Beta of ownCloud 7 Community Edition

ownCloud Inc., in open source file sync and share software, released the beta of ownCloud 7 Community Edition, bringing more granular control over data, while simplifying deployment, management and configuration for people and organizations concerned with data privacy and security.

ownCloud 7 Community Edition server-to-server sharing enables users on one ownCloud instance to share files with a user on a different ownCloud installation without using share links – enhancing sharing and collaboration while maintaining security and privacy.

It also gives end users a ‘Dropbox-like’ experience – complementing the security and privacy on the back end – with an entirely new web interface, mobile web browser support, file notifications in email or activity stream, and significant performance improvements.

“ownCloud 7 Community Edition enables greater collaboration even across ownCloud instances, as well as greater admin control, updated user management and improved external storage control,” said Frank Karlitschek, founder and leader of the ownCloud project. “And at the same time, added or improved installation and configuration wizards, completely overhauled sharing, and a new user interface simplifies the ownCloud experience.“

ownCloud Community gives enthusiasts and technical users a free and secure way to sync and share data from the storage of their choice. With more than 1.6 million users worldwide, ownCloud offers the ease-of-use, flexibility, sophistication, privacy and security unmatched by consumer-grade apps. It installs easily on a web server, enabling anyone to host their own file sync and share, using their own storage (or cloud storage they choose), instead of relying on third parties outside of their control.

ownCloud 7 Community Edition features include:

End User Enhancements

Server to Server Sharing – This provides the ability for a user on one ownCloud instance to share files with a user of another ownCloud installation, without using share links.

New Files View – The files view in the web interface has changed to include file filters including:

• Lazy Loading Files – Files are now loaded using ‘lazy loading,’ which loads the files as you scroll down the page, making it more responsive and faster.
• File Sorting – Files can now be sorted in the web interface by name, size and last modified – making it easier to manage and find the right file quickly.
• Storage Location Report – A new view enables users to list the files stored in an external storage location, such as FTP, S3, Swift, Dropbox, Google Drive and more.

File Notifications – It is now possible to be notified of tracked activities (including shared, created, changed or deleted files or folders) in the activity stream or in an email.

ownCloud Documents with Word Conversion – The latest ownCloud documents release includes the ability to convert Word documents on the fly for online editing. Convert a Word document online automatically, edit it live with other users in the browser, and close it again – it will convert back to Word, saved back to your desktop, with the changes embedded.

Sharing (end users) – Sharing has also been improved for end users:

• No more Shared Folder – Users are no longer required to have a ‘Shared’ folder in their files list. If a user wishes to have a shared folder, they can create one and move all of the shared folders and files into the shared directory. If users are upgrading, they can continue to use the Shared folder they already have.
• Sharing by Group – It is now possible to turn sharing off by group. If, for example, there includes a group of friends and family, users can turn off sharing for the ‘friends’ group, or the ‘family’ group, or any group on the system.
• Shared File Report – In the files view on the web browser users can now click ‘files shared with me, files I shared, files shared with link,’ providing a filter for the files view that lists only those files and folders that meet that criteria.
• Shared File Owner – A file owner’s name is now displayed on the file browser when a file is shared, so users can see who has shared a file or folder.

Object Stores as Primary Storage – ownCloud can now leverage SWIFT object stores as primary storage for ownCloud files. Users can choose the best option for their specific need: local storage, network filesystem mounts, or SWIFT object stores.

Mobile Web Browser Support – ownCloud can now be used on most tablet and mobile browsers, thus not requiring the use of a native mobile app. This provides support for devices that don’t have a native app – like Microsoft and Blackberry – as well as providing extra options for accessing files stored in ownCloud.

Control

New User Management – Admins can now view all ownCloud users in a single scrolling window, filter user lists by group, and search by user display name using the new text filter. User attributes have also been added: included the storage location for each user (where files are stored) and the last time they logged in. New groups can be added with a click of a button.

External Storage – Major improvements to the external storage app – the ability to add FTP, Dropbox, Google Drive, sFTP, Swift, S3, WebDAV, SMB/CIFS and more storage locations to the ownCloud instance. Improvements include the ability for an admin to specify which storage type can be added by end users in their personal tab, providing more granular control over external storage mounts. Further performance improvements make externally mounted storage faster and more responsive.

Sharing (Admins) – Sharing has been enhanced and streamlined, making it more flexible, faster and accessible. Improvements include:

• Force Password – Admins can now force users to set a password when they create shared links. This ensures that files shared outside of ownCloud via a link are properly secured by users.
• Share Link Default and Max Expiration – When sharing a file with a link, admins can now require users to set a password, and also set a specific expiration duration for the link, or a guideline – all depending on policy.

Editable email Templates – ownCloud admins can now edit the email templates that ownCloud sends for lost password recovery (if using the ownCloud user management), as well as the template for sending shared files and share links, giving admins complete control over the email communication templates used within ownCloud.

Antivirus Action Updates – The Antivirus app has been enhanced to allow – with some minor customization – the use of external virus scanners (rather than the default ClamAV) in scanning files as they arrive on the server.

Simplicity

SMTP Config Wizard – It is now simpler to connect ownCloud to an email server with a simple GUI config wizard, enabling ownCloud to send automated messages to users. ownCloud can connect via PHP or using standard SMTP.

AD/LDAP Enhancements – Several improvements have been made to the LDAP and Active Directory plug-in application, improving both the performance of the application as well as the compatibility with OpenLDAP, AD and more.

“ownCloud is the work of hundreds of dedicated, open and friendly developers worldwide,” said Karlitschek. “Thanks to everybody who contributed and we welcome everybody interested in joining the community and help make ownCloud even better in the future.“

ownCloud 7 Community Edition is available as a beta and is ready for testing by experienced ownCloud Community Edition users. GA is expected within 4 to 6 weeks.