Nextcloud

Nextcloud is an open‑source suite of client‑server software for creating and using file hosting services. It enables individuals, teams and organizations to store, share, and collaborate on files, calendars, contacts, and other data while retaining control over the data and infrastructure. The project was launched in 2016 as a fork of ownCloud, led by founder Frank Karlitschek and a community of developers. Nextcloud can be installed on a variety of operating systems, including Linux, BSD and macOS, and it runs on standard web servers such as Apache or Nginx with a PHP runtime and a database backend (e.g., MySQL/MariaDB, PostgreSQL, SQLite).

Core functionality includes secure file synchronization across desktop, mobile and web clients, versioning, encryption, and granular access controls. Additional features are provided through a modular app ecosystem that adds capabilities such as collaborative document editing (via OnlyOffice or Collabora Online), video conferencing, email integration, password management, and endpoint protection. Administrators can enforce policies, monitor usage, and integrate with external authentication services like LDAP, SAML, or OAuth.

Nextcloud emphasizes privacy and data sovereignty, offering end‑to‑end encryption, compliance with GDPR, and the possibility to host on-premises or in the cloud. It is licensed primarily under the GNU Affero General Public License, allowing free use, modification and redistribution. The software is widely adopted by enterprises, educational institutions, public administrations and community groups seeking an alternative to proprietary services like Dropbox or Google Drive while maintaining full control over their information.