Product Overview: ownCloud
ownCloud is an open-source file sync, share, and content collaboration software designed to enhance teamwork and data management within organizations. Here’s a comprehensive overview of what ownCloud does and its key features.
Core Functionality
ownCloud enables teams to work on data easily from anywhere, on any device, by providing a unified platform for file synchronization, sharing, and collaboration. It allows users to access, edit, and share documents, files, and folders securely, whether they are in the office, at home, or on the go.
Key Features
Collaboration Tools
- Real-Time Collaboration: ownCloud integrates with office suites like ONLYOFFICE, Collabora Online, and Microsoft Office Online Server, enabling real-time collaborative editing of office files directly from the ownCloud frontend.
- Activity Stream: Keeps users informed about the activities of their colleagues, showing who did what in which file or folder.
- Comments and Feedback: Users can add comments directly on files and folders, facilitating immediate feedback and discussion.
Security and Compliance
- End-To-End Encryption: Ensures all data transfers are secure using highly efficient end-to-end encryption.
- Multi-Factor Authentication: Enhances security by requiring two or more factors for login, such as passwords, one-time codes, and biometrical data.
- Ransomware Protection: Prevents unrecoverable data loss by blocking infected systems from uploading and restoring affected data.
- Compliance: Meets tough regulations, including GDPR, through state-of-the-art remote collaboration features.
Integration and Accessibility
- External Storage Integration: Allows users to mount external storage services like S3, Dropbox, SharePoint, and more, creating a single point of access to all files.
- WebDAV and Windows Network Drive Integration: Enables users to integrate ownCloud into their devices by mounting it as a network folder, enhancing accessibility.
- Microsoft Teams and Outlook Integration: Seamlessly integrates with Microsoft Teams and Outlook, allowing users to access ownCloud directly from these platforms and automate the conversion of email attachments into secure links.
User and Group Management
- Active Directory and LDAP: Speeds up integration by leveraging existing user data through Microsoft Active Directory or LDAP, enabling administrators to manage users and groups from these directories.
- Custom Groups: Allows users to create groups to share data with multiple people, reducing the administrative workload.
- Guest Users: Enables select external contacts to log in and access specific files and folders, facilitating coordination with external parties.
File Management
- File Lifecycle Management: Automatically archives and deletes files that are no longer needed, ensuring data protection compliance.
- File Drop Folders: Allows the creation of public upload-only folders, useful for collecting files for bids, homework, and feedback.
- File Versioning: Enables users to roll back to older versions of files, providing a history of changes.
Additional Features
- Public Link Sharing: Allows users to share files and folders with outside contacts, protected by passwords and expiry dates.
- True Secure View: Enables the safe distribution of confidential documents with maximum control.
- Splunk Integration: Provides detailed analysis for auditing files, logins, and actions of users and administrators.
Deployment Options
ownCloud offers flexibility in deployment, allowing organizations to choose between on-premises, hybrid, or cloud-based solutions. This includes hosting on secure servers in Germany, which complies with regulations like GDPR.
In summary, ownCloud is a robust and secure platform that enhances digital collaboration, file management, and data security within organizations. Its extensive range of features and integrations make it an ideal solution for teams looking to improve productivity and compliance.