#  Storage 

 



#  Storage 

 Programs & initiatives 

 

 

       ![2019 Harvard University IT Summit](/sites/g/files/omnuum10811/files/styles/hwp_21_9__1920x825/public/2025-05/2019%20IT%20Summit%20-%20Photo%20by%20Michelle%20Jay.jpeg?itok=EF0wQ5U3) 

 

 



 

 



 

##  Contents 

- [Overview](#overview)
- [Choose the right tool for your storage needs](#tools)
- [Manage your storage usage](#manage)
- [Additional guidance](#guidance)
- [Get help](#help)



 

##  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](/schools "Find your School's IT support") may also offer additional storage options.

SortStorage toolBest useData classification levelNotes- For [Microsoft 365](/microsoft-365 "Microsoft 365") users: **OneDrive**
- For [Google Workspace](/google-workspace "Google Workspace") users: **Google Drive (individual)**



Individual, work-related files

[Level 3 confidential data and below](https://privsec.harvard.edu/classify-risk)

Intended for individual work, short-term use. Not recommended for long-term archiving.

- For [Microsoft 365](/microsoft-365 "Microsoft 365") users: **SharePoint**
- For [Google Workspace](/google-workspace "Google Workspace") users: **Google Drive (shared)**



Team projects and internal collaboration

[Level 3 confidential data and below](https://privsec.harvard.edu/classify-risk)  
  
[*SharePoint may be configured for Level 4 confidential data storage (with restrictions)*](https://harvard.service-now.com/ithelp?id=sc_cat_item&sys_id=6de6b5856ffcb100a54fa981be3ee4a8)

Supports version control and shared access, reducing duplication across groups

- **Research data storage**   
    ([Options vary by school](/research-data-storage "Research data storage"))



Storage of large and complex datasets

Varies by tool

Provides networked access with defined retention and replication policies

- **Specialty storage** ([Consultation required](/huit-storage-services-consultation "HUIT Storage Services Consultation"))



Large-scale, video, cold storage, or [Level 4 confidential data](https://privsec.harvard.edu/classify-risk) 

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.

### Storage platforms

- [Manage storage use in Microsoft 365](https://harvard.service-now.com/ithelp?id=kb_article&sys_id=50f65eba938ff610bf14bbcd1dba10ad)
- [Manage storage use in Google Workspace](https://harvard.service-now.com/ithelp?id=kb_article&sys_id=d49106f62b0bf610e401f84cfe91bf23)

### Services with built-in storage

- [Manage storage use in Zoom](https://support.zoom.com/hc/en/article?id=zm_kb&sysparm_article=KB0067567#h_01F4F8Z2FJCCE6KVBPGHNZEXSC)



 

##  Additional guidance 

 



 fact\_check 

 [### Harvard’s Records Schedules

 ](https://library.harvard.edu/services-tools/harvards-records-schedules)Records management guidance on how long to keep different types of data



 

 

 lock 

 [### University-wide Privacy Principles

 ](https://privsec.harvard.edu/privacy-principles)Guiding principles on managing data with personal information



 

 

 report\_problem 

 [### University Risk Classifications

 ](https://privsec.harvard.edu/classify-risk)Leveled descriptions of confidentiality for use in securing data



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

##  Get help 

 



 co\_present 

 [### Storage Service Consultation

 ](/huit-storage-services-consultation)Get expert advice on specialty storage needs



 

 

 dataset 

 [### Records Management Services

 ](https://library.harvard.edu/how-to/manage-harvard-university-records#contact)Get help to understand your responsibility for stewarding and managing records.



 

 

 data\_exploration 

 [### Office of Institutional Research

 ](https://oira.harvard.edu/data-strategy-governance/)Request more information on data governance.