With version 10.0.10, ownCloud focuses on meeting the state-of-the-art requirements for file sharing and improved configuration options. Support for PHP 7.2 gives administrators significant performance improvements. In addition, the specific adaptation of local user creation facilitates the secure creation of new user accounts. With the integration of the HTTP API for the search function, users are now able to search all content via their client without having to be available locally. Version 10.0.10 also provides native protection against brute force attacks and the option to exclude certain system groups from file sharing. Together with ownCloud 10.0.10, an improved desktop client (Ver. 2.5.0) will also be released which, with the Virtual File System, contains a long-awaited feature that provides the foundation for more intelligent synchronization and a greatly improved user experience. All server and client version enhancements will be presented in detail at the four-day ownCloud Conference held in Nuremberg, Germany, September 18-21, 2018.
Official PHP 7.2 Support
In response to the expiration of support for PHP 5.6 and 7.0, ownCloud will now support PHP 7.2. The server core and all extensions have been intensively tested for compatibility with PHP 7.2 and work reliably. The migration to PHP 7.2 also serves as preparation for PHP 7.3, which is scheduled to be released at the end of 2018. Operators who are still using PHP 5.6 or 7.0 are encouraged to upgrade soon.
Improving Local User Creation
In earlier versions, administrators could only create local users by assigning a user name and password. In many cases, this is undesirable because administrators would have to set the password for new users and make it available on a different communication channel. For this reason, the procedure for local user creation has been changed so that an e-mail address is queried instead of the password, which is then used to send an activation link to the new user.
With this improvement, user creation is easier and safer; new users are automatically informed and can define their own password. If the password is to be assigned by an administrator, this can also be done by selecting the option “Set password for new users”.
HTTP API for Search
For the first time, ownCloud Server 10.0.10 integrates an HTTP API for search, making it possible to query search terms on the server. With future releases of ownCloud clients, users will be able to use the HTTP API to search for content on the server without having to be available locally (as before).
Combined with the full-text search, which will soon be published (as part of the Community Edition), ownCloud will ensure its users greater user-friendliness and greater productivity, as they will be able to search for all the content stored in their account and find the files they actually need (e.g. on their mobile phone) much quicker.
Native Brute Force Protection
The “Brute Force Protection” extension provides administrators with an effective tool to prevent attackers from “guessing” user passwords through a brute force attack. Repeated failed login attempts made from the same IP address are delayed by the app so that the chances of a successful attack are reduced to a minimum.
To ensure this protection, it was previously necessary to integrate third-party applications such as Fail2Ban, which access the log files of ownCloud. The new feature, which was developed in collaboration with the community, is very easy to put into operation and can be configured individually via the security settings.
Improved Upload Function in the Web Interface
The reliability of the file upload function in the ownCloud web interface has been significantly improved with ownCloud 10.0.10. As a supplement to the chunking mechanism, the new version contains an additional function that ensures that blocked chunks can be uploaded again. The chunking mechanism divides large files into individual parts and uploads them separately. Now, uploads can now be continued from the point at which the connection was previously interrupted. This feature is especially useful for unreliable Internet connections (e.g. on trains or with mobile data), as interruptions and timeouts in the past have caused users to stop uploads of files from the start in the worst case.
Desktop Client 2.5.0 with Virtual File System
Together with ownCloud 10.0.10, the Nuremberg-based company is presenting version 2.5.0 of its desktop client. With the Virtual File System, it contains a long-awaited feature that significantly increases usability and can save a lot of local storage space by no longer having to synchronize all files with the server, but only those that a user actually needs. The client reflects the file and folder structure of the server regardless of whether the data is completely available locally. If a file is needed, it can be downloaded and opened with a single click.
In addition, the sync performance has been significantly improved by removing unnecessary file scan processes. In addition, the new client now communicates with the server and informs users about security-relevant client & server updates in a timely manner. Further new features such as an improved sharing dialog, an extended context menu and the integration into the File Explorer of Windows 10 and Microsoft Office further increase user-friendliness.
The ownCloud Desktop Sync Client for Windows from version 2.5.0 is delivered as a Windows Installer (*.MSI). This means the client is compatible with the professional deployment tools, which are used for software distribution in large organizations. A number of parameters are now available to control the installation process. (https://doc.owncloud.com/desktop/2.5/installing.html#customizing-the-windows-installation). The integration of MSI also forms the technical basis for further configuration options in the future. The function is also available for branded ownCloud clients from enterprise users.
ownCloud 10.0.10 and the Desktop Client 2.5.0 are now available for download at https://owncloud.org/download/ and https://owncloud.com/download/.
A detailed overview of all changes can be found in the Changelog (https://owncloud.org/changelog/server/ – https://owncloud.org/changelog/desktop-client/), and the Release Notes (https://doc.owncloud.org/server/10.0/admin_manual/release_notes.html).
ONLYOFFICE Integration Improves Collaboration
The new partnership with ONLYOFFICE will also be presented at the ownCloud conference and in addition to the already existing partnership with Collabora, ownCloud is extending its collaborative editing functionalities.
The ONLYOFFICE integration enables access and collaborative editing of Microsoft Office file formats from the ownCloud frontend in real time. ONLYOFFICE gives ownCloud users another reliable and user-friendly way to collaboratively edit documents. ONLYOFFICE is a powerful online editor for text documents, spreadsheets or presentations that are compatible with MS Office files.
“Our partnership with ownCloud allows users and enterprises to gain access to real-time document collaboration within modern file sync&share platform, giving all the needed services and support, and ensuring better team workflow and seamless work with complex formatting and objects within ownCloud,” says Galina Godukhina, Commercial Director at ONLYOFFICE.
The new versions of ownCloud Server and Client will be presented in detail at the ownCloud Conference to be held in Nuremberg from 18 to 21 September 2018.