Storage
Storage
Contents
Overview
This page provides an overview of Harvard’s storage options, along with guidance to help you make the best use of available storage, ensure that sensitive information is protected, and avoid service disruptions or loss of data.
Choose the right tool for your storage needs
Choosing the right, Harvard-provided storage tool helps us all make the most of the resources we have and keep data secure. We recommend the following tools for these common use cases. Your School’s local IT department may also offer additional storage options.
| Storage tool | Best use | Data classification level | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual, work-related files | Intended for individual work, short-term use. Not recommended for long-term archiving. | |
| Team projects and internal collaboration | Supports version control and shared access, reducing duplication across groups | |
| Storage of large and complex datasets | Varies by tool | Provides networked access with defined retention and replication policies |
| Large-scale, video, cold storage, or Level 4 confidential data | Varies by tool | Tailored solutions for research or administrative needs that require additional capacity or security |
Manage your storage usage
Platforms such as Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace offer options to help you manage space more efficiently. Other IT services also include storage management tools. By adjusting settings, you can free up storage and avoid loss of functionality or data if storage limits are reached or data retention periods expire.