File Storage Solutions
Privacy-first alternatives to Google Drive and Dropbox
The challenge: Moving from Google Drive/Dropbox toward solutions that provide data sovereignty and secure sharing while accommodating varying technical expertise.
Storage Strategy Spectrum
Self-Hosted Nextcloud — Maximum Sovereignty 🥇
Why it's powerful: Complete data control + comprehensive features + cooperative ownership
| Strength | Details |
|---|---|
| Complete data sovereignty | Your data, your servers, your rules |
| Comprehensive suite | Files, calendar, contacts, office suite |
| App ecosystem | 300+ apps for specialized needs |
| GDPR compliant | EU-based, privacy-first architecture |
| Proven at scale | University of Grenoble Alpes, multiple institutions |
Technical Requirements:
- Server: 4-8GB RAM, 100GB-1TB storage
- Maintenance: 2-4 hours monthly
- Setup: Docker all-in-one simplifies deployment
- Realistic costs: $75-150/month including administration
Best For: Communities with technical capacity prioritizing maximum control
Cooperative Hosting — Ethical Middle Ground 🥈
Why it works: Professional management + cooperative values + reduced burden
Recommended Providers:
- CommonsCloud — Cooperative-owned Nextcloud
- Zaclys (France) — €0.50-2/user monthly
- Cloud68 (Germany) — €1-5/user monthly
- Librebit (Netherlands) — €2-15/user monthly
| Advantage | Details |
|---|---|
| Professional administration | Without internal technical burden |
| Cooperative ownership | Aligns with community values |
| GDPR compliance | European hosting |
| Scaled pricing | Makes small communities viable |
Best For: Communities wanting privacy without self-hosting complexity
Privacy-Focused Cloud Services 🥉
Why consider: Convenience + strong privacy + professional features
Proton Drive
- Integration with Proton ecosystem (email, VPN, calendar)
- End-to-end encrypted, zero-knowledge
- Limited collaboration features
- Cost: €4-24/month individual
Tresorit
- Extensive third-party security audits
- Real-time document editing and sharing
- Enterprise features available
- Cost: €11.99/month for 1TB (premium pricing)
Decision Matrix
| Approach | Data Control | Technical Complexity | Cost | Privacy | Collaboration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Self-Hosted | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Cooperative | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Privacy Cloud | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Implementation Pathways
Pathway 1: Start Self-Hosted (High Technical Capacity)
Timeline: 6-12 months
- Infrastructure Setup (Months 1-2) — Choose hosting, deploy Nextcloud
- Feature Configuration (Months 3-4) — Install ONLYOFFICE, configure permissions
- Migration & Training (Months 5-6) — Migrate files, train users
Pathway 2: Start Cooperative, Transition Later (Balanced)
Timeline: 3-6 months to operational
- Immediate Deployment (Month 1) — Sign up with cooperative provider
- Community Onboarding (Months 2-3) — Train users, establish conventions
- Technical Capacity Building (Months 6-12) — Train internal team
- Optional Transition (Months 12-18) — Migrate to self-hosting if desired
Pathway 3: Privacy Cloud (Low Technical Burden)
Timeline: 1-3 months
- Service Selection (Month 1) — Evaluate and negotiate pricing
- Migration Planning (Month 2) — Map file structures
- Deployment (Month 3) — Migrate and train
Backup & Disaster Recovery
The 3-2-1 Rule (Critical)
- 3 copies of important data
- 2 different media types (local + cloud)
- 1 offsite backup (geographic separation)
Self-Hosted Backup Strategy
- Daily automated backups to separate storage
- Weekly offsite backups to different location
- Monthly backup testing with restoration procedures
- Quarterly disaster recovery drills
Security Considerations
Access Control
- Multi-factor authentication required
- Role-based permissions by function
- Regular access audits
- Guest access controls for external collaboration
Encryption Standards
- Encryption at rest for all files
- Encryption in transit for all transfers
- End-to-end encryption for sensitive documents
- Key management with secure backup
Related
- Privacy by Design — Parent Grove
- Document Collaboration Tools — Collaborative editing
- Communication Platforms — Messaging alternatives
- Digital Sovereignty — Concept note
Key Takeaway: Cooperative hosting provides the optimal starting point, offering immediate privacy improvements while building capacity for potential future self-hosting based on community priorities and technical development.