Nextcloud and ownCloud are two popular open source cloud storage services that allow you to store, sync, and share your files, contacts, calendars, and more. They are both based on the same code base, but they have diverged over time, offering different features, licenses, and business models. In this article, I will compare Nextcloud and ownCloud and explain why Nextcloud is better than ownCloud in terms of collaboration, innovation, and community.
Collaboration
One of the main advantages of Nextcloud over ownCloud is that it offers more collaboration features, such as video chat, online office, and project management. Nextcloud aims to be a complete collaboration platform, similar to Microsoft Office 365 and Google Workspace, but with the benefits of being open source and self-hosted. Nextcloud integrates with popular services such as Zoom, Slack, Jitsi, Moodle, and more, giving you the flexibility to choose the best tools for your needs.
ownCloud, on the other hand, focuses more on file sharing and synchronization, and does not offer as many collaboration features as Nextcloud. ownCloud relies on third-party integrations for online office, chat, and other functionalities, which may not be as seamless and secure as Nextcloud’s native apps. ownCloud also does not have a video chat app, which is a major drawback in the era of remote work and online learning.
Innovation
Another reason why Nextcloud is better than ownCloud is that it is more innovative and agile, releasing new features and updates more frequently and consistently. Nextcloud has a faster development cycle, with major releases every six months and minor releases every month. Nextcloud also has a more active and diverse developer community, with over 2,000 contributors and 300 apps in its app store.
ownCloud, in contrast, has a slower development cycle, with major releases every year and minor releases every three months. ownCloud also has a smaller and less diverse developer community, with around 1,000 contributors and 200 apps in its app store. ownCloud tends to be more conservative and cautious in its development, prioritizing stability and security over innovation and experimentation.
Community
A final reason why Nextcloud is better than ownCloud is that it has a more vibrant and supportive community, both for users and developers. Nextcloud has a more open and transparent governance model, with a foundation that oversees the project and ensures its independence and sustainability. Nextcloud also has a more inclusive and welcoming culture, with a code of conduct that promotes respect and diversity.
ownCloud, meanwhile, has a more closed and opaque governance model, with a company that controls the project and its direction. ownCloud also has a more exclusive and elitist culture, with a lack of communication and engagement with its community. ownCloud has faced several controversies and conflicts in the past, such as the departure of its founder and core developers, the lawsuit against Nextcloud, and the criticism of its licensing and business practices.
Comparison table between Nextcloud and ownCloud:
| Feature/Criteria | Nextcloud | ownCloud |
|---|---|---|
| License | Open source (AGPLv3) | Open source / proprietary |
| Support model | Basic, Standard, Premium | Standard, Enterprise |
| Paid features | No | Yes |
| Built-in collaboration features | Commenting and real-time notifications, real-time document management, audio/video chat, guest access, custom workspaces | Comment function, access permissions for shared files and folders, guest access |
| Development cycle | Faster, with major releases every six months and minor releases every month | Slower, with major releases every year and minor releases every three months |
| Developer community | More active and diverse, with over 2,000 contributors and 300 apps in its app store | Smaller and less diverse, with around 1,000 contributors and 200 apps in its app store |
| Governance model | More open and transparent, with a foundation that oversees the project and ensures its independence and sustainability | More closed and opaque, with a company that controls the project and its direction |
| User community | More vibrant and supportive, with a code of conduct that promotes respect and diversity | More exclusive and elitist, with a lack of communication and engagement with its community |
Conclusion
In conclusion, Nextcloud is better than ownCloud for several reasons, such as collaboration, innovation, and community. Nextcloud offers more features and integrations, more frequent and consistent updates, and more open and transparent governance. Nextcloud also has a more active and diverse developer community, and a more vibrant and supportive user community. Nextcloud is the best choice for anyone who wants a self-hosted cloud storage service that is also a complete collaboration platform.
Wednesday, February 14, 2024
