Frequently Asked Questions

Cloudillo is an open-source, decentralized application platform designed for collaboration with complete data ownership. It provides standardized interfaces for developers to create applications involving creation, sharing, and collaboration.

What sets Cloudillo apart is its DNS-based global identity system that separates your identity from your storage provider. This means you can migrate between providers or self-host your data without losing your network, connections, or identity—something impossible with traditional cloud platforms or most federated systems.

Cloudillo is currently in alpha stage—functional but experimental. The platform works and you can try it out, but expect rough edges. We don’t guarantee data safety or migration paths to newer versions at this stage.

The Rust-based backend is actively being developed to replace the original TypeScript version, offering better performance and reliability. Check our Status Page for detailed progress updates.

Yes, but with important caveats:

• You’ll need either your own domain name or use the cloudillo.net identity provider
• The platform is in alpha, so expect bugs and changes
• Technical knowledge is helpful for setup
• Docker images are available at Docker Hub

If you’re a technical early adopter eager to explore and provide feedback, you’re welcome to try it. Otherwise, we recommend waiting for the beta release.

Cloudillo is ideal for content creation, sharing, and collaboration applications, including:

• Document editors (like Quillo word processor)
• Spreadsheet applications (like Calcillo)
• Social network applications
• Knowledge management tools
• Community platforms
• Direct messaging and group chat

The platform is versatile and can support various applications, including games that benefit from globally accessible identity management.

Cloudillo uses an Identity System based on the Domain Name System (DNS), separating identity management from the storage provider. This enables easy migration between providers or self-hosting without losing your identity.

If you have a domain name: You can create unlimited identities for coworkers, friends, or family. For example, you might use john.example.com as your personal identity and john.company.com for business.

If you don’t have a domain name: You can create identities with an Identity Provider like cloudillo.net. This approach has similar convenience to traditional cloud platforms while maintaining better control.

Absolutely! Data portability is a core feature of Cloudillo. After migrating your data to another instance, you simply update your DNS record or Identity Provider settings. Your followers, connections, and network remain intact throughout the migration.

This is the key difference from traditional cloud platforms (where you lose everything if your account is closed) and federated platforms (where your identity is tied to a specific server).

Cloudillo runs as a Docker container, making it compatible with various Operating Systems, including modern NAS devices.

Minimum requirements:

• Docker-compatible system (Linux, macOS, Windows with Docker)
• Modern NAS devices are supported
• See detailed prerequisites in our documentation

For detailed installation instructions, visit our Installation Guide.

We understand this seems like an extra step. The DNS-based identity system is what enables true data portability and vendor lock-in prevention. However, we recognize the barrier this creates.

Good news: The cloudillo.net Identity Provider makes identity creation as simple as traditional platforms, while still maintaining the benefits of portability. No need to register your own domain anymore!

Of course, if you prefer using your own domain for the long-term benefits of data sovereignty, that option remains available.

Both are self-hosted collaboration platforms, but with key differences:

NextCloud: Isolated instances requiring separate logins for each server. Limited federation support.

Cloudillo: Global network with single identity across all instances. Click a shared document from anyone on the network and access it seamlessly, similar to cloud platforms.

Think of it as: NextCloud is like having separate accounts on different islands, while Cloudillo is like having one passport that works everywhere.

While both are decentralized, there’s a crucial difference:

Fediverse: Your identity is tied to your server (like email: user@server.com). If you migrate, you lose your identity and must rebuild your network.

Cloudillo: Your identity is separate from your storage provider. Migrate freely without losing connections, followers, or your established network.

Additionally, Cloudillo focuses on collaboration tools (documents, structured data, real-time editing) alongside social features, while Fediverse platforms primarily focus on social networking.

Security and privacy are core design principles:

• All data is stored under your control (self-hosted or chosen provider)
• Cryptographic signatures verify all actions
• DNS-based identity provides trust verification
• Open-source code available for audit
• No third-party tracking or data collection

As an alpha project, we haven’t conducted formal security audits yet. We recommend not storing sensitive data until the platform reaches beta status.

We welcome contributors at all skill levels:

For Developers:

• Contribute to the Rust backend
• Build applications on the platform
• Improve documentation
• Report bugs and test features

For Non-Developers:

• Join discussions on Discord
• Share feedback and use cases
• Help with documentation
• Support the project on Patreon
• Spread the word about Cloudillo

Regardless of your expertise, your contribution helps build a thriving ecosystem of applications and a healthier internet.

Cloudillo is currently developed by Symbion Products Ltd. and funded through:

• Community support via Patreon
• Development company resources
• Future plans for sustainable hosting services

The software itself will always remain free and open-source. Potential future revenue may come from optional identity provider services, managed hosting, and enterprise support—but the core platform remains freely available for self-hosting.

Current status:

• Alpha: Core features functional, suitable for technical early adopters
• cloudillo.net: Identity provider now available at cloudillo.net
• In progress: Rust backend development (see Status Page)
• 2026: Beta release with stability guarantees

Follow our Status Page and GitHub for the latest updates.