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OnlyOffice

OnlyOffice is an open-source office suite with self-hosting options and GDPR compliance.

Open Data Open Source Works Offline European Privacy Friendly Self-Hostable Free of Charge Real-time Collaboration Ad-Free
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Description

OnlyOffice is an open-source office suite developed by Ascensio System SIA, a Latvian company, offering a range of productivity tools for document editing, spreadsheets, presentations, and collaboration. It is available both as a cloud service and as self-hosted software, with deployment options for Linux and Windows servers, as well as desktop clients for Windows, macOS, and Linux, and mobile apps for iOS and Android. OnlyOffice is known for its strong compatibility with Microsoft Office formats, making it a practical alternative for users transitioning from proprietary software.

OnlyOffice emphasies privacy and data security, offering ISO 27001 certification and encryption technologies to protect sensitive data. The suite supports real-time collaboration, project management, and CRM tools, making it suitable for both individual and enterprise use. However, OnlyOffice operates under an "open core" model, where the free community edition has limited features compared to the proprietary enterprise version. This model has raised concerns about the sustainability and transparency of the project, especially given the company’s historical ties to Russia and the impact of EU sanctions on its operations.

The software is used by some European organisations. However, its adoption is not without controversy, as the company’s ownership structure and the AGPL license (more restrictive) have led to debates about its suitability for government and large-scale use.

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Sustainability Features of OnlyOffice

Open Data - Supports open data standards and transparency, allowing users to access and control their data.

OnlyOffice supports open data standards, allowing users to control and access their data.

Open Source - Free and Open-Source Software

OnlyOffice is open-source software, ensuring transparency and community-driven development.

Works Offline - Works even without internet connection

OnlyOffice desktop clients work fully offline, reducing reliance on cloud services and internet connectivity.

European - Based in Europe, ensuring compliance with GDPR and European privacy and labor regulations.

OnlyOffice is developed by a Latvian company, ensuring compliance with GDPR and strong privacy laws.

Privacy Friendly - It does not track users unnecessarily.

OnlyOffice does not collect or transmit user data unnecessarily, ensuring privacy and security.

Self-Hostable - Services that can be hosted by users, giving full control over data and enhancing privacy.

OnlyOffice can be self-hosted, giving users full control over their data and infrastructure.

Free of Charge - The services provided can be used for free.

OnlyOffice offers a free community edition for all users.

Real-time Collaboration - Users can collaborate in real-time.

OnlyOffice allows for real-time same-document collaboration.

Ad-Free - Services that do not display advertisements to users, ensuring a cleaner and more private experience.

OnlyOffice is ad free and does not monetise user-data.

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Summary

OnlyOffice is a feature-rich, open-source office suite that offers strong compatibility with Microsoft Office formats. Its self-hosting options and focus on data security make it an attractive choice for organisations seeking to reduce reliance on Big Tech. However, its open core model, historical ties to Russia, and the restrictive AGPL license may raise concerns about long-term sustainability and transparency.

Sustainability Score
64

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