ownCloud is a suite of client–server software for creating and using file hosting services. ownCloud is functionally very similar to the widely used Dropbox, with the primary functional difference being that the Server Edition of ownCloud is free and open-source, and thereby allowing anyone to install and operate it without charge on a private server.

It also supports extensions that allow it to work like Google Drive, with online document editing, calendar and contact synchronization, and more. Its openness avoids enforced quotas on storage space or the number of connected clients, instead having hard limits (like on storage space or number of users) defined only by the physical capabilities of the server.

ownCloud files are stored in conventional directory structures, and can be accessed via WebDAV if necessary. User files are encrypted both at rest and during transit. ownCloud can synchronise with local clients on Windows, macOS and Linux. ownCloud users can manage calendars, contacts, scheduled tasks and streaming media from within the platform.

From the administration perspective, ownCloud permits user and group administration. Content can be shared by defining granular read/write permissions between users and/or groups. Alternatively, ownCloud users can create public URLs when sharing files. Logging of file-related actions is available in the Enterprise and Education service offerings.

Furthermore, users can interact with the browser-based ODF-format word processor, bookmarking service, URL shortening suite, gallery, RSS feed reader and document viewer tools from within ownCloud. For additional extensibility, ownCloud can be augmented with “one-click” applications and connection to Dropbox, Google Drive and Amazon S3.

We can provide ownCloud hosting on a shared hosting server, in a private VPS, or indeed on a dedicated server, and we can handle maintenance and offsite backup too. Please get in touch for pricing.