Best ownCloud Alternatives One of the latest enterprises IT trends is private cloud storage. A self-hosted cloud platform that allows companies to enjoy all the features they can get from a traditional cloud storage platform like Dropbox. However, everything is controlled in-house, which means you have control over the security of your data. This is […]
One of the latest enterprises IT trends is private cloud storage. A self-hosted cloud platform that allows companies to enjoy all the features they can get from a traditional cloud storage platform like Dropbox. However, everything is controlled in-house, which means you have control over the security of your data. This is particularly important today as there have been some security breach incidents involving high profile cloud storage platforms.
Whether you invest in hardware to build a server or you rent a server space, you'll need a software to create your private cloud storage platform. ownCloud is arguably the number one software for self-hosted cloud storage. This open-source software is used by over 50 million people around the globe. ownCloud provides everything you need to make the most of your private cloud storage platform. This includes file and folder sharing, sync, access on all devices, editing documents from the web, support for third-party storage platforms, and much more.
While ownCloud is a good option for companies looking to create a private cloud storage platform, it has its downsides. For example, you cannot run ownCloud on Windows servers. This is a major issue since many companies use Windows Server instead of Linux. With that said, we'll explore some of the top alternatives to ownCloud in this post. Many of these platforms appear to be a better option to ownCloud because they provide all the same features that you get from ownCloud, and more. Also, they are more affordable.
FileCloud is one of the best alternatives to ownCloud. Not only does it come with all the standard features that you will get from ownCloud, but FileCloud also supports both Windows and Linux servers. Apart from support for Windows, there are many other things you can enjoy from FileCloud, which ownCloud does not support. This includes multi-tenancy hosting, the ability to run applications on Docker, local storage support, endpoint backup, support for Microsoft Office Add-on (you can edit documents on the cloud with Office Online Server), free unlimited users on the cloud, built-in ransomware protection, and so much more.
One of the main perks of choosing FileCloud is its simple user interface. If you are worried that the less tech-savvy people in your organization may struggle to get the hang of the UX of your private cloud storage software, then choose FileCloud. FileCloud is designed with a focus on security and accessibility. There are many security and governance compliance tools at your disposal on this platform.
Nextcloud is the most popular open-source software for private cloud storage. It is the number one option for many people, apart from considering ownCloud. Nextcloud was launched in 2016 by Karl Franklitschek, the founder of ownCloud, after he left the company. Which results to Nextcloud having many of the same features that you will find on ownCloud. However, it gives you a bit more like editing documents online, locking files to prevent anyone from editing them as well as audio/video chat.
Nextcloud prioritizes security. This software comes with a lot of powerful tools that allow you to take control of the safety of your data. Whether you want to use Nextcloud for your home or for your business, there is a version of this software for you. It is optimized to ensure that you get the best out of your cloud storage platform. There are three different subscription packages for Nextcloud with different arrays of features. For those looking to make the switch, FileCloud is clearly an ideal Nextcloud alternative. Check out our ownCloud vs Nextcloud comparison for more details on features and pricing.
Seafile is an open-source private cloud storage software that is rated over ownCloud by many people. It was designed to support productivity and offers a free community edition along with a paid professional edition. One of the great features of Seafile is that it is a true open-source software; you can find its source code on GitHub. Seafile has the same features you will find on other software for self-hosted cloud storage platforms. However, it also gives you more like the ability to sync and encrypt an entire library separately, the ability to resume a transfer if it is interrupted, the option to create password-protected links that you can share with clients, real-time notifications, offline access to file, the ability to edit documents with WYSIWYG Markdown editor, and more.
Pydio is another excellent alternative to ownCloud. This self-host cloud storage software used to be known as AjaXplorer. Pydio is one of the largest open-source projects in the world, and there’s a lot in store for you to explore. Since rebranding as Pydio, there have been attempts to revamp this software, and this has not gone well with some users who complained about bugs. Nonetheless, Pydio is one of the best private cloud storage solutions out there. Pydio supports storage and syncing with different devices. You can choose which files to sync. What's more, Pydio allows you to share files publicly online with people who don't have access to the platform. This software is compatible with Mac, Windows, and Linux.
Pydio has some great security provisions, including EncFS encryption (for data stored on your server) and SSL encryption (for data in transit). Compared to ownCloud, Pydio is a better option for people who work with large files. Another major advantage of this software is its flexibility. You can customize it based on your requirements. Pydio provides GDPR-compliant logs and other tools to ensure you can meet governance requirements.
Where are ownCloud files stored?
When setting up ownCloud, the default configuration for file storage is /var/www/owncloud/data directory. However, users can also store their files and folders inside the data-disk. To do so, users must simply move their data inside the folder to the data-disk, and then mount the data-disk as /var/www/owncloud/data.
Does ownCloud sync?
ownCloud offers a sync option through ownCloud Desktop Synchronization Client, which can be downloaded from the website. This secure client is available for Linux, Mac OS X, and Microsoft Windows and functions in the background. Sync status can easily be checked by clicking on the icon in the system tray.
Does ownCloud support webdav?
ownCloud recommends syncing files with the ownCloud server through the ownCloud Desktop Client or the mobile applications, but it also includes support for the WebDAV protocol. Users can connect and synchronize ownCloud files over WebDAV in the same way as any remote network share.
How does ownCloud work?
ownCloud is an open-source, client-server software solution for private file hosting. The software prioritizes secure storage, collaboration, and digital sovereignty. Features have been optimized for file security, efficiency of access, and data control. Some advanced security features, like endpoint backup, mobile device management, and granular permissions, are not available.
Is ownCloud free?
Because ownCloud is an open-source software, anyone can use it through the “Community” tier, as long as the user is self-hosting. To gain access to more advanced features or to use ownCloud online (hosted ownCloud), users will need to upgrade to premium subscriptions, which are offered by ownCloud GmbH.
Is ownCloud secure?
ownCloud uses encryption to protect files as they are being uploaded to the cloud (end-to-end encryption optional). As an open-source project, ownCloud makes their code visible and implements upgrades in accord with industry security developments, security audits, and their bug bounty program, hackerone.
Is ownCloud open source?
Yes, ownCloud is open source, specifically to align with their mission of transparency, peer-review, and flexibility. Open-source code enables users and developers to audit code, write extensions, and modify the core. However, ownCloud also offers an enterprise-tier package that provides access to advanced security features and support.
Is ownCloud HIPAA compliant?
Yes, ownCloud is HIPAA compliant when deployed within an organization’s IT infrastructure (public cloud hosting is not HIPAA compliant though). The software includes administrative, physical and technical security measures for the storage, processing, and sharing of Personally Identifiable Information (PII). Policies include encryption, file lifecycle, and document classification rules.
What port does ownCloud use?
ownCloud uses port 80 or for TLS/SSL traffic, 443. For most operations, the software only needs one port open to function. ownCloud recommends actively monitoring open ports as a security measure. Advanced security features and tools are accessible to users through the paid, enterprise version of ownCloud.
Which is better: ownCloud or Nextcloud?
This depends on the individual user, as there are subtle differences between the two. ownCloud is open source, with paid enterprise options; Nextcloud is entirely open source through community development. ownCloud focuses on optimizing security, while Nextcloud has more user features, though both support add-ons.
Who owns ownCloud?
ownCloud is distributed by ownCloud Inc. and was founded by Markus Rex, Holger Dyroff and Frank Karlitschek. Karlitschek left ownCloud Inc. in 2016 to found Nextcloud, which led to the closing of ownCloud's U.S. operations. In 2018, ownCloud launched an SaaS offering for small businesses and NGOs.
