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OneDrive for Business

What is OneDrive for Business?

OneDrive for Business is cloud based storage system, hosted in Microsoft's data centers, which can be accessed from any internet-connected device. By default, each DOM/EPI user is allocated 5TB of storage and can be increased to up to 10TB of storage space under our Microsoft licensing agreement. OneDrive is very similar to your Home (H:/) drive, tied to your account directly. 

Is Sharing Available?

While sharing is available, it is more appropriate to use Office 365 Groups or Microsoft Teams for extensive sharing.

Why should I use OneDrive for Business?

OneDrive for Business is a University sponsored, enterprise cloud storage solution.  As an employee, you have agreed to, and are required to, protect SOM data.  OneDrive is one way to help you protect work-related data. UMB and the University of Maryland School of Medicine have signed an agreement with Microsoft called a "Business Associates Agreement," or BAA.  By signing this agreement, Microsoft agrees to protect your data in the same manner as if it were here on campus.  You use your DOM/EPI email address (@som.umaryland.edu) and Password to access OneDrive for Business.  If you delete something and change your mind, you can get it out of the Recycle Bin for up to 90 days. Files deleted in OneDrive for Business between 90 days and 365 days can be recovered.  Files deleted over 365 days in OneDrive for Business are NOT recoverable.

If you have a need to store work-related data in the cloud, OneDrive for Business is the recommended option. 

Advantages of using OneDrive for Business:

  • Up to 10TB of storage.
  • Available to all active DOM/EPI Faculty and Staff
  • Microsoft Office Online
  • Real-time collaboration with students and colleagues.  You can easily share documents or folders with others without sending copies of documents through e-mail. Simply use the Share feature to send a link to anyone you would like to have access to the file or folder.  
  • You can access your work-related documents from anywhere you have an Internet connection without using VPN. Your files are easily accessed on any computer or on your mobile device using the OneDrive for Business App.
  • Previous Versions feature
  • All data covered under the Microsoft Business Associates Agreement (BAA) with UMB/SOM
  • OneDrive restrictions & limitations

OneDrive Training

OneDrive for Business training can be accessed here: OneDrive Training

How do I use it?

Website access

Navigate to https://portal.office.com and sign in using your DOM/EPI e-mail address and password.  Then, click on the Tiles icon in the upper left corner of your browser window and select the OneDrive tile.  Note:  To ensure proper information security of data, in order to access your OneDrive for Business data while off campus, you must first enroll in Duo Multifactor Authentication (MFA).  More information can be found on this page:  http://www.medschool.umaryland.edu/IS/Duo-MFA/.

Mobile Device

Install the OneDrive for Business app on your mobile device. Apps are available for Android, iOS, and Windows Phone from the appropriate app store for your device. While you are at it, you can also install mobile versions of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.  Note:  To ensure proper information security of data, in order to use the OneDrive for Business app on your mobile device, the device must first be enrolled in SOM's Mobile Device Management (MDM) application and compliant.  SOM uses Microsoft Intune as its MDM application of choice.  For more information on how to install Microsoft Intune and make your device compliant, please follow this link: http://www.medschool.umaryland.edu/IS/Intune-MDM/   In addition, you must first enroll in Duo Multifactor Authentication (MFA).  More information can be found on this page: http://www.medschool.umaryland.edu/IS/Duo-MFA/

Install and set up OneDrive for Business for Android

Install and set up OneDrive for Business for iPhone and iPad

Desktop Synchronization

The Department of Medicine Information Services group prvides the OneDrive sync client on all DOM-supported devices.

In order to save space on local computers the Files On-Demand feature is turned on by default.

During setup you will be prompted to setup Protected Folders. While optional it is highly recommended to set the feature up.

Want more information?

Much more information about OneDrive for Business is available from Microsoft.  The following are some helpful links.