Safer data storage across Uppsala University

Uppsala University’s wide-ranging activities involve extensive and rapidly changing data storage needs, which are currently managed in different ways. Storage may be provided by University IT Services (UIT), through external services or by means of locally installed systems. These different solutions have created a complex situation, with a lack of clarity regarding the security, long-term management and costs of the University’s combined data, particularly research data.

Decision on storage consolidation and subsidised storage

From 1 October 2026, managing data has become both easier and safer for University employees. Under the new terms, up to 100 gigabytes of storage is available free of charge on Argos, in personal Onedrive storage, on Allvis and in Sharepoint Online. Security has also been strengthened, including by enabling backup, replication and snapshots at all levels of data storage within Argos.

– Many employees currently find it difficult to know which storage solution best meets their needs. These changes will make it easier to make the right choice from the start. The choice should be based on operational needs and the information’s security requirements, rather than price differences between services, says Christer B. Andersson.

Part of the University’s IT security work

The current security situation is another factor behind the decision, and the changes is a part of the University’s continuing efforts to strengthen information and cyber security. Encouraging more people to use the University’s recommended storage solutions reduces the risk of important information being stored in insecure or uncontrolled services. It also makes it easier for UIT to provide support and efficiently develop both existing and future storage services.

– There is an increased threat to higher education institutions, and we do not want to lose data. These changes are therefore also part of our review of the University’s storage solutions. We are now expanding the number of services and storage spaces that include backup, says Andersson.

Equal terms for all employees

The decision introduces better terms than before. All employees now have access to the same amount of subsidised storage and the same basic level of protection, regardless of which storage service they use. The price of storage exceeding 100 gigabytes, including backup, will correspond to the current level 2, previously known as ”Bronze”.

– The financial circumstances of individual departments or users should not affect the University’s information security. We do not want costs for individual users, research groups or others to determine which type of storage they use. The new terms are more equitable for all users, and the changes will benefit the vast majority of University employees. In the long term, storage will be safer, simpler and more cost-effective for Uppsala University, says Andersson.

Martin Löf Nyqvist

PLEASE NOTE: NO ACTION IS REQUIRED FROM USERS

Argos users can continue to use their ”Bronze”, ”Silver”, ”Gold” and ”Iron” folders as before. The difference is that all data now has the same level of protection, including backup, replication and snapshots, enabling lost or damaged files to be restored quickly.