Keep sensitive transfers on infrastructure you control.
DocuChan can be deployed as a lightweight file-transfer service for teams that need encrypted links, request uploads, and expiring delivery without adopting a full collaboration suite.
Why not a full file-sync suite?
Self-hosted file platforms aim to replace your whole storage and collaboration stack — sync, editing, integrations, team folders. DocuChan stays deliberately narrow: confidential transfer links and file requests for organizations that already have systems of record but need a safer way to exchange files with people outside them.
Data-residency control
Point the app at your own Postgres and object storage, then decide where metadata and encrypted objects live.
External exchange lane
Give clients, vendors, patients, applicants, or advisors a simple upload/download path without opening internal drives.
Operationally small
DocuChan is intentionally narrower than a full EFSS suite: fewer moving parts, focused transfer flows, and short-lived links.
Deployment shape
Run the Next.js app behind your reverse proxy.
Connect Postgres for users, sessions, metadata, and audit records.
Connect S3-compatible object storage for encrypted file objects.
Run the janitor worker to purge expired transfers and abandoned uploads.
Self-hosted DocuChan versus collaboration suites
Choose a full suite when you need sync, editing, and team workspaces. Choose DocuChan when you need a controlled transfer lane.
| Need | Portal / drive | DocuChan | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary job | Ad hoc messages | Collaboration suite | Expiring transfer links |
| Recipient onboarding | None | Often required | No recipient account |
| File contents visible to app | Provider-dependent | Provider-dependent | Encrypted before upload |
| Office editing and sync | No | Best fit | Not included |
Best fit
- Firms with compliance, client-confidentiality, or data-residency concerns.
- Teams that already have a DMS, CRM, practice suite, or storage backend.
- Organizations that want controlled external file exchange without broad drive access.
Not for
- Replacing Nextcloud, SharePoint, Google Drive, or Box as a full collaboration platform.
- Permanent archive, backup, office editing, or company-wide sync.
Questions
Can we self-host DocuChan?
Yes. DocuChan runs on your own Postgres and S3-compatible storage via Docker or a native install. Self-hosting is offered under a Business license — get in touch for terms and a deployment walkthrough.
Does the server see uploaded file contents?
DocuChan's normal transfer flow encrypts file contents in the browser before upload. The server stores metadata and issues storage URLs.
Is this a full file collaboration platform?
No. DocuChan is deliberately focused on secure send/request workflows. Use a collaboration suite when you need sync, editing, comments, or team folders.
Make the next file handoff feel safer.
Start with a free encrypted send, then upgrade only when size, retention, or volume calls for it.