Municipalities see various risks in dependence on Microsoft
It is outright scandalous that our Dutch municipalities have chained themselves to the whims of an American mega-company like Microsoft. This dependence entails numerous risks, which our local authorities apparently willingly accept. It is as if we have given up our technological sovereignty and put our future in the hands of a foreign monopolist.
“Single supplier dependency is a recipe for catastrophic consequences.”
Concerns about price increases. Prices are fixed until 2027 (...) but may change thereafter.
It is alarming that municipalities do not seem to be concerned about the impending financial abyss. The current price agreement with Microsoft runs until 2027, but what happens next? Are we willing to blindly fall into a financial trap without any guarantee of future costs? This short-sighted planning shows a shocking lack of sense of responsibility.
‘A person who commits his fate to a monopolist ultimately pays the highest price.’
Obligation to hand over data of European customers to the US government on request
It is unacceptable that our municipal data, including sensitive information of citizens, is subject to the US CLOUD Act. This means that the US government can demand access to our data, without us having any control over it. It is a gross violation of our privacy and sovereignty.
“Those who hand over their data lose their autonomy.”
Afraid of high costs and lack of expertise
The argument that a switch to alternatives would be too expensive and that there is insufficient expertise is a weakness. Yes, the transition will hurt and cost, but every day we wait longer, the price gets higher and the pain intensifies. There is already expertise available, I am an example of that myself and I am certainly not the only one. It's time to take action and break our dependence.Tweakers
“Those who linger for fear of costs end up paying the highest price.”
If such a provider were available, 37% of the municipalities surveyed would prefer it.
It is astonishing that only 37 percent of municipalities are willing to switch to an alternative provider, should it be available. This shows a lack of vision and courage to take our digital future into our own hands. We must strive for technological sovereignty and invest in European alternatives that respect our values and privacy.
‘He who is unwilling to change remains trapped in his own chains.’
No exit strategy? Nonsense!
The excuse that no exit strategy is possible because we're too deep into the Microsoft lock-in is the biggest bullshit I've ever heard. Not having an exit strategy is not an option; It's pure laziness and lack of willpower. The current ‘strategy’ seems to consist of sitting with hands in the hair and crying. It's time to stand up, put your shoulders behind it and chart a clear route to independence.
‘Anyone who does not plan to escape chooses to remain imprisoned.’
Conclusion: Time for action
It is abundantly clear that our dependence on Microsoft has put us on a dangerous path. Risks are accumulating and time is running out. Yes, the transition to alternatives will be challenging and require sacrifices, but every day of procrastination makes the situation worse. The expertise is there, the will to change must follow now. Let's regain our digital sovereignty and build a future where we are no longer held hostage by a foreign monopolist.
“Those who fight for their freedom deserve their future.”
sources:
- https://tweakers.net/nieuws/231818/nederlandse-gemeenten-vast-in-microsoft-lock-in-zonder-overstapopties.html
- https://www.dutchitchannel.nl/news/511157/rijksoverheid-onderzoek-cloud-beleid-belicht-saas-en-microsoft-toepassingen
English (UK)