Eglin users now have cloud-based storage

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Team Eglin moves one step closer to the Cloud.

As of August 7, Eglin users can store their individual official files via unclassified cloud storage through the Air Force’s OneDrive offering.  The software is part of Microsoft Office 365.

The application allows users to back up and store folders and files (up to 15GB) from their computers and share files with other Air Force networked users.  Each user has one terabyte of cloud storage space that follows them throughout their career.

“Cloud–based storage provides a lot of seen and unseen benefits for users, by bringing the power of commercial innovation to support the Air Force mission,” said Lt. Col. Scott Weed, 96th Communications Squadron commander. “We encourage Team Eglin to leverage this new capability and provide their feedback to improve the Enterprise IT service.”

After logging into OneDrive for the first time, a user’s desktop, documents and pictures (typically contained on the computer’s hard drive) will automatically be backed up to the cloud.  After that, files and folders can be “dragged and dropped” to the cloud using the standard File Explorer window.  Once the file is loaded to the OneDrive, any changes made to it on the computer will automatically sync to the cloud.

While the cloud storage provides similar capability as external storage devices, there are some specific limitations.  The following files are restricted: .mp3, .exe, .mov, .wmv, .mp4, .pst and .iso.  If a restricted file type is placed in the OneDrive folder, the sync will ignore the file and notify the user of the issue. Classified/HIPAA information, as well as personal non-work material, are prohibited as well. OneDrive supports Personally Identifiable Information and For Official Use Only file storage.

“All information stored on a user’s Air Force OneDrive should be directly attributable to their official duties,” Weed said.

Another feature OneDrive provides is the opportunity to share access to folders and files with anyone with Air Force networked-computer access.  While in the OneDrive, a user can click share a file or folder and type in the Air Force email address of the other person to grant access. 

Eventually the OneDrive will replace local network shared drives currently maintained by 96th CS, and help reduce installation sustainment costs. 

For mobile users, OneDrive is available via Air Force VPN session and will eventually be accessible externally via CAC card.

For more information on what OneDrive is and how to use it, click on the Guides and FAQ links provided, or call the Communications Focal Point at 882-2666.