ownCloud
ownCloud is the pioneering open-source file sync and sharing platform. Self-host your cloud for files, calendars, contacts, and collaboration — your data.
Open source alternative to:
ownCloud is the original open-source file sync and sharing platform that pioneered the concept of self-hosted cloud storage and directly inspired the creation of Nextcloud. It provides a complete solution for storing, syncing, and sharing files across devices with a user experience similar to Google Drive, but on infrastructure you control.
ownCloud offers desktop sync clients for all major operating systems and mobile apps for iOS and Android. Files can be shared with internal and external users with fine-grained permissions. Enterprise features include SSO integration, antivirus scanning, encryption at rest, and audit logging. The ownCloud Infinite Scale (oCIS) project is a modern, cloud-native rewrite of the platform built for scalability.
With over 8,700 GitHub stars and licensed under AGPL-3.0, ownCloud is widely deployed across enterprises and public sector organizations. It is a battle-tested, enterprise-grade alternative to Google Drive for organizations that require compliance, data sovereignty, and professional support.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between classic ownCloud and ownCloud Infinite Scale?
Classic ownCloud is the PHP-based sync-and-share platform that pioneered self-hosted cloud storage. ownCloud Infinite Scale (oCIS) is a modern, cloud-native rewrite written in Go, built for scalability and large deployments. The two share the same mission, but oCIS trades the PHP/MySQL stack for a leaner, more efficient architecture.
Is ownCloud free, and what do you pay for?
ownCloud's open-source core is AGPL-3.0, so you can self-host the community edition at no cost on your own infrastructure. The freemium model comes from enterprise subscriptions that add SSO integration, antivirus scanning, encryption at rest, and audit logging, along with professional support. Individual users and small teams can run it indefinitely without paying.
How does ownCloud compare with Nextcloud, given that both started from the same code?
Nextcloud is a fork of the original ownCloud codebase — ownCloud is the project that pioneered self-hosted file sync and directly inspired Nextcloud's creation. The two projects have diverged substantially since; ownCloud positions itself as a battle-tested, enterprise-grade platform with strong compliance and data-sovereignty credentials, widely deployed in the public sector. For an organisation, the choice usually comes down to which platform best fits your compliance, support, and scaling requirements.
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Updated 8/14/2026, 3:00:46 PM
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