Accessing data in the cloud is convenient, but rarely secure to 100 %. Especially the outsourcing of data to cloud services that do not operate from Germany, Switzerland or countries with comparable data protection regulations is dangerous for both private users and especially for companies - because can you really be sure that no one can gain insight into your data?
Status of data security
The fact that US companies in particular like to take a look at their users' data is made clear by the example of Microsoft: At the beginning of 2016, the amount of data that customers are allowed to upload to their own cloud service OneDrive will be reduced to a maximum of 1 terabyte per user - from a previously infinite storage space for Office 365 customers. The official reason for this is that a few users had uploaded data volumes of up to 75 terabytes, which according to Microsoft consists mainly of film archives and PC backups.
But: How does Microsoft know what kind of data is involved if the company does not have active insight into the data? This example shows that with cloud services, your data may be protected from loss, but access by third parties is not actively prevented. Microsoft is not alone in this practice, and OneDrive is just an example to illustrate the problem. Especially in corporate environments you cannot afford such a lax approach to your data security - but ownCloud on a vServer could help.
ownCloud on a vServer - data security in perfection?
The biggest problem with cloud services from other companies is that you never get a complete view of the infrastructure, network architecture, server locations, or rights management. Simply put, you don't have control over the hardware that holds your data. host how should you be able to control the data under these conditions?
In this niche, ownCloud is an interesting solution for companies and also a few private users, which allows control over data and the entire hardware structure:
- ownCloud is able to synchronize and share data with all authorized users on a powerful vServer. It is a comparatively easy to use solution that is adapted to the convenience of cloud services for end users (OneDrive, Google DriveDropbox and comparable services).
- The software from ownCloud can be easily installed on the hardware of your choice. For example, you can use a relatively inexpensive vServer or use existing server structures. The hard disks on which the data is backed up also come from your company. You know down to the smallest component where your data is located and how the network structure is structured.
- You can access the data through ownCloud just like any other cloud service: from anywhere and with any compatible device. Full control of access can be provided at any time: Who accesses the vServer, when, from where, while adhering to security and compliance guidelines? With ownCloud you practically become your own cloud service offering, but without the negative consequences described in the first section.
Risk management with a proprietary cloud solution
By opting to use ownCloud on a vServer, you ultimately drastically reduce the risk of data loss (or unauthorized third parties viewing data). The data is always near you and only leaves your servers when you want it to. Important information is managed centrally and your company's IT management can take care of minimizing risks, assigning rights and controlling which data gets to which location. The interface is clear and simple, allowing, for example, access to data on a SharePoint server (with the commercial Enterprise edition) as well as access to information on the cloud storage space itself.
All access is not limited to computers directly connected to the company network. Using smartphones, notebooks and tablets that access your own cloud service via secure VPN connections, access to data and information is theoretically possible from anywhere in the world with an Internet connection. Through a system called Universal File Access, all data is connected via applications, cloud storage or even hard drives on ordinary client devices. In other words, you can organize your data the way you want.
Extensions through simple file storage solution
By offering a comparatively simple interface, ownCloud can integrate additional data into your cloud storage space in a very short time. Whether you store this data on a vServer within your company or store data directly in your own cloud, it doesn't matter for later access to this data: you access the information as if it were directly on a hard disk in your device. Since this private cloud service can also be installed in a short time, using an existing infrastructure in the company, you can keep the cost of setup within reasonable limits, making it easy to calculate your budget.
It's also an open architecture solution that can be enhanced with key features, such as the ability to add functionality as your cloud storage needs change. You can continue to use existing security policies or use monitoring and event logging systems to track how your data is performing on your own cloud service. Commercial cloud solutions from large providers usually do not offer this luxury, so ownCloud can save you money and give you a high level of privacy.
Cloud for home users?
There is still nothing to be said against using the software in a private context: A cheap vServer costs only a few Euros per month and the application itself costs exactly 0 Euros for end users without commercial intentions. The standard version, which can be installed on any ordinary server, is equipped with all important features for this user group. Antivirus software and 256-bit encryption ensure high data security even with this inexpensive entry-level version. Obviously, this is not the complete security - because when you rent a server, you are ultimately relying on an external provider again. However, if you choose a trustworthy service provider from Germany, this is still better than "blind hosting" with a large corporation.
The cost of software in enterprise environments varies depending on the size of the business. However, regardless of the actual purchase price and the optional 24/7 support, these are ultimately only one-time fixed costs that should be worth the security of your data. Consider the high financial losses that can occur if you lose mission-critical data. There is also the threat of a serious breach of trust if, for example, you lose a customer's important data because you wanted to host it in a cloud service abroad. The risks are difficult to assess, which shows once again how important the use of ownCloud can be in your company.
Convincing through test versions
If you are not convinced of the capabilities of this cloud software despite the numerous positive aspects, the company will provide you with a 30-day trial version of ownCloud. This includes both the server version and the software for client access from Windows systems. The Enterprise edition can be installed in a few minutes and includes support for Apache2 servers and MySQL databases, for example. In the end, you will be using the cloud service as you would in a real business. There are no restrictions for this trial version.
The company is also trying to allay concerns about the security of the software. For example, you can (on request) get access to the source code of the software so that you can have it checked yourself (or by an external service provider) before you give your consent to use it. Overall, the company is doing its best to allay any concerns and has an excellent reputation within the cloud services community. As a result, you will find it very difficult to find a comparable provider that is similarly open and flexible while providing a cloud solution that is perfectly adequate for most businesses.
Conclusion: Is the own data cloud worth it?
As you have to install, administer and manage your ownCloud yourself, there is of course a little more effort in the beginning than using a ready-made solution. At the same time, however, you will be rewarded for your efforts: Since you install the software on a server or vServer and use only your own hardware in your own firewall-secured network infrastructure and use your own hard drives, you are 100 % informed about the whereabouts and use of your data. Moreover, the comfort does not differ from commercial solutions: You can still access your data from anywhere with any end device you can think of - just be sure that NSA & Co. are guaranteed not to be listening in...
