Contact
Data Management Support (DMS)
dms@slu.se | www.slu.se/dms
This page gives an overview of the different storage solutions available at SLU.
For general information about storage and backup, see How to store and backup scientific data at SLU.
The SLU Computer is a Windows computer configured by the SLU Division of IT. Most departments use SLU computers, but not all.
The folders My documents (including My Pictures, My Music, My movies), Favorites and Desktop on a SLU computer are connected to a central storage space and is automatically backed up and accessibly remotely. Please note that you need to be connected to the SLU network (at campus or through VPN) for the automatic synchronisation and backup to work. If you are working offline, your files will only be stored on your computer until you connect to the network so you may need to use another backup solution temporarily.
Note that files stored in other locations on the computer will not be automatically backed up or synchronized to the server.
Access via your SLU AD account. VPN can be used for access outside the SLU network. Not used for sharing files with others.
Servers in the SLU network (within Sweden).
Can be used for personal data and sensitive information.
Backup is managed by SLU. If you lose your computer or if it is broken, you can access the files stored on the SLU server.
100 GB storage included.
NTFS file system accessible from Windows. Can also be accessed from other operating systems using e.g. Samba.
Built-in versioning.
Internal storage on a computer not connected/included in the SLU computer services (for example a Mac or Linux computer, or a Windows computer at a department not using the SLU Division of IT services).
When files are stored on your work computer, they could be either stored only locally (with a possible backup solution implemented) or be synchronised with storage on a server or a cloud service, possibly allowing remote access and sharing files with others.
Normally, data is stored locally on the computer, but network sharing could also be set up.
The same as the location of the physical computer.
Data is not automatically exposed to a third party and can be used for personal data and sensitive information. However, computer can get lost or be stolen, especially laptops. The contents of the computer can be encrypted to mitigate such risks.
Not included.
Depends on the computer.
Normally, the drive is formatted with a file system that suits the pre-installed operating systems.
Has to be added on top of the file system.
Files stored in the cloud can easily be accessed remotely and shared with others. As an employee of SLU, you have access to OneDrive, which is part of Microsoft’s Office 365 cloud service. Please note that your Office 365 account is linked to your SLU account, which will be disabled when your SLU employment ends.
You have access to Office 365 via your SLU account. Files can be shared with other people, including people outside SLU.
Servers at Microsoft.
Data is stored outside Sweden and therefore Onedrive should not be used for personal data or sensitive information.
Backup is managed by Microsoft.
1 TB storage included.
OneDrive storage can be mounted under different operating systems.
Built-in versioning.
If you use an external cloud service, it must meet requirements regarding information security as well as legislation such as GDPR.
Depends on the terms of the service.
Servers at the cloud provider.
SLU do not have control over the storage, and this service should not be used for sensitive or personal data.
Backup is normally managed by the cloud provider. You can manage your own backup to avoid dependency of a provider which may e.g. run out of business.
Depends on the terms of the service.
Depends on the service.
Depends on the service.
The SLU IT department offers, for a fee, the option to store files in a shared folder on the IT department’s servers. The folder is available on SLU-computers under Favorites and is called Common.
Common is a shared space that is allocated to a specific group within SLU, for example a department. Everyone in that group can read, save, edit and delete files in the folder. VPN can be used for access outside the SLU network.
SLU AD account and permissions required for access.
Servers in the SLU network (within Sweden).
Since the folder can be accessed by a large group (that also can change, e.g. when someone new starts at a department), a restricted folder (see below) is a better option for data containing sensitive information or personal data.
Backup is managed by SLU.
According to SLU IT prices.
NTFS file system accessible from Windows. Can also be accessed from other operating systems using e.g. Samba.
Built-in versioning.
A service offered by the SLU IT department for a fee. Files are stored in a shared folder on the IT department’s servers. The folder is available on SLU-computers under Favorites and is called Restricted.
Access to the ‘Restricted’ folder is only granted to the specific individuals within SLU, who need to have access, for example named members of a project team. VPN can be used for access outside the SLU network.
Servers in the SLU network (within Sweden).
Can be used for personal data and sensitive information. SLU AD account and permissions required for access.
Backup is managed by SLU.
According to SLU IT prices.
NTFS file system accessible from Windows. Can also be accessed from other operating systems using e.g. Samba.
Built-in versioning.
Storage on a drive within the SLU network. Can be mounted on e.g. a virtual server.
Primarily via your SLU AD account. Further sharing can be set up on the server.
Servers in the SLU network (within Sweden).
Data will be protected from unauthorized access.
Backup is managed by SLU.
According to SLU IT prices.
A suitable file system can be chosen.
Depending in file system (versioning with a tool like git can always be added on top of the file system).
Storage on a SLU Sharepoint site.
SLU staff can be given access via their SLU AD accounts.
Servers in the SLU network (within Sweden).
Data will be protected from unauthorized access.
Backup is managed by SLU.
According to SLU IT prices. 10 GB storage is free.
Primarily via Sharepoint web interface.
Built-in versioning.
A USB memory stick or an external SSD/HDD can be used to store active data, as well as to back up and to share data. If used for backup, it should not be kept in the same physical location as the main files.
The drive can be physically shared with others, or shared via network, from the computer which it is connection to. However, such network access will be lost when the drive is physically disconnected, or the computer turned off.
The same as the location of the physical drive.
Data is not automatically exposed to a third party. However, an external drive can easily get lost or be stolen. The contents of the drive can be encrypted to mitigate the risk of data being access by others if the drive is stolen.
Not included.
Different on different drives.
In general, the drive can be formatted with a suitable file system.
Has to be added on top of the file system.
If none of the solutions available at SLU fits your project, it is possible to buy a service from an external provider. However, it is very important that all guidelines, policies and legal requirements are met, for example concerning information security and personal data.
Your department or unit may have storage solutions different from those mentioned above.
SLU has a support function, GIS Support, whose role includes supporting SLU staff with map services, database and application development, metadata publishing, WMS services and geographic data storage and distribution.
For example, GIS support can publish and store large amounts of data at no cost for research and environmental monitoring projects.
Contact GIS support for more information.
Data Management Support (DMS)
dms@slu.se | www.slu.se/dms