Purchasing Storage for Google Shared Drives and Microsoft SharePoint Sites

Quick Start Guide

Need more storage? Follow these 3 simple steps:

1. Calculate your total storage needs (current usage + future growth)
2. Choose your platform and select the appropriate tier below
3. Submit the Storage Quota Increase Request form

Platform Comparison & Pricing

⚠️ Critical: Understanding Storage Tiers

Storage tiers represent your TOTAL storage quota, not additional storage.

Examples:

• Current usage: 300 GB, Need to grow to: 800 GB → Select: 1 TB tier
• Current quota: 1.5 TB, Need total: 4.5 TB → Select: 5 TB tier
• New site, need: 1.5 TB → Select: 2 TB tier

When you purchase a tier, it replaces your current quota entirely.

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Determine Your Storage Needs

1. Check your current storage usage
2. Estimate future growth over the next year
3. Add 10-20% buffer for unexpected growth
4. Select the tier that meets your total requirement

Step 2: Gather Required Information

Before starting the form, collect:

Platform Selection

•     Google Shared Drives
•     Microsoft 365 SharePoint

Management Information

•     Primary Drive Manager email address and name
•     Secondary Drive Manager (strongly recommended for data continuity)

Financial Information

• FAMIS Account Number:
  • 2-digit Campus Code (TAMU = 02, TEES = 28) View full list of codes
  • 6-digit FAMIS account
  • 5-digit Cost Center (or 00000 if none)

Site Details

• Name of Shared Drive or SharePoint site
• URL of the site
• Storage Tier needed (from table above)

Step 3: Submit Your Request

Complete the Storage Quota Increase Request form in the IT Service Portal with the information gathered above.

Processing Time: Requests are typically processed within 3-5 business days.

Special Situations

Grandfathered Storage Quotas

If your drive existed before the Storage Sustainability Project, you may have a grandfathered quota. The new tier you purchase will replace (not add to) your current quota.

Example: Your grandfathered site has 750 GB quota, but you need 2 TB total. Purchase the 2 TB tier - your new quota will be 2 TB, not 2.75 TB.

What Happens When Storage Limits Are Exceeded

• ❌ New file uploads are blocked
• ✅ Existing files remain accessible for viewing and editing
• ⚠️ Sync errors may occur across devices

Managing Your Subscription

Cancellation Process

To prevent auto-renewal:

1. Submit the Collaboration Tool Support Request Form in the IT Service Portal
2. Include:
   • Drive name
   • Drive URL
   • Date of subscription initiation or last renewal
3. Submit at least 30 days before renewal date to avoid automatic charges

Before Cancelling

⚠️ Ensure your storage usage is at or below the default limit to avoid access issues.

Need Help?

Questions about:

• Determining storage needs → Contact drive-management@tamu.edu
• Form submission issues → Contact helpdesk@tamu.edu
• Billing questions → Contact your business office or accounting group

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is able to purchase additional storage? 

TAMU faculty and Staff are able to are purchase 

Can I purchase a higher quota for Google MyDrive or M365 OneDrive? 

Currently additional storage is only available for shared storage platforms.

Can I upgrade my storage tier mid-subscription? 

Yes, submit a new request form. You'll be charged the prorated difference.

What's the default storage limit? 

Google Shared Drive Default Quota:  25GB

M365 SharePoint & Teams Storage Default Quota: 10 GB

Can I downgrade my storage tier? 

Yes, but ensure your current usage fits within the lower tier before downgrading.

What happens to my data if I don't renew? 

Your storage quota returns to the default limit. If you exceed this limit, new uploads will be blocked.