure ensuring data availability and compliance.
- Integration with Miami's Single Sign-On (SSO) for seamless access.
Service Boundaries and Constraints
- Users are responsible for managing access to their files within Google Drive.
- Sensitive or regulated data should be stored on approved platforms with appropriate access controls.
- Storage limits and quota increases are subject to IT review and approval.
Eligibility and Audience
This service is available to:
- Students: For academic and personal document storage.
- Faculty and Staff: For administrative and instructional use.
- University Departments: For collaborative projects and secure file storage.
Getting Started and Support
- Choose the Right Storage: Review the comparison above to choose the right storage location for your content.
- Update G: file permissions: Changes are administered by the departmental IT using this request form.
- Request storage Increases: Submit a request via this request form.
For assistance visit miamioh.edu/itchat or contact IT Help at 513-529-7900.
Comparison of Storage Options
Feature |
Google Drive |
Google Shared Drive |
Windows File Server (G: Drive) |
Ownership |
Individual |
Team-based |
Department-based |
Collaboration |
Excellent |
Excellent |
Limited |
Access Control |
User-managed |
Admin-managed |
IT-managed |
Best For |
Personal files |
Departmental projects |
Secure, regulated data |
Storage Limits |
Limited by quota |
Limited by request |
Department allocation |
Access |
Cloud-based |
Cloud-based |
On-campus/VPN required |