Description
Nextcloud is an open-source, self-hostable platform for file storage, collaboration, and communication, designed to provide users and organisations with full control over their data. Founded in 2016 as a fork of ownCloud, Nextcloud emphasises privacy, digital sovereignty, and flexibility, allowing deployment on private servers or through trusted providers.
Nextcloud’s core software is fully open-source, enabling users to host their own instances and maintain complete data ownership. It supports end-to-end encryption for files and communications, ensuring data privacy and security. The platform offers a suite of integrated tools, including file sharing, calendars, contacts, video conferencing (Nextcloud Talk), and collaborative document editing. Administrators can define granular access controls for files, folders, and apps, including LDAP/OpenID integration and guest access management.
In 2025, Nextcloud became the first cloud software platform to earn the Blauer Engel ecolabel, demonstrating its commitment to sustainability. The platform has seen increased adoption by European public sector organisations, driven by concerns over reliance on U.S. cloud providers and the need for digital sovereignty.
Summary
Nextcloud is a leading open-source, self-hosted platform for file storage and collaboration, including video conferencing. It offers robust privacy, digital sovereignty, and flexibility. Nextcloud's commitment to open-source principles, end-to-end encryption, and sustainability makes it a compelling alternative to proprietary cloud services.