Migrate from Big Tech to Nextcloud with Google Takeout

Many of us avoid platforms and technologies provided by big tech corporations, but we are aware that millions of netizens don’t. Big tech infrastructure is everywhere unfortunatelly, thanks (not) to their freemium business models and a dozens of other techniques that lock small and medium teams to their platforms… Whether it’s our documents, photos, or contacts, a significant portion of our personal and professional data resides within the walled gardens of corporations like Google. However, the idea of being locked into these ecosystems forever doesn’t sit well with everyone. Fortunately, amidst growing public and regulatory pressure, tech giants have been compelled to offer solutions for users to liberate their data. One such tool is Google Takeout.

Moving away from Big Tech

Google Takeout is a service provided by Google that allows users to download their data from various Google products in one convenient archive. From Gmail to Google Drive, Contacts to Calendar, Google Takeout supports over 50 types of data, giving users the ability to extract a comprehensive snapshot of their digital footprint. Using Google Takeout to get your data ready for migration to an open source platform is straightforward:

Select Your Data: Navigate to takeout.google.com and choose the specific items you want to include in your archive. Whether it’s your Docs, Sheets, Slides, or Photos, Google Takeout (fortunatelly) gives you granular control over your selection.
Customize Archive Settings: Specify the file type, frequency of exports, and destination for your archive. You can even choose the maximum size for each archive file to suit your preferences.
Create Export: Once you’ve configured your settings, simply hit the “Create export” button and wait for Google to compile your data into a downloadable archive.
Download Your Archive: Once the archive is ready, Google will email you a link to download it. From there, you can save your data locally or transfer it to another service.

There are many reasons for wanting to migrate your data away from Google’s ecosystem. Some users may prioritize data privacy and seek alternatives that offer greater control over their information. Others may simply desire to diversify their digital presence or reduce dependency on a single provider. Others are pissed of from the giant corporation wanting to establish a Google campus in Kreuzberg, Berlin. Whatever your motivation, having the ability to move your data freely empowers you to make choices that align with your values and preferences.

Migrating from Google Takeout to Nextcloud

When it comes to migrating your data to a secure and flexible platform, Nextcloud is in our opinion the best choise at the moment. As an open-source, self-hosted solution, Nextcloud puts you in the driver’s seat, offering control over your data. But why choose Nextcloud?

Data Sovereignty: With Nextcloud, you retain full ownership and control of your data. Whether you choose to self-host or opt for managed solutions (hi there), your files remain securely within your domain.
Versatility: Nextcloud isn’t just a file storage solution; it’s a comprehensive collaboration platform. From file sharing to calendar syncing, Nextcloud empowers individuals and organizations with a suite of productivity tools.
Privacy and Security: Built with a strong emphasis on privacy and security, you know where your data are hosted with Nextcloud. Yo ucan even encrypt your data if you know how to do it or ask your managed hosting provider (hi again).

Transitioning from Google’s services to Nextcloud opens up a world of privacy and control over your personal data. Say goodbye to Google Files and hello to Nextcloud Files, where you can securely store and sync your files with your colleagues. Manage your photos with ease using Nextcloud Photos, a reliable alternative to Google Photos that puts you in charge of your memories. Keep track of your schedule with Nextcloud Calendar, replacing Google Calendar while ensuring your events stay private. And don’t forget about your contacts - Nextcloud Contacts offers a secure solution to replace Google Contacts, giving you full control over your address book. With tools like Google Takeout, migrating your data to Nextcloud apps is a breeze, allowing you to take back control of your digital life. There are two ways of running a Nextcloud instance:

Self-Hosted: Take full control by self-hosting Nextcloud on your preferred infrastructure. We’ll provide you with the resources and guidance to set up and manage your Nextcloud instance independently.
Managed Hosting: Prefer a hands-off approach? You can choose from a list of similar providers including our service. In the later case, let us handle the technicalities while you focus on what matters most. Our managed solutions ensure a worry-free migration experience, complete with ongoing support and maintenance.

Hassle-free Nextcloud Managed Hosting

Ready to ‘Rise Against Big Tech’? Whether you’re a tech-savvy enthusiast, a small/medium team that is need need of online collaboration tools, or a busy professional seeking hassle-free deployment, our Nextcloud Managed Hosting packages have you covered. From server setup to SSL certificate installation, server space allocation to regular backups, our comprehensive packages offer everything you need to transition smoothly to Nextcloud. At the moment there are several packages we offer, but we are working on providing even more options.