Motivation

Citizens and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) rely on digital infrastructure, such as servers for data storage, chatting and wikis. However, none of the existing options for acquiring such infrastructure meets all the following needs:

  • privacy
  • convenience
  • long-term security
  • option for customization

Let’s look at some typical approaches, why they fall short, and what a better solution looks like.

Option 1: External Cloud Services

Although outsourcing to an external cloud offers the convenience of taking over server management and adopting a pay-as-you-go model, there are serious trade-offs.

  • Unpredictable terms and conditions: sudden price increases, feature removals, even bankruptcy
  • Vendor lock-in: migrating data from one vendor to another can be slow, costly and technically challenging
  • Opaque infrastructure: data resides in unknown locations and may be subject to unauthorized inspection
  • Limited freedom: cloud services are closed off to users, which limits customization and integration

Takeaway: To maintain control of our data, we need self-hosted infrastructure.

Option 2: Do-It-Yourself Hosting

Although setting up and running your own digital infrastructure gives you full control, it requires in-depth system administration expertise and knowledge of each installed piece of software and its specifics. It also requires constant updating and backups, which are typically out of reach for most individuals and SMEs.

Takeaway: Automation must replace manual maintenance.

Option 3: Proprietary Self-Hosting Suites

Some platforms market themselves as “self-hosted” solutions, yet remain proprietary. While they may offer a free tier, it often comes with strict limitations or excludes essential features. Over time, important capabilities are moved behind paywalls, and users become dependent on software they cannot inspect or modify.

  • Closed source: users must trust the vendor without being able to verify how the system works
  • Restrictive free tiers: essential functionality limited or removed
  • Feature gating: critical capabilities locked behind paid plans
  • Strategic dependency: long-term reliance on a single company’s roadmap and business decisions

Takeaway: True digital sovereignty requires open-source software that remains fully usable at its core.

Solution: Enter Ocelot-Cloud

To address these issues, we offer a platform built on clear and fair principles:

  • Community-first approach: a usable open-source base product that contains all essential functionality.
  • Optional upgrades: advanced capabilities are available without preventing continued use of the base system.
  • Convenience: installing apps in Ocelot-Cloud is as easy as installing apps on a smartphone
  • Automated upkeep: updates and backups handled for you.
  • Self-hosting freedom: deploy on hardware you control.
  • Open App Store: anyone can contribute and install community apps for a diverse ecosystem.