ownCloud team has announced the release of version 2 of ownCloud, the free and open source cloud computing. The latest version comes after a huge gap of one and a half year. But, this release is promising.

ownCloud allows you to create your ownCloud and enable you to access your data from anywhere in the world, as long as your have the Internet access. The advantage of using ownCloud is that no other company, whether it be Apple (iCloud) or Microsoft, will be the co-owner of your data. You won't have to worry about them giving your data to authorities or looking inside.

There are many ways you can run ownCloud from your home computer without buying a server or domain (we will be writing a detailed article about it). So, ownCloud bridges the needed gap that was created by cloud -- distance between you and your data.

Access Your Files Remotely
The files that you put on your ownCloud can be accessed from any device with either via a web browser or via desktop with file managers like Dolphin, Nautilus, Finder and Explorer.

If you are a mobile user then you can access your data from mobile devices using apps such as WebDAV.

Sharing is not evil
You can share files with other users in your ownCloud instance or through a public link that you can send to anyone.

Dancing to the tunes of ownCloud
You can use the integrated music player to listen to your music directly from your browser. ownCloud also has an Ampache server to stream your music to desktop players like Tomahawk or Amarok.

Calendars & Contacts
Manage calendars and contacts directly on the web. You can also connect your devices with applications such as Thunderbird, Kontact, and Evolution through open protocols CardDAV and CalDAV.

ownCloud is to cloud computing what Ubuntu is to desktop computing. If you want to know more about creating your own cloud, join us on our Facebook, Diaspora, Twitter and Google + pages and we will keep your informed.

One more thing, we will be publishing the detailed review of ownCloud and a manual so keep an eye on this page.