Berlin-based OpenCloud GmbH has released the first full version of its open-source file management and collaboration platform, positioning it as a GDPR-compliant alternative to proprietary services such as Microsoft SharePoint, Google Drive, and Dropbox.

The platform, known simply as OpenCloud, is designed to provide a high-performance, scalable, and transparent solution for file sharing and content collaboration. Developed using the Go programming language, it features a cloud-native architecture and is licensed under Apache 2.0 and AGPL-3.0, ensuring it remains open and accessible to organisations seeking a digital sovereign solution within Europe.

Key Features and Open-Source Integration

OpenCloud Version 1.0 comes with an array of advanced tools aimed at businesses and organisations requiring secure and efficient file management. These include:

• Scalable and secure file storage for managing large volumes of data.
• Collabora Online integration, providing a web-based office suite for real-time document editing.
• Collaboration tools for teams to work seamlessly on shared content.
• User and permissions management, offering precise control over data access.
• File synchronisation and sharing, enabling efficient and resource-conscious data exchange.

The project invites contributions from the open-source community, encouraging developers and IT professionals to test the software and provide feedback. More information about how users can participate is available on OpenCloud’s website.

Upcoming March Release to Introduce Enterprise Services

OpenCloud GmbH has also announced plans for its next major release in March 2025, which will introduce additional services targeted at businesses. This update will include enterprise support packages, aimed at companies seeking professional assistance with deployment, maintenance, and customisation.

The March release will mark the official commercial launch of OpenCloud’s professional services, elevating the platform’s product maturity to a level suitable for enterprise adoption.

OpenCloud enters a competitive market dominated by established US technology firms. However, its focus on GDPR compliance, digital sovereignty, and transparency may appeal to European governments, businesses, and institutions looking for an alternative that ensures full control over their data.

For more details or to explore the OpenCloud community, visit: www.opencloud.eu.

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The new AI-powered assistant promises to revolutionise the way schools and trusts analyse stakeholder feedback. With the use of sophisticated tools such as Google BigQuery and Vertex AI, Rittman Analytics has introduced a range of capabilities designed to simplify data processing and accelerate decision-making. This collaboration is expected to have a major impact on the education sector, helping institutions utilise their data more effectively.

The key features of the new system include AI-driven pre-analysis, which automatically processes survey data and delivers immediate insights once surveys are completed. This eliminates the need for manual analysis, allowing schools to take action more quickly. Another notable feature is the Text-to-SQL chatbot, which enables users to query their data in a conversational manner, converting natural language into SQL queries to deliver real-time insights without requiring technical expertise. The platform also integrates Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) to combine survey data with contextual knowledge from Welbee’s Wellbeing Toolkit, offering comprehensive, actionable recommendations for schools.

The goal of these new capabilities is to make data analysis easier, more accessible, and more effective for schools and trusts. By streamlining the data analysis process, the AI-powered assistant empowers schools to act on insights faster, gain a deeper understanding of their data, and explore trends through a user-friendly interface.

“Working with Rittman Analytics to develop the AI capabilities for our Edu Intelligence platform has been a transformative experience for both Welbee and our customers,” said Tim Handley, Chief Product and Technology Officer at Welbee. “The team’s expertise in AI and Google Cloud technologies has enabled us to unlock the true potential of our data, delivering faster, more actionable insights to our customers. The collaboration has been a success, and we are excited about the future of this platform.”

Mark Rittman, CEO at Rittman Analytics, also praised the partnership, noting, “Our goal was to combine the power of AI and analytics to tackle real challenges in education. With the launch of Intelligent Ed, we’ve developed a tool that not only simplifies data analysis but also provides schools with the actionable insights they need to make informed decisions.”

The collaboration between Welbee and Rittman Analytics is a significant step forward in the use of AI and data analytics in education. It demonstrates how cutting-edge technology can empower schools to make data-driven decisions, ultimately benefiting students and staff alike.

The new features of the Edu Intelligence platform are now available, and the partnership marks an exciting new chapter in the evolution of data analytics in the education sector.

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The toy brand, owned by Mattel, has long been associated with igniting what it calls the “challenger spirit” in children. Its latest initiative seeks to further this mission by empowering children through interactive play. Hot Wheels collaborated with Mindset Works, a global leader in growth mindset development, to create the platform. The partnership allowed Hot Wheels to gather insights into the importance of fostering resilience at an early age.

Research conducted by Hot Wheels and Mindset Works surveyed parents and children aged four to eight. It revealed that 77% of children believe they can learn anything with effort. However, 71% of parents admitted to stepping in to help their children when faced with small challenges, potentially hindering the development of a growth mindset.

Dr Lisa Blackwell, co-founder of Mindset Works, explained that children are naturally inclined to adopt a growth mindset in their early years. However, by the age of five, children begin to develop fixed beliefs about their abilities as they encounter new expectations at school. “All of these factors can contribute to children developing fixed mindsets and deter them from manifesting the challenger spirit,” said Dr Blackwell. She highlighted the role that adults and play can have in helping children overcome this challenge.

The research also indicated that children who play frequently with Hot Wheels toys are 32% more likely to take on new challenges and embrace trial-and-error learning, which is central to the growth mindset concept.

As part of the new initiative, Hot Wheels has created the Hot Wheels Challenger Spirit Fund. This programme is designed to provide resources and opportunities that help children build a growth mindset. The fund’s inaugural partner is Mission 44, a charity founded by seven-time Formula One World Champion Sir Lewis Hamilton. Mission 44 aims to create a fairer, more inclusive future for young people and works to empower them to overcome social injustice and succeed in areas such as education and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics).

Roberto Stanichi, Executive Vice President of Hot Wheels and Head of Vehicles at Mattel, said: “Hot Wheels has always been focused on igniting the challenger spirit in every child, and we strive to build meaningful partnerships to help further that mission. We’re honoured to work with a partner like Mission 44, and together, we’ll inspire and encourage children to take on new challenges both on and off the track.”

Hot Wheels will officially launch the Challenge Accepted platform on October 17 at the United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas. In collaboration with Mission 44, the brand will host a youth STEM event at the Circuit of the Americas racetrack. Hot Wheels designers will be on hand to teach young people about the physics behind toy building and the principles of trial and error, under the theme “Try. Fail. Repeat. Grow.”

Jason Arthur, CEO of Mission 44, welcomed the collaboration, saying: “Together with Hot Wheels and their Challenger Spirit Fund, we will be able to unlock the power and potential of young people, no matter what their background.” To learn more about Hot Wheels Challenge Accepted mission, or how parents help introduce and foster a growth mindset through play, visit www.shop.mattel.com/pages/hot-wheels-challenge-accepted.

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