HiDrive vs ownCloud: Popular Cloud Storage Solutions Compared

Cloud storage solutions have become essential tools in the digital age, offering a variety of options for secure data management. Among the many providers, HiDrive and ownCloud stand out. This article provides a detailed comparison of both services to help you make the right choice for your specific needs.

What sets HiDrive apart?

HiDrive is a cloud storage solution exclusively provided by IONOS and STRATO. The service allows users to securely store, organise, and share their data in the cloud. HiDrive is designed for both individuals and businesses, offering a wide range of features and plans to meet various needs.

Main Features of HiDrive

• User-Friendly Interface and Easy Operation: HiDrive is known for its user-friendly interface, which allows even less tech-savvy users to operate it easily. The intuitive user guidance makes uploading, managing, and sharing files a breeze.
• Extensive Storage Options: HiDrive offers a variety of storage options catering to the diverse needs of individuals and businesses. From small storage quotas to multiple terabytes of space, HiDrive has the right offer for every user.
• High Security and Data Protection: Security and data protection are top priorities at HiDrive. Data is stored in secure data centres in Germany, complying with strict German data protection laws (GDPR). Additionally, HiDrive provides comprehensive encryption options for stored data.
• Flexibility through Cross-Platform Access: HiDrive allows access to stored data from nearly all devices, including Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. This cross-platform availability makes it highly flexible and convenient for use in various environments.
• Extensive Synchronisation and Backup Features: With HiDrive, files and folders can be automatically synchronised and backed up. The backup features are particularly beneficial for businesses, ensuring regular and reliable backups of important data.
• Collaboration Tools for Teams: HiDrive offers features that support teamwork. Users can easily share and collaborate on files and folders, enhancing productivity and efficiency within workgroups.
• Good Integration with Other Services: HiDrive seamlessly integrates with other services and applications, such as Microsoft Office or various email clients. This integration facilitates data exchange and collaboration across different access methods like WebDAV or SMB.

(Screenshot from https://www.ionos.de/office-loesungen/hidrive-cloud-speicher)

Target Audience and Application

HiDrive is aimed at both individuals and businesses in need of a reliable and secure cloud storage solution. With its versatile features and flexible pricing plans, the service caters to different requirements, from simple data storage to complex team collaboration.

These features make HiDrive an attractive choice for users seeking a reliable, secure, and flexible cloud storage solution.

What sets ownCloud apart?

ownCloud is an open-source software for cloud storage that enables users to store and customise their data on their own Dedicated Server or web hosting. It provides comprehensive security and privacy features, as well as strong integration and collaboration capabilities for teams and organisations.

Main features of ownCloud

• High Flexibility and Adaptability: As an HiDrive Alternative, ownCloud is an open-source software that allows users to customise their cloud storage. This flexibility enables users to use their own servers and configure the software according to the specific needs of the organisation.
• Data Privacy and Security: ownCloud places a strong emphasis on data privacy and security. By allowing data to be stored on users' own servers, users retain full control over their information. The software also offers comprehensive encryption options and supports compliance with data protection laws such as GDPR.
• Extensive Integration Capabilities: ownCloud seamlessly integrates into existing IT infrastructures and provides interfaces to various applications and services such as Microsoft Office, Outlook, and many others. These integration capabilities facilitate data exchange and collaboration across different platforms.
• Robust Collaboration Features: With ownCloud, teams can collaborate efficiently as the software offers features such as collaborative document editing, calendar sharing, and task management. These tools enhance productivity and enable seamless real-time collaboration.
• Scalability: ownCloud is highly scalable and can be tailored to the needs of small teams up to large enterprises. The software can be installed on a variety of servers to expand storage space and performance according to requirements.
• Support from a Large Community: As an open-source project, ownCloud is supported by a large and active community. This community continuously contributes to the improvement and development of the software, providing extensive resources and support for users.
• Versatile Access Options: ownCloud allows access to data from various devices and operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. These versatile access options ensure that users can access their files anytime, anywhere.

(Screenshot from https://owncloud.com/de/produkt/)

Target Audience and Application

ownCloud is primarily aimed at organisations and businesses that require a flexible, customisable, and secure cloud storage solution. The software is ideal for teams that rely on comprehensive collaboration features and full control over their data.

These features make ownCloud an attractive choice for users seeking a customisable, secure, and scalable cloud storage solution.

HiDrive vs ownCloud Comparison

Infrastructure and Hosting

HiDrive: A fully hosted service by IONOS or STRATO, where data is stored in German data centres.

ownCloud: A self-hosted open-source software that can be installed and operated on your own server or web hosting, allowing full control over your data.

Adaptability

HiDrive: Offers pre-built features and packages that leave less room for individual customisations.

ownCloud: Highly customisable and flexible, as the source code can be modified and extended to meet specific needs.

Cost Structure

HiDrive: Packages based on storage space and features. Customers receive free support from the provider.

ownCloud: As open-source software, ownCloud itself is free, but additional costs for hosting apply. Additionally, paid support can be obtained from the developer.

Target Audience

HiDrive: Geared towards users seeking a straightforward and ready-to-use cloud storage solution, including individuals and small to medium-sized businesses.

ownCloud: Targets organisations and businesses with specific requirements who want to customise their cloud infrastructure.

Security and Data Privacy

HiDrive: Provides high security standards and data privacy, with data stored in data centres in Germany and subject to German data protection laws.

ownCloud: Offers comprehensive data privacy and security features, with the option to store data on your own servers and thus retain full control.

Integration Capabilities

HiDrive: Integrates well with common applications and services, but within a more limited scope.

ownCloud: Offers extensive integration capabilities and interfaces to a variety of applications and services, thanks to its open architecture and active developer community.

Collaboration Features

HiDrive: Provides basic collaboration features, such as file and folder sharing.

ownCloud: Strong collaboration features, including collaborative document editing, calendar sharing, and task management, specifically designed for team collaboration.

Conclusion

HiDrive and ownCloud each offer unique advantages tailored to different user needs.

HiDrive stands out for its user-friendliness, high security standards, and ease of use, making it an attractive choice for individuals and small to medium-sized businesses looking for a ready-to-use cloud storage solution.

On the other hand, ownCloud offers maximum flexibility and adaptability through its open-source architecture and self-hosted infrastructure. This makes ownCloud particularly appealing to organisations and businesses with specific requirements for data protection and security, as well as teams needing strong collaboration features and extensive integration options.

Our article is based on our own experiences and research, as well as information from external sources.

Sources & further links on the topic:
https://owncloud.com/ (official website of ownCloud)
https://www.ionos.de/office-loesungen/hidrive-cloud-speicher (HiDrive at IONOS)
https://www.strato.de/cloud-speicher/ (HiDrive at STRATO)

Image credit:
BrianPenny from pixabay.com