University Licensed Cloud Storage Applications
While cloud storage is not a substitute for a data backup strategy, having data replicated in the cloud is insurance against risks like theft or hardware failure.
The following
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are supported and licensed by UC San Diego for use by faculty, staff, and students
Google Drive (a G Suite for Education application)
For individuals who are unfamiliar, or not yet using Google Drive, more information and how to get started can be found here.
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Health Sciences personnel should consult this Pulse page
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OneDrive for Business
As an alternative to Google Drive, UC San Diego's licensing agreement with Microsoft provides for allocations of 5TB in OneDrive, available to all UC San Diego students, faculty, and staff. A similar folder and permissions structure as outlined above can also be created in OneDrive.
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Health Sciences personnel should consult this Pulse page
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Commercial Cloud Storage Supported by UC Business Associate Agreements (BAA)
These commercial cloud providers offer affordable data storage solutions, in particular long-term (cold and archival), and these are often recommended as options for storing secondary copies of data.
If commercial cloud storage is a solution under consideration, these tips may be useful:
- Be cautious, as data egress (downloading) can be costly and minimum storage durations apply to infrequently accessed data, which may result in additional charges.
- Schedule regular deposits of archival data to reduce the volume of active storage and provide the assurance that data is in a durable and secure environment.
- Consider using automated workflows to move data between storage classes. This can significantly reduce costs.
- The service offerings of cloud providers can be challenging - contact research-it@ucsd.edu for additional guidance and advice.
Example: Cost Savings Between Storage Classes
An illustration of potential cost saving variances between active and cold storage tiers might look as follows:
Amount of Data | Description | Minimum Storage Duration | Retrieval Time | Cost per Month |
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| 5TB | Standard: Active data | None | -- | $117 |
| 5TB | Infrequently accessed data | 30 days | -- | $64 |
| 5TB | Very infrequently accessed data | 90 days | Minutes to hours | $20 |
| 5TB | Archival data | 180 days | 12 hours | $6 |
Note: Rates above are shared only as an example and should not be relied upon for accuracy.
Calculating Costs in the Cloud
Please use these calculators to help determine current, actual costs with these service providers.
- Amazon Web Services Pricing Calculator
- Google Cloud Platform Pricing Calculator
- Microsoft Azure Calculator
Learn more about commercial cloud service providers, UC negotiated agreements, and how to request an account here
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Need help establishing a data management best practice workflow for your research group or lab? Please contact research-it@ucsd.edu
Last updated: 9/2123/20