New Storage Limits on Cloud Services

Did you know?

Storing data in the cloud is not only expensive, but it contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change!

Tufts has many data storage solutions for faculty, staff, students, and researchers. We encourage you to use these tools to conduct daily business. However, unlimited storage accumulates and compounds over time. Users tend not to review the contents of their accounts and remove things that are no longer needed. As a result, our costs for these tools continues to increase over time. Reducing cloud storage reduces the energy consumption and carbon footprint of data centers, which are major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. 

In an effort to keep our costs controlled, we are establishing limits for all of our data storage tools effective August 5, 2024. These new limits will NOT impact any existing work. You do not need to move your content out of Box. We are only asking that you review your content and remove anything that is not necessary.

What are the new storage limits?  

For new users or those under the current limits, the limits will be as follows: 

• Box: 250GB per user   
• OneDrive: 250GB per user  
• Google Drive: 15 GB per user  

For current users with storage over the limits listed above, TTS will apply a reasonable increase, so your work is not interrupted. There is nothing you need to do at this time. Should you need additional storage increase after Aug 5th, please email it@tufts.edu.

What do I do when I’m approaching my limit?   

Your new storage limit will be set to a new higher limit than you are currently using. We will not impact anyone's work. We ask that you review your content and remove what is no longer necessary.   

• Personal (non-work related) files should be moved to other storage options, such as your own external hard drives or personal cloud accounts.  
• Work related content can remain in Box, OneDrive or GoogleDrive.   
• If you are approaching your storage limit and require additional storage space, please contact it@tufts.edu.  

Do files and folders that are shared with me count towards my limit?

No. Only files and folders you own count towards your limit.

I own a lot of files and folders that are used by my whole department, can I get a higher limit?

Yes! BUT, we can also set up a department folder for your team. This shared folder would be be owned by a system ID and shared with everyone in your group. The department shares have a higher storage limit.

How can I tell how much storage I’m using in Box?

1. Log in to Box
2. Select your initials in the upper right corner
3. Select Account Settings
4. Scroll down to Account Details

The total amount of Box storage used is listed under Storage Used

How can I tell how much storage I’m using in OneDrive?

1. Sign in to Microsoft 365 in a web browser
2. Open OneDrive from the app launcher
3. Select the Settings icon in the top-right corner
4. Select OneDrive settings
5. Select More settings from the sidebar menu
6. Go to the Features and storage section, then select Storage Metrics

The amount of storage you have remaining is shown in the top-right corner of the screen

Where can you get more information or assistance?  

If you have any questions or concerns about the new storage limits, please contact the IT Help Desk at it@tufts.edu or (617) 627-3376.