ownCloud Unveils Flexible Hybrid Cloud EFSS

ownCloud, Inc. unveiled its hybrid cloud enterprise file sync and share (EFSS) model allowing customers to choose their cloud storage service, and still deliver on-premise security and control.

While existing hybrid models leave the control plane in the public cloud, making files more susceptible to hackers and government agencies, ownCloud’s new hybrid model is the first to allow IT administrators to use the storage of their choice, and still manage the control plane, including encryption keys, on-premise. As a result, users experience the collaboration benefits of cloud-based file sharing with the security, control and integration of an onsite solution. The option for this deployment model is a part of ownCloud 8.2, the latest version of the company’s EFSS solution.

According to recent research from Enterprise Research Group (ESG), in 2014 just 5% of organizations used a file sharing solution with the control plane on-premise. Subsequent research from ESG this year confirmed that 49% of organizations are now planning to implement this type of file sharing solution.

“The hybrid cloud model has been around for years, and to date it’s been a mostly unmitigated failure,” said Markus Rex, founder and CEO, ownCloud. “Managing the control plane on the cloud is simply too risky for organizations that want to maintain ownership and control of their data. Worse, it massively reduces their ability to leverage existing infrastructure and tools, and forces them into a single vendor’s storage service. With the new ownCloud solution, we’ve flipped the hybrid cloud model on its head. Administrators managing the control plane on-premise can decide what data ,s to what services in the cloud and, what stays within the enterprise, all while minimizing the risks of outsiders accessing ther sensitive data.“

“The consumerization of enterprise technology has created a crossroads where users have become accustomed to – and in many cases demand – technology that’s easy to use and fosters seamless collaboration,” said Michael Osterman, president, Osterman Research, Inc. “IT administrators tasked with delivering this must balance the need for data ownership and control – particularly n heavily regulated industries. A hybrd cloud approach to EFSS that places the control panel on-premise can go a long way toward appeasing both parties – a rarity in today’s enterprise technology landscape.“

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In addition to enabling hybrid model, ownCloud 8.2 includes several feature
and functionality upgrades designed to enhance security, flexibility and usability, including:

• Encryption: Building on the recent release of ownCloud Encryption 2.0, the release advances flexible EFSS encryption on the market, featuring configurations for encryption algorithms, initiating, migrating and retiring encryption algorithms, choices for key storage locations and more. This enables tremendous flexibility in storage and local integration, including a hybrid cloud model from their ownCloud control plane.

• SSO and LDAP: For the first time, users can sign on using SAML-based SSO and LDAP simultaneously, enabling administrators to ensure updated group membership information while still effectively authenticating users. The release includes enhanced SSO user cleanup capabilities, ensuring users removed from the database will be reflected in all groups, and offers support for encryption in conjunction with SSO.

• Trash and version file deletion: The ability to customize trash and retention policies, enabling admins to tightly control storage usage. This is useful for many customers, particularly those facing strict regulations and retention requirements.

• Share link password policy: Administrators can now set tiered policies regarding public share links, setting password complexity requirements and automated expiration as required to meet business and risk requirements.

“ownCloud is intent on providing our customers with flexibility at every level,” continued Rex. “From the deployment model to security protocols and encryption options, it’s important to us that each customer has the option to choose the path that work best for them. We understand that EFSS is not a one-size-fits-all proposition, and we are committed to empowering customers to share data and collaborate on their own terms.“

ownCloud 8.2 Server is available, and ownCloud 8.2 Enterprise and Standard subscriptions will be available in 30 days.