Cloud storage is becoming increasingly popular. They offer an easy way to share documents and photos with other people. Users can access their own files via different end devices. Nextcloud is one such cloud provider, which is very similar to services like Dropbox, ownCloud or OneDrive. Let’s take a more detailed look at the free software.
What is Nextcloud?
Nextcloud is open source software offering cloud solutions for individuals and businesses. Former developers of ownCloud developed the platform and launched it in June 2016. It is available for several operating systems, including Windows, MacOS, iOS, Linux and Android.
With the cloud software, users can save their files on their own servers. This means that it is either a private server or a server at a provider. Nextcloud relies on users keeping control of their files. This means that users can always decide for themselves where documents or photos are stored and who has access to them.
Nextcloud accesses various databases using PHP scripts. The clients used for this purpose serve to automatically synchronize local directories on the servers.
The cloud provider advertises free use for private users. But are there still possible costs and what functions does the platform offer? We will answer these questions in the next section.
The features of Nextcloud
The functional principle of Nextcloud is similar to other cloud services such as ownCloud or Google Drive. Users upload their files to the cloud and can then access and edit them flexibly across multiple devices.
The central application of Nextcloud is the „Nextcloud Hub“. Here the provider of the cloud service has combined several functions for collaborative work in one area. These include, for example, „Nextcloud Talk“. Users can use it to hold video conferences, share screens with other participants or use a chat. Nextcloud Groupware” allows users to retrieve e-mails and set up an address book and calendar.
„Nextcloud Files“, on the other hand, enables the sharing of files that always remain consistent regardless of their version (desktop or app). Within a team, employees of a company can share their presentations or spreadsheets, comment on the documents and work together on them in real time. Nextcloud also supports the integration of Microsoft Office documents in both the desktop version and the app.
The data security of the cloud service
Data security is always an important issue with cloud solutions. Nextcloud relies on well-known mechanisms:
- SSL and TLS Encryption
- Brute Force Protection
- Two-Factor Authentication
- Ransomware protection
The platform also features end-to-end encryption. However, this security function is still in the test phase and is therefore constantly being revised. In comparison, TeamDrive has a mature and functioning end-to-end encryption.
Is Nextcloud really for free?
In principle, private users can download the cloud service Nextcloud as an app free of charge. However, in order to be able to use all functions to their full extent, various interfaces must often be installed, some of which are subject to a fee. Those who want to set up a suitable server will find several instructions for both installation and updates. However, there is a risk of gaps in data security if the very complex setup is not carried out correctly.
The Nextcloud Sync Client is available for data synchronization. It synchronizes the data automatically. Alternatively, users can set up WebDAV. The software displays the cloud server as a standardized network drive. Depending on where the WebDAV hosting is located, there may be dangerous security vulnerabilities. This is due to inadequate concepts for encryption or keys that are not in the hands of the user.
Various apps for iOS and Android are available in the app stores for accessing Nextcloud with your own smartphone. However, users often encounter problems here. iOS users report that some folders and files are simply not accessible. Likewise, the automatic upload of data with the Nextcloud app does not run smoothly from time to time. The necessary installation of additional apps therefore increases the risk of errors and security gaps.
Is Nextcloud a cloud solution for businesses and organizations?
Cloud services show their strength when they are also suitable for legal entities. Nextcloud can be a solution for private users. For companies or organizations, however, the free version is not enough. The services for support and updates are associated with costs. For security reasons alone, the use of a free version is not recommended for companies if, for example, it does not allow automatic and current updates.
Moreover, additional functions cause relevant additional costs depending on the size of the company. An example is the add-in for Outlook to send attachments with encryption. In order to be able to use this service, which is indispensable for a cloud service, additional costs of 5 euros per user are incurred annually. With TeamDrive, this functionality and other useful tools are already included in the basic package. The provider also calls up extra costs for cloud storage and for the storage location of backups.
To meet data security and privacy requirements and to receive additional support, Nextcloud offers companies a choice of three pricing models. They start at 1,900 euros per year for 50 users. The Premium Package with better support options and even more functions for team collaboration already costs EUR 4,900 per year for the same number of users. Other models are staggered in price. In the end, a small company with 100 employees will end up paying EUR 8,900 a year for using Nextcloud.
Finally, Nextcloud offers many features for collaboration, data storage and synchronization, but this service is not completely free. The cost overview makes it clear that TeamDrive, as a secure cloud solution for many companies, is not more expensive than the supposedly free Nextcloud.
The advantages of TeamDrive for companies
The TeamDrive software fulfills all relevant requirements for data protection and data security. Misuse of data is ruled out by the end-to-end encryption. Thanks to its simple operation, the cloud solution from TeamDrive is an ideal platform for exchanging files within the company. The services of the TeamDrive cloud are located in Germany or can be installed on the company’s own servers. The great advantage of TeamDrive is that it can be used in a variety of ways for every type of company. Self-employed people, freelancers, small or medium-sized companies and corporations can use the cloud service of TeamDrive as a tool for collaborative work.
