Nextcloud allows you to manage your data on your own cloud server without having to hand over data sovereignty to companies such as Google or Apple. With Nextcloud, companies without an IT department, as well as private individuals, benefit from the advantages of a location- and device-independent cloud on their own private or hosted servers.

What is Nextcloud?

Nextcloud is a high-performance, non-commercial cloud software used for self-hosting and cloud computing, which is suitable for both private and business purposes. The software is a fork, i.e., a parallel development branch of the OwnCloud project. OwnCloud and Nextcloud serve as open-source alternatives to commercial cloud storage, such as Amazon AWS, Google Drive or iCloud. The same development team around founder and developer Frank Karlitschek is behind both cloud solutions. Just like OwnCloud, Nextcloud is available in a free, comprehensive version as well as a paid enterprise solution.

Which platforms support Nextcloud?

To enable access for as many users as possible, Nextcloud offers cross-platform support. It can be used with the following operating systems for desktop PCs and mobile devices:

  • Windows
  • macOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • iOS

Nextcloud also offers simple integration with services such as Amazon S3, Google Drive, Microsoft Azure and Dropbox.

What advantages does Nextcloud offer?

As non-commercial cloud software for self-hosting, Nextcloud offers many advantages for both private and business use. These include:

  • Completely free open-source solution
  • Free choice between cloud computing with private servers on site or with host servers at locations with high data protection regulations
  • Secure, GDPR-compliant cloud storage with a high level of data protection
  • Anonymous file upload
  • Two-factor authentication
  • Encrypted data on servers and SSL/TLS encryption for data transmission
  • Data sovereignty remains with private individuals and companies that implement Nextcloud
  • Centralized cloud computing independent of location or end device
  • Includes Nextcloud Clients, such as Nextcloud Android app for cross-device synchronization of local directories
  • Active community prevents security vulnerabilities in Nextcloud’s open-source code
  • Open-source approach prevents “back doors” for data access by third-party companies
  • Enterprise variants offer specialized support and on-demand storage and computing power

What functions does Nextcloud offer?

From flexible data exchange and central cloud storage to practical teamwork tools, Nextcloud includes a wide range of cloud and team functions. The most important ones include:

  • Uploads/Downloads: Nextcloud works similarly to Google Drive or other cloud alternatives and allows you to upload and download single and multiple files and folders. Accessing and editing is also independent of device and location.
  • Nextcloud Files: With Nextcloud, you not only use self-defined access rights for files, but also public sharing URLs. This allows you to work on a document as a team as required and benefit from features such as the comment function, real-time collaboration and app integration for Microsoft Office documents.
  • Nextcloud Office: The cloud solution provides you with your own online office suite, including collaborative tools and support for all important file formats.
  • Nextcloud Hub: This is the central user interface via which you integrate, control and manage the four most important Nextcloud functions — Files, Talk, Office and Groupware.
  • Nextcloud Talk: This feature offers your workgroups and teams practical tools for video calls, conferences, screen sharing or traditional text chat.
  • Nextcloud Groupware: As a helpful calendar and administration tool, Groupware serves as an address book, appointment planner, contact list and more.
  • Nextcloud Assistant: The Nextcloud Assistant is firmly integrated into the Nextcloud user interface. Among other things, the AI assistant summarizes email discussions, offers suggestions when writing a document and translates chat messages.

What Nextcloud apps and plugins are there?

The performance and versatility of your own Nextcloud solution can be customized and extended using various Nextcloud apps and plugins. This allows you to optimize your cloud functions according to your needs or workgroup. Here’s a selection of practical apps and plugins for Nextcloud:

  • OnlyOffice: Office app is compatible with Microsoft Word, including support for all important document types (text, tables, presentations, forms), chat function, shared document editing and versions for mobile or desktop.
  • Reader: E-reading app for e-books and file formats such as Epub, PDF, CBR or CBZ, with flexible page view, night mode and configurable fonts and text colors.
  • Nextcloud Deck: Organization app with clear display for managing appointments, tasks, deadlines or intermediate project statuses.
  • Passwords: App for managing and editing passwords of one or more people.
  • Nextcloud Talk: The app is one of Nextcloud’s key products for video and audio calls, live chats, conferences and screen sharing.
  • Cookbook: Practical cooking app for saving, collecting and managing recipes.
  • Nextcloud Calendar (Android / iOS): Practical organizer for synchronizing appointments, tasks and deadlines across devices — including reminder and invitation function.
  • News: Concise app for news feeds with reference to all Nextcloud news.
  • Nextcloud Notes: Effective app for taking notes in the style of Microsoft’s OneNote.

How much does Nextcloud cost?

Nextcloud is available in both a high-performance free version and a paid enterprise version. The paid versions include:

  • Basic: From 100 users for 37.49 euros (around $40) per year/user
  • Standard: From 100 users for 67.89 euros (around $75) per year/user
  • Premium: From 100 users for 99.99 euros (around $100) per year/user
  • Ultimate: From 100 users for 195 euros (around $210) per year/user

Is Nextcloud suitable for companies?

Although Nextcloud is also interesting for private users, the installation proves to be somewhat complex for inexperienced users. Nextcloud is therefore particularly relevant for companies that invest time in Nextcloud integration and receive their own cloud with a high level of data control and cloud security in return. The following aspects in particular make Nextcloud interesting for companies:

  • Teamwork and Office features integrated or expandable via apps and plugins
  • Location- and device-independent cloud use with desktop PCs and mobile devices
  • Central storage and cross-device synchronization of files
  • High, GDPR-compliant data security and data sovereignty
  • Individual access rights and password assignment
  • Integrated encryption for uploads and downloads, as well as for data stored on the server side
  • Flexible enterprise subscriptions depending on company size, storage requirements, support and integrated Nextcloud functions

How does Managed Nextcloud work?

If you’re looking for a secure, high-performance cloud without the hassle of setup and configuration, Managed Nextcloud is an ideal solution. With managed cloud hosting, a professional host takes care of implementation and maintenance, allowing you to focus entirely on the benefits of a central cloud solution.

These benefits include collaborative teamwork and office functions, customizable access rights and permissions, and the seamless storage, editing, and sharing of files and documents via your own private cloud. Plus, 24/7 support is typically available should you need assistance.

Advantages of Managed Nextcloud

In terms of the time and maintenance effort involved in self-hosting with your own private cloud, a convenient Managed Nextcloud solution offers the following advantages:

  • No hassle with installation, maintenance and updates
  • Secure server infrastructure for hosts with American server locations such as IONOS
  • All Nextcloud features are available via desktop PC or mobile
  • Basic functions can be expanded with apps and plugins
  • Complete data sovereignty and high data protection standards
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