What is OneDrive for Business?

OneDrive is Microsoft's cloud-based file hosting service, and it's available to people who are eligible for a University Microsoft account.

Whereas Personal Microsoft accounts give you 5GB of filespace, your University OneDrive file store is a OneDrive for Business account, so you get 5TB of storage space. It gives you a simple way to store, sync and share all kinds of files with all your devices, and is also accessible via the web.

You may already have a Personal Microsoft account, which includes a free 5GB OneDrive filestore. Under the University's EES agreement, however, you will use the OneDrive for Business solution. This gives you 5TB of personal filespace that is associated with your University Microsoft account.

Sharing files from OneDrive

It is possible to share files from OneDrive with other people. This is best suited for sharing with one or two people. If you wish to share with a wider audience a Sharepoint site may be a more appropriate option.

Two ways to sync files

Files stored on the OneDrive cloud can be managed via a web browser, and your local sync folder can be viewed in the File Explorer. Windows 8, 8.1 and 10 have OneDrive built-in to the operating system.

OneDrive apps

OneDrive is also available as an app for Windows, Mac OS X, iOS, Android and Windows Phone. These apps can be downloaded from the official OneDrive websites.

How does One Drive for Business compare with Google Drive and Dropbox Business? 

See the comparison matrix.