ownCloud

ownCloud is a powerful, self-hosted open-source platform for file sync, share, and collaboration. It provides a private cloud alternative, giving users full control over their data while offering secure and convenient access from anywhere. Developed by ownCloud, Inc.

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License: Free Personal

Categories:

File Synchronization File Sharing Cloud Storage Collaboration Platform Groupware

Available for:

Mac OS X Windows Linux Android iPhone Blackberry Android Tablet iPad Self-Hosted Cloudron

About ownCloud

ownCloud: Your Private Cloud, Your Data

ownCloud is a leading open-source content collaboration platform that empowers organizations and individuals to regain control over their data. Unlike public cloud services, ownCloud allows you to host your files and applications on your own servers, within your data center, or even on a private cloud provider, ensuring privacy, security, and compliance.

With ownCloud, you can:

Sync & Share Files: Securely synchronize files across all your devices and easily share them with colleagues, partners, or friends, with granular control over permissions.
Collaborate Seamlessly: Work together in real-time on documents, presentations, and spreadsheets using integrated online editors.
Access from Anywhere: Access your files from any web browser, desktop client, or mobile app, no matter where you are.
Enhance Productivity: Integrate with other productivity tools through a robust API and extensive app ecosystem.
Ensure Data Security: Benefit from features like encryption, access control, and detailed audit logs to protect your sensitive information.

ownCloud is built with flexibility and scalability in mind, catering to diverse needs from small teams to large enterprises. Its modular architecture allows for customization and integration with existing IT infrastructure, providing a comprehensive solution for modern file management and collaboration.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Complete control over data and privacy.
Open-source and transparent.
Highly customizable and extensible through apps.
Secure with encryption and access control features.
Supports a wide range of devices and platforms.

Cons

Requires technical expertise for self-hosting and maintenance.
Performance can be dependent on server infrastructure.
Initial setup can be more complex than using a public cloud service.

What Makes ownCloud Stand Out

Data Sovereignty

You maintain complete control and ownership of your data by hosting it on your own infrastructure.

Open Source

The open-source nature provides transparency, flexibility, and a strong community for support and development.

Customizable and Extensible

Modular architecture and API allow for customization and integration with existing systems.

What can ownCloud do?

Share Files

Share files remotely with other people

Backup Files Online

Backup files online

Create A Private Cloud File Server

Create a self-hosted private cloud server using your own hardware to save your files.

File Synchronization

Automatically keep files updated across all connected devices, ensuring you always have access to th...

File Sharing

Share files and folders with others through shared links or by inviting collaborators.

Selective Synchronization

Choose which folders to sync to specific devices, saving local storage space.

Review

ownCloud Review

ownCloud is a well-established player in the self-hosted file sync and share space, offering a robust and flexible alternative to public cloud storage. Its primary appeal lies in granting users complete control over their data, addressing privacy concerns and compliance requirements that are difficult to meet with third-party cloud providers.

Core Functionality

At its heart, ownCloud excels in file synchronization and sharing. The desktop and mobile clients function reliably, keeping files updated across devices. The web interface is intuitive for browsing, uploading, and managing files. Sharing files is straightforward with options for creating share links, setting expiration dates, and controlling permissions. The integration of WebDAV is a significant advantage for compatibility with a wide range of applications and devices.

Extensibility and Ecosystem

One of ownCloud's strengths is its extensibility through a vibrant app ecosystem. Functionality can be expanded significantly with apps for online document editing (often through integration with Collabora Online or ONLYOFFICE), calendar and contact synchronization, image and video viewers, and more. This modular approach allows users to tailor their ownCloud instance to their specific needs, creating a comprehensive collaboration platform beyond just file storage.

Deployment and Management

Deploying ownCloud requires some technical expertise, as it involves setting up a web server, database, and potentially other components. However, this complexity is inherent to self-hosting and is a trade-off for the level of control gained. Once set up, managing users, groups, and permissions is handled through an administrative interface. Updates are released regularly, and the community provides ample support through forums and documentation.

Security Features

ownCloud places a strong emphasis on security. Features like data encryption at rest and in transit, access control lists, and detailed audit logging are crucial for protecting sensitive information. The self-hosted model itself is a security feature, as data remains within the user's infrastructure, reducing reliance on third-party security practices.

Considerations

While ownCloud offers a powerful solution, it's important to consider the resources and technical knowledge required for self-hosting. Maintaining the server, applying updates, and troubleshooting issues fall on the user. For smaller deployments or users without technical expertise, managed ownCloud hosting options might be a preferable alternative.

Conclusion

ownCloud is an excellent choice for individuals and organizations prioritizing data control, privacy, and customization. It provides a feature-rich platform for file sync, share, and collaboration, backed by a strong community and open-source principles. While self-hosting requires a commitment in terms of technical resources, the benefits of data sovereignty and flexibility make ownCloud a compelling option for those seeking an alternative to public cloud storage.