Introduction
Univention Corporate Server (UCS) provides a robust platform for directory services, identity management and application integration in enterprise environments. Integrating cloud storage with a command-line interface (CLI) on UCS allows administrators and DevOps engineers to automate backups, synchronize files and script workflows without a graphical desktop. This article reviews the best cloud storage services that offer mature CLI tools, provides a detailed comparison, guides you through installation and usage on UCS, highlights typical pitfalls and recommends the optimal choice for your needs.
Top Recommended Cloud Storage Solutions
- pCloud – Unlimited bandwidth, client-side encryption (pCloud Crypto) and a native Linux CLI (
pcloudcc). - MEGA – End-to-end encryption, generous free tier, official
mega-cmdtool. - Proton Drive – Zero-knowledge encryption, privacy-focused, community CLI clients.
- Filen – Privacy-first, Swiss-based, includes a Python-based CLI (
filen-cli). - Tresorit – Enterprise-grade security, zero-knowledge, official CLI available via NPM.
- Icedrive – Client-side encryption, WebDAV and a dedicated CLI.
- Dropbox – Widely used, stable Python CLI (
dropbox.py). - Google Drive – Google ecosystem integration, third-party CLI tools like
gdrive.
Comparison Table
| Service | CLI Tool | Free Storage | Pricing (Starting) | Zero-Knowledge Encryption | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| pCloud | pcloudcc | 10 GB (up to 20 GB with bonuses) | €4.99/month (500 GB) | Via pCloud Crypto (add-on) | pCloud CLI |
| MEGA | mega-cmd | 20 GB (up to 50 GB with achievements) | €4.99/month (400 GB) | Built-in | mega-cmd |
| Proton Drive | proton-drive-cli | 1 GB | €4.99/month (200 GB) | Built-in | CLI GitHub |
| Filen | filen-cli | 10 GB | €3.50/month (200 GB) | Built-in | filen-cli |
| Tresorit | tresorit-cli | 3 GB | €12.50/month (200 GB) | Built-in | npm package |
| Icedrive | icedrive-cli | 10 GB | €1.67/month (150 GB) | Built-in | GitHub |
| Dropbox | dropbox.py | 2 GB | €9.99/month (2 TB) | No | Install Guide |
| Google Drive | gdrive (third-party) | 15 GB | €1.99/month (100 GB) | No | gdrive GitHub |
Which One to Choose?
- Security-First: Proton Drive, Tresorit or Filen offer end-to-end encryption by default.
- Best Free Tier: MEGA provides up to 50 GB free with achievements pCloud and Icedrive offer 10 GB to start.
- Budget-Friendly: Icedrive and Filen have lower entry prices for 150–200 GB plans.
- Enterprise Integration: Tresorit and Dropbox tie into business tools and SSO solutions.
- Automated Backups Scripting: All listed CLIs support scripting, but pCloud, MEGA and Dropbox CLIs are the most mature and well-documented.
Installation Usage on Univention Corporate Server
1. pCloud CLI
Install the FUSE-based pCloud client and daemon:
ucr set repository/online/extra=http://download.opensuse.org/repositories/home:/pcloud/UCS_4.4/ univention-install pcloudcc pcloudcc-fuse
Login and mount:
pcloudcc -u user@example.com -p MyPassword --daemon=yes pcloudcc -m /mnt/pcloud
Typical issues: FUSE not available (modprobe fuse), incorrect permissions on mount point.
2. MEGA-CMD
univention-install mega-cmd mega-login user@example.com MyPassword mega-mkdir /Backups mega-put /etc/backup.tar.gz /Backups
Typical issues: Two-factor authentication requires an app password ensure mega-cmd daemon is running.
3. Proton Drive CLI
apt install nodejs npm npm install -g proton-drive-cli proton-drive login proton-drive upload /root/secret.sql --path /Backups
Typical issues: Community tool may break on API changes check GitHub for updates.
4. Filen CLI
univention-install python3-pip pip3 install filen-cli filen-cli login filen-cli upload /var/log/syslog /
Typical issues: Python environment conflicts use a virtualenv if needed.
5. Tresorit CLI
apt install nodejs npm npm install -g tresorit tresorit login tresorit upload /opt/data/archive.zip /MyTresors
Typical issues: Ensure Node version ≥ 12 log output suppressed by default—use --verbose.
6. Icedrive CLI
npm install -g icedrive-cli icedrive login icedrive mount /mnt/icedrive
Typical issues: Requires FUSE Ubuntu 18.04 kernels may lack updates—recompile FUSE if mounting fails.
7. Dropbox CLI
apt install python3-pip pip3 install dropbox wget -O ~/dropbox.py https://www.dropbox.com/download?dl=packages/dropbox.py chmod x ~/dropbox.py ~/dropbox.py start -i ~/dropbox.py status
Typical issues: GUI token flow required—run ~/dropbox.py start -i on a desktop or copy/paste auth URL into a browser.
8. Google Drive CLI (gdrive)
wget -O /usr/local/bin/gdrive https://github.com/prasmussen/gdrive/releases/download/2.1.1/gdrive-linux-x64 chmod x /usr/local/bin/gdrive gdrive about gdrive upload /home/user/report.pdf --parent root
Typical issues: OAuth consent screen requires manual browser auth for initial setup no official support for refresh tokens.
Conclusion
For UCS environments requiring robust CLI-driven workflows, pCloud, MEGA and Dropbox stand out for maturity and documentation. Security-focused teams will appreciate Proton Drive, Tresorit or Filen, while budget-conscious users may opt for Icedrive. Evaluate your storage size, budget, encryption requirements and integration needs to choose the optimal solution. With the provided installation commands, login steps and troubleshooting tips, you can streamline cloud backups and automation directly from the UCS command line.
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