What Nextcloud stands for
Nextcloud is an open-source platform for file storage, synchronisation, sharing, calendar, contacts and collaboration on documents. You can run it yourself or have a provider host it. Its appeal is control: data stays with you, and you decide location, encryption and access.
Planning
- Operating model: own server, managed hosting or a data centre in Germany.
- Sizing: number of users, data volume, growth and peak load.
- Sign-in: connection to Active Directory or SSO and MFA.
- Document editing: integration of Collabora Online or ONLYOFFICE.
- Data protection and rights: folder structure, sharing rules, retention.
- Backup and restore for files and database.
Data migration
Existing files are moved in a structured way, ideally after clean-up. A pilot with one department shows early which questions users have. Sync clients and mobile apps should be set up and documented centrally.
Operation
- Regular updates, especially on security notices.
- Monitoring of storage, database and background jobs.
- Restore testing.
- Clear responsibility for user and sharing administration.
Nextcloud or Microsoft 365?
Both solve similar tasks with different emphasis. A comparison can be found in the article "Nextcloud or Microsoft 365: which fits your company?". Mixed models are possible too.