owncloud

OwnCloud is a desktop client that allows synchronizing local directories with those stored in an ownCloud server.

The application is very easy to use: first, you need to enter the intended server address and then authenticate yourself from a web browser. Luckily, it is even possible to open various accounts. From then on, thanks to its perfect integration with Finder, your remote files can be opened with local apps. Likewise, it lets you share them via the contextual menu.

Although the app will probably work just as it comes from “out of the box”, you can also open Preferences to adjust a few things. For instance, you can set it to start automatically with your system and run hidden in the Menu Bar thereafter. Likewise, you can set the tool to require your confirmation for specific synchronization tasks, particularly those that involve heavy files. In this regard, the app allows limiting the download and upload bandwidths. These two options guarantee that the tool does not interfere with other Internet-based tasks. Finally, it is possible to configure a proxy server if it is required.

Most of the benefits you get from using the desktop app are derived from those of the ownCloud platform itself. One of the best advantages of this platform is that it allows using your own servers, which means that your confidential data can be kept within your organization. In this regard, it is scalable to meet your specific needs. Fortunately, it lets you create your own system of folders and subfolders to organize your things.

Regrettably, ownCloud has some drawbacks as well. For instance, it tends to get slower as you add more files and directories. Likewise, its search function is not as friendly as those of other similar tools.

All in all, ownCloud lets you work with remote files just as if they were stored locally, as the app is very unobtrusive and integrates perfectly with the system’s built-in file manager. Besides, since it is opensource, there is no risk of backdoors leaking information. The client is absolutely free to use, and so is the Server Edition. However, you may need to pay a fee if you decide to use the developer’s cloud services instead.