Major ownCloud update today!

ownCloud has released a major update today to version 7.0.0. One new feature is the ability for someone who has their own ownCloud server running to share files with you via your ownCloud server. This server-to-server sharing is called federation. The ownCloud authors state in their release notice that file sharing via server federation is only the beginning. Down the road it will hopefully also provide server-to-server sharing of user accounts, chats, calendars and possibly more.

They are also stating that there have been improvements in real-time document editing. One major feature that came with ownCloud version 6 was collaborative editing: the ability to have multiple people editing the same file at the same time.

Note that if you don’t want to install ownCloud on your own box you can still use it via a third party and remember that some hosting providers such as Dreamhost now also offer ownCloud one-click installs. Usually a basic plan is about $80 per year and is totally worth it in terms of the freedom and liberty it enables.

Here is a link to the User Data Manifesto written by ownCloud’s creator. I highly recommend reading it. Every point in it is important. Notice too that this manifesto extends beyond simply data into what I call information logos or personal information logos: the creation, administration, transmission, and storage of data.

Clearly it encompasses things including social networking, e-mail, chat and other communications, and many other things. In short, the points of the User Data Manifesto apply to and encompass just about every type of activity that one may conduct with electronic information appliances.