MacDrive is a customized McMaster version of Seafile, which is an open source EFSS (Enterprise File Synchronization and Sharing) solution, similar to Dropbox. It allows people and teams to store files on a central server and access them via a web interface or client on a device. These can be desktops, laptops, and mobile devices. All copies are automatically synchronized whenever one of the copies is modified. Files are easily accessible, and can be quickly and securely shared.
Encryption must be used for high risk data.
MacDrive 'Libraries' or folders can be encrypted online and locked with a password. Data downloaded to a device is stored unencrypted. High risk data must be manually encrypted before being uploaded to MacDrive.
300 GB is provided to employees. Researchers can request that collaborators be provided access in order to have the ability to see Researcher’s shares. No storage is provided to them.
Free for current McMaster employees – faculty or staff.
n/a
Ongoing real-time sync. 4-month version history. Full Library restore through UTS.
Replicated clusters in Gilmour Hall and JHE
Files and folders can be shared with other MacDrive users or MacDrive groups, with differing levels of permissions. Files and folders can also be shared externally with links for download. Folders can be set up so that files can be uploaded by non-users.
Medium and High risk data can be stored on MacDrive using encrypted folders or individually encrypted files or virtual drives. Research participants, interviewers, or data collecters can upload documents to an encrypted folder without having access to the rest of the folder's contents.
MacDrive: https://macdrive.mcmaster.ca/
Documentation: https://goo.gl/AvRGwx
MacDrive is administered by UTS
Current McMaster employees – faculty or staff –will generally be granted a MacDrive automatically, starting in the Spring / Summer 2018 academic term. If you are a current employee and were not granted a MacDrive account automatically, please go to the UTS Contact Us page to request access.
This includes researchers affiliated through HHSC, Persons of Interest (POIs) and other individuals that may have been missed in the automatic enrollment process. Other potential users will also be able to access MacDrive upon request from a faculty or staff member. This can include student staff members, RAs, TAs, community members, collaborators, and anyone else with whom you need to share your data.
Researchers can request that their Grad students be provided access in order to have the ability to see Researcher’s shares. No storage is provided to Grad Students.
Low
Web portal, Seafile apps provides desktop syncing integration for Mac, Windows, and Linux as well as mobile apps for Android and iOS.