Most businesses share files through a cloud platform. It is fast, it works from anywhere, and teams are used to it. But for many Belgian organisations, especially with the NIS2 one question is asked these days: where are those files actually stored, and who else can access them?
Nextcloud and ownCloud offer an answer. They give your team the same way of working they know from other cloud platforms, while your files stay in a Belgian datacenter, under Belgian and EU law. This article explains what both platforms do, how they differ, and what a managed setup with ITAF looks like.
What are Nextcloud and ownCloud?
Nextcloud and ownCloud are open-source platforms for file sharing and collaboration. They let your team store, sync and share files across computers, phones and the web, much like other well-known cloud storage services.
The key difference is where they run. Instead of using a provider’s global cloud, you host them on infrastructure you choose. With ITAF, that means a Belgian datacenter, managed by our team in Belgium.
Both platforms come from the same origin.
What can your team do with them?
Day to day, your team can:
- Sync and share files on desktop, mobile and web
- Edit Word, Excel and PowerPoint documents online, together
- Share calendars and contacts
- Hold video calls and use team chat (Nextcloud)
- Share files securely with customers and partners, with passwords and expiry dates
- Set detailed access rights per folder or user, with a full audit log
For most users, the change is small. They open a folder on their computer or an app on their phone, and their files are there.
Nextcloud or ownCloud: which one fits?
Both platforms handle file sync and sharing well. The choice depends on what else you need.
Nextcloud is a broader collaboration platform. Besides files, it includes calendars, contacts, video calls, chat and online document editing in one environment. It suits teams that want one place to work together.
ownCloud focuses on file sync and sharing. It suits organisations that mainly need a secure, reliable place for files, or that want to keep their setup simple.
ITAF helps you choose based on how your team works today, and can migrate your existing files to either platform.
Why host it in Belgium?
You know where your files are. Your data is stored in Belgian datacenters, including backups. When a customer, auditor or regulator asks where your files are, you have a clear answer.
Belgian and EU law applies. With a Belgian provider and Belgian infrastructure, your files are not subject to foreign laws that could require a provider to hand over data.
GDPR compliance is easier to show. Keeping personal data in Belgium removes most questions about data transfers outside the EU, and makes your setup easier to document.
Predictable costs. You pay a fixed monthly fee, without surprise charges for storage growth or data transfer.
This is especially relevant for notaries, accountants, legal firms, medical practices and other businesses that handle sensitive client data.
What does ITAF manage for you?
Running Nextcloud or ownCloud yourself takes time and know-how. With ITAF, you use the platform and we handle the rest:
- Installation and configuration
- Migration of your existing files
- User and access management
- Updates and security patches
- Daily backups, stored in Belgium
- Monitoring and support from our team in Belgium
You get one point of contact. If something does not work, you call us.
How does a move to Nextcloud or ownCloud work?
A typical project has four steps:
- Assessment – We look at how your team works, where your files are today and what you need.
- Setup – We set up the platform in a Belgian datacenter, with your users, folders and access rights.
- Migration – We move your files and check that everything is complete.
- Onboarding – We help your team get started, and stay available for support.
You don’t have to move everything at once. Many businesses start with one team or one type of data.
Frequently asked questions
Is Nextcloud as easy to use as other cloud storage platforms?
Yes. Users work with a familiar folder on their computer, a mobile app and a web interface. Most teams adapt within days.
Can we still work with Microsoft Office files?
Yes. Word, Excel and PowerPoint files can be opened, edited and shared as usual, including online editing in the browser.
Can we share files with people outside our company?
Yes. You can share files or folders through a secure link, with an optional password and expiry date.
Is our data backed up?
Yes. ITAF backs up your data daily, and backups stay in Belgian datacenters.
Can we combine Nextcloud with Microsoft 365?
Yes. Some businesses keep sensitive data in Nextcloud and use Microsoft 365 for other work. ITAF can support both.
Ready to bring your files home?
Book a free call. We’ll look at how your team shares files today and whether Nextcloud or ownCloud is the right fit.
