German GWDG Brings Out Cloud Share

GWDG Cloud Share is similar to commercial storage cloud and data synchronisation services.

To this effect GWDG (Georg-August-Universität Göttingen) makes use of the software Power-Folder from the same-named company. The service can be used via the client-software or platform-independent web interface. The applications, in particular in the area of mobile working, are multi-faceted. This includes the synchronisation of data via different devices: PC, laptop, tablet or smartphone. The service also enables collaborative work with multiple users or serves as an alternative for the dispatching of large email attachments.

It eliminates the need for the maintenance of mobile data: the copying and transporting of data onto a USB stick or the sending of files by email; all of which are no longer necessary. The data is available for use anywhere. Offline usage of files is also possible; changes are posted or received with the next online connection and synchronisation.

The service is operated from the computing centre of the company. All data is stored on dedicated databases of the GWDG. The current data security requirements, especially those in the field of science, are complied with.

‘PowerFolder’ software developer are currently developing apps for iOS and Android, and they will soon be available. Thus it will become easier to access data on-the-go. Upon completion by the developer, the mobile clients will be available to users of GWDG Cloud Share as well, analogous to the desktop clients already in use. Parallel to this, the service will be integrated into the Self-Service-Portal of the GWDG, through which clients can set up and configure services.

The use of the Cloud Share is available to all users of the University of Göttingen and Max-Planck-Society free of charge within the framework of basic services. As standard, 10GB storage space is available per user and can be increased if required. Furthermore, the  company offers this service to other universities and institutions upon request at certain conditions. Especially those 15 universities participating in the "Niedersachsen Storage Cloud" can receive 1GB storage space per user free of charge if their respective universities decides to use the service.