Teams is Microsoft's cloud-based platform for user collaboration. Teams provides a service for collaborating on files, provides video-conferencing and IM chat, as well as other cloud-based collaboration tools, all in one application. SharePoint sites can be used independently but are used by Teams for file storage.

OneDrive is the best location for files that belong to one person personally. These files can remain private or can be shared with others individually if desired.

Teams or SharePoint is the best location for files that belong to a group, department, or are associated with specific projects or contain data whose primary function would be considered primarily collaborative, shared, or non-personal in nature. These files are accessible by anyone added to the Teams site and accessible within the Teams client or SharePoint. 

The Information Security Office maintains a matrix of which classifications of data are allowed on commonly used Rice OIT Service. 

When storing confidential or sensitive information, follow the guidelines listed here:  Setting File Permissions in OneDrive. 

Additional OneDrive Resources

• Microsoft OneDrive Help & Learning
• Setting File Permissions in OneDrive
• Other Rice University Microsoft 365 details
• Microsoft Teams Demo
• Microsoft Teams Education Training