Duplicate Zotero Cloud (backup) storage to company backup server

DispharGIF
edited February 28, 2020
For now I’m using Zotero as a solo user. However, in the future I would like to use it in collaboration with other colleagues (group libraries). I’d like to know which of the following scenarios is most safe (in terms of back-up and maintaining database integrity):
1. Using the Zotero cloud service (for file storage and data storage). But how can I assure our IT department that a local (on their own servers) backup is also possible. Ideally, when syncing your data and files to Zotero Cloud, similtaneously syncing this to the backup server of my company as well.
2. Is it possible to design an enivornment in which the data and file storage directories are based on Sharepoint. This would, in my opinion, make the database and files always accessible with an internet connection.

From what I’ve read on the forums is that it is discouraged to use an external service such as Sharepoint to be the domain in which your data and file backups are located. The main hurdle for me is: grasping how all of this translates to group libraries. If I were to invite colleagues to one of my libraries, what directory would they have to setup to be able to access the same linked attachments etc.

For me the most easy way would be to use the Zotero Cloud service with unlimited storage, simultaneously allowing for group libraries. One of the drawbacks, at the moment, is that I don’t know how the back-up, which is located on the Zotero servers, can be duplicated on my company’s own back-up server. The primary concern of my IT department is that they don’t have control over the back-up, and that if anything were to happen to Zotero (it’ servers as well as the package on itself) that we as company would lose all the data.

I hope someone is able and willing to help me with this.

Thanks in advance!
  • dstillman
    All data is stored in the Zotero data directory, so a backup is a backup of everything you see in Zotero. Personal vs. group makes no difference.

    Zotero wouldn't have anything to do with SharePoint or any other specific flavor of cloud storage, but you can store your backups wherever you like. That has no effect on Zotero functionality.
    If I were to invite colleagues to one of my libraries, what directory would they have to setup to be able to access the same linked attachments etc.
    In group libraries you need to use stored files stored within the Zotero data directory, not linked files, and use Zotero file syncing. Linked files aren't currently supported in group libraries, since there's no guarantee that everyone has access to the file.
  • DispharGIF
    @dstillman : The problem lies in the fact that zotero uses local storage for the data and file directory (C:\Users\\Zotero). However, I'm using a client PC which does not have a local storage (or only during session). This would make the use of the Zotero app useless, since after every session local folders will be erased.

    Is there a possibility to change your path to a disk (company server back-up partition e.g. K:\Restore\\Zotero\)

    Thanks for your help so far!
  • dstillman
    You can change the data directory to wherever you want. It's technically possible to change the profile directory, which stores user settings like your sync login information, but that requires a custom shortcut with the --profile <path> flag (the same as for Firefox), which may be overly complicated.

    Alternatively, as I said via email, your IT department could script restoring of the profile directory and data directory to the default locations at login time.
  • dstillman
    (The normal solution here on Windows is a roaming profile setup where the user's home directory is automatically transferred to and from the server at login/logout (or lazily loaded as files are accessed). That avoids having to configure this sort of thing manually for each program.)
  • DispharGIF
    edited February 28, 2020
    @dstillman Thank you very much for your help! This makes more sense now. I will discuss this with my IT department and see if this is solution for them.

    I will come back to you with the answer, in a few days.


This is an old discussion that has not been active in a long time. Before commenting here, you should strongly consider starting a new discussion instead. If you think the content of this discussion is still relevant, you can link to it from your new discussion.

Sign In or Register to comment.