Host and Serve Your Own Spatial Data
ArcGIS Enterprise is Esri's self-hosted GIS platform, designed for when your project needs its own server for hosting, publishing, and managing spatial data, rather than working through a shared cloud account. U-Spatial already runs Esri ArcGIS Servers that UMN students, faculty, and staff can use — and, if your project needs it, we can help you set up your own.
What ArcGIS Enterprise Does
ArcGIS Enterprise runs on infrastructure you control, such as a University-owned server, a personal machine, or the cloud. This gives you full say over how your spatial data is hosted, secured, and shared.
Enterprise mirrors much of what ArcGIS Online offers (mapping, analytics, content management) but keeps everything inside infrastructure your project controls. This matters when data sensitivity, compliance, or access requirements go beyond what a shared cloud account can handle.
Flexible Hosting Options for Your Data
Use U-Spatial's Existing Servers
Most projects don't need to run their own server. U-Spatial already maintains Esri ArcGIS Servers that UMN students, faculty, and staff can use to host and publish spatial data.
Or Run Your Own
Need full control over your own instance? U-Spatial can help you set up ArcGIS Enterprise on a personal or University-owned computer.
Connects to the Rest of the ArcGIS Platform
Enterprise integrates with ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, and the rest of the Esri ecosystem, so data hosted on your own server still works with the tools your team already uses.
This One Starts With a Conversation
Because ArcGIS Enterprise involves setting up server infrastructure, access isn't self-serve the way it is for ArcGIS Online or StoryMaps. Contact the U-Spatial Help Desk and we'll help you figure out whether our existing servers meet your needs, or whether your project needs its own instance.
Documentation & learning resources
Contact the U-Spatial Help Desk
Start here to request access or talk through whether Enterprise is the right fit for your project.
Access help →Learn How to Use ArcGIS Enterprise
Esri’s official resources, documentations, and tutorials for Enterprise.
Open docs →Training opportunities
Find workshops and tutorials designed to help you build, share and manage spatial data.
External & Vendor Training
Hosted outside of the UMNArcGIS Enterprise: An Introduction for Developers
Specifically for developers, Enterprise provides a launching point for automation, customization, extensibility, and app-building.
ArcGIS Enterprise quick lessons
The best way to learn about ArcGIS Enterprise is to start using it.
Deploy individual components in ArcGIS Enterprise
Create a base ArcGIS Enterprise deployment.
ArcGIS Enterprise FAQs
Quick answers to what people ask us most before reaching out.
Do I need ArcGIS Enterprise, or is ArcGIS Online enough?
Most projects only need ArcGIS Online.
If you just need to build maps, run analysis, or share data with your team, ArcGIS Online will cover it. Enterprise is worth considering when a project needs its own dedicated server, tighter data control, or integration with systems outside the Esri ecosystem.
Can I use U-Spatial's existing server instead of setting up my own?
Yes — that's the option most people use!
U-Spatial already runs Esri ArcGIS Servers that UMN students, faculty, and staff can use to host spatial data. Contact the Help Desk to get set up before assuming you need your own instance.
Can I run ArcGIS Enterprise on my own computer?
Yes. Personal and University-owned computers both work.
U-Spatial can help set up ArcGIS Enterprise on either a personal machine or a University-owned computer, depending on what your project needs.
How long does it take to get set up?
It varies by project.
Because Enterprise involves server infrastructure rather than a simple sign-in, timelines depend on your specific setup. Reach out to the Help Desk early in your project so there's time to plan.
Free for the UMN Community
What It Costs
ArcGIS Enterprise is free for University of Minnesota students, faculty, and staff, covered by the University's site license with Esri, whether you use U-Spatial's existing servers or set up your own instance.
Esri resources obtained through the University may not be used for commercial purposes. Use is limited to academic, research, and outreach work.
Costs Beyond the University
For those who aren't affiliated with the University, ArcGIS Enterprise is licensed per deployment (Standard, Advanced, or Kubernetes) and comes with a charge that varies by configuration. See Esri's pricing page for up-to-date details, or contact Esri directly to discuss a test deployment.
Ready to Talk Through Your Project?
Because Enterprise setup depends on your specific needs, the fastest path forward is a conversation with the Help Desk.