# ownCloud User Manual

# Using Server-to-Server Sharing

ownCloud supports server-to-server sharing. By mounting a share from another ownCloud instance, this feature enables you to:

- Seamlessly collaborate and share files from within two ownCloud instances.
- Combine two private clouds into a single public cloud.
- Locally synchronize the folder through the client.
- Eliminate the need to create user accounts on multiple instances.

Note

Server-to-server sharing requires that both servers are running versions of ownCloud that support this feature.

For information about managing server-to-server sharing functions for internal and external users and groups see `Managing Server-to-Server Sharing Access`_.

## Sharing Files and Folders Across Servers

Server-to-server sharing is enabled on new or upgraded ownCloud installations by default. However, you need to share folders in a particular way for server-to-server sharing to function. When sharing files and folders across servers, two primary steps are required. These steps include:

1. The originator sharing a file or folder from their server using a link.
2. The receiver(s) of the shared file or folder adding the file or folder to their ownCloud instance.

### Sharing From a Server

To share a file or folder across servers as an originator:

1. Access the Files app on your server.

2. Select and share a file or folder by link.

   Sharing a link

3. (Optional) Specify an alphanumeric password that you want others to use in order to accessing this share.

4. (Optional) Specify an expiration date for the share.

   > If set, the ability to access the link expires on the date specified.

3. Send an email to the user or group to indicate the shared link.

### Adding a Shared File or Folder to Your ownCloud Instance

To add a file or folder to your ownCloud:

1. Access the shared link using a browser.

   The links opens the shared folder or file.

2. Click “Add to your owncloud” and specify the URL to your ownCloud instance.