ownCloud Offers New Support Subscriptions

ownCloud Inc., an open source enterprise file sync and share (EFSS) company, announced support offerings including a support subscription for its open source community edition.

In addition, the company introduced functionality that adds greater control and improved user experience to ownCloud Enterprise users.

Customers have a choice between two distinct product offerings; ownCloud 8 Server (formerly referred to as ownCloud Community Edition) and ownCloud 8 Enterprise Subscription which includes ownCloud Enterprise Edition. ownCloud 8 Server which was released last month provides base level file sync and share capabilities. It includes a variety of server apps including activity, anti-virus, encryption, external storage, LDAP/AD, federated cloud sharing, provisioning, versions, and mobile apps available in the ownCloud app store.

Siggi Langauf, IT group leader, Stuttgarter Lebensversicherung a.G., said: “We’re excited about the new offerings because ownCloud can now offer the right level of product, support and extensibility for our evolving needs. ownCloud s ongoing commitment to improving the user experience has helped us more easily and effectively provide access to enterprise files to our workers wherever they are, without sacrificing ownership and control of our data.”

ownCloud 8 Enterprise subscription includes everything in ownCloud 8 Server as well as advanced features and functionality with enterprise applications including advanced logging, SharePoint integration, S3 primary storage, SSO, Windows home directory and Windows network drive integration. Mobile apps are included in ownCloud 8 Enterprise Subscription as well as ownBrander – the ability for customers to brand their mobile and desktop apps.

ownCloud 8 Enterprise Subscription also includes a new GUI for File Firewall that has been updated with a more intuitive GUI with drop down menus for setting and managing policy-driven file access. It provides administrators with control over file access, leveraging a rules engine to inspect every file request. Connection information, such as user group memberships, file characteristics or request information can be evaluated before a connection to the server is allowed giving IT administrators granular control of their EFSS files.

Usage of private cloud and ASP-type services are well established in the financial services industry. However, this sector has been slower than many to adopt pure public cloud-based services, where the location and security of data is beyond the sole control and governance of the owner. As a result of compliance, risk, and audit constraints, financial services organizations are generally drawn towards private/hybrid cloud approaches to enterprise file sync and share.

Vendors such as ownCloud have identified the particular requirements of this market, and are placing focus on this sector, developing products that are able to meet custom business requirements and formal compliance demands.

Richard Edwards, principal analyst, Ovum, said: “The new tiered support structure announced today enables organizations to choose the level of support that best meets the needs of their business. These include a Standard Subscription, an Enterprise Subscription, or a custom premium subscription.”

The ownCloud Standard Subscription is available for ownCloud 8 Server users and includes customer support from ownCloud five days a week via email during business hours. With ownCloud 8 Enterprise Subscription, users can choose between varying levels of support. The Enterprise Subscription comes with 12×5 email and phone support. Enterprise Subscription customers who require even more support can purchase custom services to meet their advanced needs. These could include extended support up to 7×24, accelerated integration, specialized training or other consulting, on top of their Enterprise Subscription.

Enterprise file sync and share is not a one-size-fits-all proposition. Every organization has its own unique set of needs that determine the level of functionality and support they need. The launch of ownCloud 8 with escalating tiers of support will enable ownCloud customers to find the path to enterprise file sync and share that works best for them.