Nextcloud with a large number of users/devices

[Neiluj]

Hi,

I am trying to get a sense of real usability for the use of Nextcloud in relatively large environment.
Looking at 250-300 users and 500-600 devices.

Has anyone experience running such a Nextcloud instance on Cloudron and if so would not mind sharing what it feels like (server specs, administration, storage space etc..)? what's the Good Bad and ugly? Any challenges to look to for?

Thanks in advance,

[andreasdueren]

I have no experience with this kinds of user load. But in my experience, load is pretty manageable. How would these people use nc? Are we talking about simultaneously writing with each other in talk or just occasional file operations?

[Neiluj]

@andreasdueren Thanks for this.
Simultaneous writing/syncing -> Yes, most likely
Talk with each other -> not in the first instance, but would intend to later down the line, potentially with the HPB (thanks for this guide and hints already)

What storage space/method are you using?
Do you have a rule-of-thumb ratio CPU/RAM/Bandwith-per user range that you can follow/apply?

Many thanks again

[andreasdueren]

Im simply using a Hetzner Storage box for file storage. I can’t give you a proper guideline for load but this is a NC instance used by about 8 people. Peak load marked. At times up to 30 ish people are simultaneously using NC Talk. AMD Ryzen 5 3600, 6 core and 67GB ram. This instance should easily be able to run an instance with 300 people I’d guesstimate.

[luckow]

@Neiluj In our experience with the Cloudron platform, a single instance is not suitable for such a large user base for a particular app. Nextcloud itself is a beast. So many different use cases. So many so-called apps. With third party apps with specific purposes. And potential TB of data to backup.

If your use case has different branch offices with up to, say, 50 users, Nextcloud on Cloudron with Nextcloud federation and one Cloudron instance per branch office... that seems doable.

If you need a central Nextcloud instance with all functions that only scale upwards, choose a dedicated Nextcloud instance with support from Nextcloud partners.

Otherwise: One of our customers has a use case where Nextcloud on Cloudron with up to 400 users is not a problem. But this is a special use case with users who do not use Nextcloud with all its functions.

So my answer is: It depends.