Purchasing Storage for Google Shared Drives and Microsoft SharePoint Sites

Summary

This article outlines the process for increasing your storage quota for Google Shared Drives and Microsoft SharePoint sites at Texas A&M University.

Body

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

Storage Tier

Google Shared Drives

Microsoft 365 SharePoint 

500 GB

$75/year

$180/year

1 TB

$150/year

$360/year

2 TB

$300/year

$720/year

5 TB

$750/year

$1,800/year

10 TB

$1,500/year

$3,600/year

⚠️ 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:

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.
 

Details

Details

Article ID: 1260
Created
Mon 7/14/25 11:26 AM
Modified
Mon 9/22/25 3:51 PM

Related Services / Offerings

Related Services / Offerings (1)

This process will create an AggieBuy Requisition for an increase to the Storage Quota for a Microsoft SharePoint site or Google Shared Drive.