What's the benefits of owncloud versus sftp?

What are the benefits of owncloud over creating an sftp server using the procedure below?  

  http://community.wdc.com/t5/My-Book-Live/FTP-quot-Help-Solve-The-Mystery-quot/m-p/177218/highlight/true#M1695

Either way I would use netdrive http://download.cnet.com/NetDrive/3000-2160_4-10853109.html?tag=mncol;1  to mount the drive automatically onto my laptop every time I turn it on.  I would then use syncback to automatically backup between the two wd drives I have if neither methods would allow for automatic backup (one at my sister’s house and one at my house). 

Both methods are secure correct(well secure enough anyway)?  The sftp just seems easier to me but I’m not sure what I’m losing.