Pricing
Fresco will use the same charging model as the University’s existing web platform, Mosaic. New (non-migrating) sites will be provisioned at the Micro site level. At the end of each financial year, an assessment will be made of the next year's charging level based on a site's July figures for total disk space and total number of pages.
During the migration period, sites will only be charged once regardless of whether they have concurrent Mosaic and Fresco sites or have fully migrated to Fresco.
Detailed information about 2026-27 charges will be provided in January 2027 once the migration to Fresco is complete. The charge for the 2026-27 financial year will apply to all sites which have migrated to Fresco and to any sites created in 2025-26 for which the July 2026 figures show have moved up from the Micro tier.
Here are the current charges for websites of different sizes:
| Level | Annual Charge | Total Disk Space | Total Pages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Micro site | Free | Up to 250MB | Up to 250 |
| Small site | £900 pa | 250MB to 1GB | 250 to 1,000 |
| Medium site | £2,550 pa | 1GB to 5GB | 1,000 to 5,000 |
| Large site | £4,600 pa | Over 5GB | Over 5,000 |
How is this different from the pricing model for Mosaic?
In the short term, it isn’t - the same size-based charging levels will apply.
The pricing model will be reviewed over time to encourage the widest adoption possible, and to support Fresco as the platform of choice for the University according to the Digital Content Strategy.
How will this change this year and next?
During 2025/26, Mosaic charges will apply. From 1 August 2026, Fresco charges will be introduced on the same basis as Mosaic’s current model. Once the platform is fully embedded and proven, discussions will take place involving stakeholders, such as divisions, about the pricing model going forwards.
Why is Fresco good value for me?
Fresco offers far more than website hosting - it’s a comprehensive, secure, and supported web service for the University. Each site includes:
- Hosting within the ox.ac.uk domain
- Scalable storage and automatic upgrades
- Built-in security and compliance features
- Support, training materials, and continuous platform improvements
- Integration with University systems and participation in a shared content network
By comparison, commercial platforms such as WordPress, Wix, or Squarespace often carry hidden or escalating costs for hosting, security, renewals, and support. Fresco removes those overheads and delivers a joined-up, cost-effective web service tailored for Oxford.
How will this work with the new website governance framework?
Under the new website governance framework, the creation of new sites will be reviewed and approved by Divisional governance groups. This ensures that each new site has a clear purpose, aligns with Divisional and University web strategies, and avoids unnecessary duplication. The focus will be on consolidating smaller microsites into larger, well-managed Departmental or Faculty sites where appropriate. Governance, rather than charging, will be the main way to manage the number of sites in the future, helping to maintain a more coherent, efficient, and sustainable University web presence while still supporting flexibility where it’s genuinely needed.
How has this been decided and approved?
Fresco’s pricing model was reviewed with Divisional representatives and IT Services before being formally approved by the Digital Communications Programme Board on 13 October 2025. This approach ensures transparency and consistency across the University and gives Site Owners confidence in planning for migration.