What is ownCloud?

ownCloud is an open-source file sync, share and content collaboration software designed to enable teams to work on data from anywhere, on any device. It provides a secure and flexible solution for real-time collaboration and file sharing, allowing users to find, edit, and share documents seamlessly across mobile devices. ownCloud also ensures that data can be shared with external contacts safely, protecting files from unauthorized access.

As a service, ownCloud offers a variety of features such as a Virtual File System for saving storage and bandwidth, an activity stream to monitor file interactions, and plugins for integration with other platforms like Outlook. It supports real-time collaboration through its desktop and mobile apps, and can be deployed as an on-premise, hybrid, or managed solution on secure servers in Germany, ensuring GDPR compliance.

In terms of data management, ownCloud excels with its customizable File Lifecycle Management App. This tool allows for automated, rules-based archiving and deletion of files, assisting in meeting compliance requirements and managing the data lifecycle efficiently. The app ensures that file archiving and deletion are performed with proper authorization, and records audit events for these actions.

ownCloud Plugins for Excel

ownCloud Excel Plugin

The ownCloud Excel plugin is tailored specifically for enterprise users, as it is an exclusive feature of the ownCloud Enterprise edition. It facilitates browser-based viewing and editing of Excel documents, making it convenient for users to work with Excel files directly within their web browser. A dedicated server or virtual machine instance is required to implement this plugin, and it also necessitates a valid Microsoft Office Online Server (OOS) license. Unlike the Microsoft-hosted Office 365 server, the ownCloud Excel plugin operates through a different mechanism and integrates with the Web Application Open Platform Interface (WOPI) to provide its functionalities. Moreover, the plugin includes a file locking feature to ensure that editing conflicts are prevented, maintaining the integrity of the documents.

ownCloud Excel Integration

ownCloud's integration with Microsoft Office Online Server (OOS) brings comprehensive Excel functionalities into the browser environment. This integration empowers users to view and edit Excel files, along with other Microsoft Office documents, seamlessly through their web browsers. The collaboration between ownCloud and OOS is made possible via the WOPI interface, which enables a smooth workflow and full editing capabilities within the browser interface. The integration also supports file locking, ensuring that concurrent editing does not lead to conflicts, thereby preserving the consistency of the documents being worked on.

ownCloud Excel Add-ons

ownCloud's add-ons extend its capabilities by allowing integration with Microsoft Office Online Server (OOS). This integration provides users with the facility to view and edit Excel documents in a browser setting. Although ownCloud itself does not include OOS, setting up an OOS instance on a dedicated server or virtual machine, along with a valid Microsoft OOS license, would enable this functionality. The connection with OOS is established through the WOPI protocol, which is also responsible for the file locking mechanism. This mechanism is crucial as it locks files during active editing sessions in the Office Online Web App, preventing any editing conflicts from occurring.

Common Use Cases

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  File Sharing and Management
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  Security and Authentication
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  Real-time Collaboration
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  Mobile Access and Editing
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  Data Backup and Recovery

Frequently Asked Questions

What is required to use the ownCloud Excel plugin?

To use the plugin, a separate Microsoft OOS license and server or VM instance are required.

Can I edit Excel documents in the browser with ownCloud?

Yes, the ownCloud Excel plugin enables browser-based editing for Excel documents in ownCloud Enterprise.

How does file locking work with the ownCloud Excel plugin?

File locking is a feature to prevent editing conflicts, and a lock icon indicates the locked state of a file in ownCloud Enterprise. Files are automatically unlocked after 30 minutes if the user loses connection.

Is collaborative editing possible with the ownCloud Excel plugin?

Yes, collaborative editing of files is possible with Office Online while a file is locked.

What are the alternatives to the ownCloud Excel plugin for editing office documents?

Alternatives include the 'onlyoffice' app and Collabora Online Development Edition (CODE), both of which allow editing of office documents directly in the browser but require additional setup and server installations.