ownCloud the open source-based collaboration platform and plusserver, Germany’s leading multi-cloud data service provider, are entering into a strategic technology partnership. Offering companies and public administrations cloud solutions that meet the highest requirements for data protection and digital sovereignty.
Users who want to enjoy the benefits of the cloud and still retain complete control over their data have to host their own cloud service. If the necessary infrastructure and operation are not provided in the company’s own data center, an as-a-service model is a good choice. As part of their strategic partnership, ownCloud and plusserver will provide companies and public administrations with a scalable complete package: ownCloud Infinite Scale will cover the entire application stack for content and collaboration, including an office solution, chat and video functions as well as IDM (identity management). Hosting, including cloud storage will be provided by plusserver. Test operations have already commenced and the first commercial offers will be available shortly.
With this as-a-service offering, companies and public sector institutions can enjoy the benefits of efficient teamwork in their own cloud, while saving themselves the administrative effort and ensuring complete digital sovereignty. Both ownCloud and plusserver are based in Germany and are therefore subject to strict German legislation regarding data protection. Legal certainty and compliance in accordance with the GDPR are therefore guaranteed. At the same time, both companies rely on open source – anyone can view the code at any time, check it for security vulnerabilities and also change it if necessary.
“Strengthening digital and data sovereignty is more important than ever. Cloud services and applications based on open source help to free oneself from dependence on market-dominating manufacturers, to be able to deal with data in a self-determined manner. Despite the massive data protection problems that users of US cloud services may face, many companies, as well as institutions in the public sector, find it difficult to break free from the sometimes decades-long ties to providers with their closed IT systems.” emphasizes Alexander Wallner, CEO of plusserver. “Sensitive data is better off with European providers, and with our offering, organizations are on the safe side.”
“plusserver and ownCloud, are two strong partners who share the same goal: a European, digitally sovereign ecosystem as a real alternative to the large hyperscalers and software corporations,” adds Tobias Gerlinger, CEO and Managing Director of ownCloud. “For public administrations in particular, the use of cloud technologies offers numerous advantages, first and foremost greater flexibility, efficiency, productivity and scalability of their services and operations. At the same time, applications and data of administrations are subject to strict protection and compliance requirements for a good reason. As a German provider, we guarantee our customers sovereignty over their data and create the legal certainty they need.”
ownCloud’s technology is used by numerous companies and public institutions. With BayernBox, for example, the municipal administration of the State of Bavaria can benefit from the use of cloud technologies, especially in terms of increased flexibility, efficiency, productivity, and scalability of its services and operations. At the same time, applications and data of administrations are subject to strict protection and compliance requirements for good reason. As a German provider, we guarantee our customers sovereignty over their data and consequently create the legal certainty they need.”
ownCloud’s technology is used by numerous public sector companies and institutions such as the BayernBox. This online platform is used by the municipal administrations of Bavaria and allows employees to store, share and jointly edit their data. The infrastructure is operated centrally by the Agency for Digitisation, High-Speed Internet and Surveying (LDBV), but each individual municipality uses its own protected cloud instance and thus retains control over the data.
About plusserver GmbH
Germany’s leading multi-cloud data service provider headquartered in Cologne, offers medium-sized businesses as well as large enterprises the foundation for their digital transformation. With customized system architectures and a comprehensive range of managed cloud services, plusserver is a reliable partner. Digital sovereignty and security are ensured by numerous plusserver data centers in Germany and other European countries. plusserver is also a founding member of the European initiative Gaia-X and a driver of innovation, value creation, and is committed to a sustainable and data-sovereign Europe. With pluscloud open, plusserver has introduced one of the first open source clouds based on the Sovereign Cloud Stack. The company employs about 400 people at its six locations. https://www.plusserver.com/
About ownCloud
ownCloud develops and provides open-source software for content collaboration, allowing teams to easily share and work on files seamlessly regardless of device or location. More than 200 million users worldwide already use ownCloud as an alternative to public clouds – and thereby opt for more digital sovereignty, security and data protection. For further information, please visit www.owncloud.com or on Twitter @ownCloud.
