{"id":1174,"date":"2025-03-21T12:25:11","date_gmt":"2025-03-21T11:25:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.data-pro.nu\/?p=1174"},"modified":"2025-03-21T12:25:11","modified_gmt":"2025-03-21T11:25:11","slug":"de-wurggreep-van-microsoft-gemeenten-in-de-tang","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.data-pro.nu\/en\/de-wurggreep-van-microsoft-gemeenten-in-de-tang\/","title":{"rendered":"Microsoft stranglehold: municipalities in the tang"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/p>\n

Municipalities see various risks in dependence on Microsoft<\/strong><\/p>\n

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.<\/span> It is as if we have given up our technological sovereignty and put our future in the hands of a foreign monopolist.<\/span>\u200b<\/p>\n

\n

\u201cSingle supplier dependency is a recipe for catastrophic consequences.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Concerns about price increases. Prices are fixed until 2027 (...) but may change thereafter.<\/strong><\/p>\n

It is alarming that municipalities do not seem to be concerned about the impending financial abyss.<\/span> The current price agreement with Microsoft runs until 2027, but what happens next?<\/span> Are we willing to blindly fall into a financial trap without any guarantee of future costs?<\/span> This short-sighted planning shows a shocking lack of sense of responsibility.<\/span>\u200b<\/p>\n

\n

\u2018A person who commits his fate to a monopolist ultimately pays the highest price.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Obligation to hand over data of European customers to the US government on request<\/strong><\/p>\n

It is unacceptable that our municipal data, including sensitive information of citizens, is subject to the US CLOUD Act.<\/span> This means that the US government can demand access to our data, without us having any control over it.<\/span> It is a gross violation of our privacy and sovereignty.<\/span>\u200b<\/p>\n

\n

\u201cThose who hand over their data lose their autonomy.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Afraid of high costs and lack of expertise<\/strong><\/p>\n

The argument that a switch to alternatives would be too expensive and that there is insufficient expertise is a weakness.<\/span> Yes, the transition will hurt and cost, but every day we wait longer, the price gets higher and the pain intensifies.<\/span> There is already expertise available, I am an example of that myself and I am certainly not the only one.<\/span> It's time to take action and break our dependence.<\/span>\u200bTweakers<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cThose who linger for fear of costs end up paying the highest price.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

If such a provider were available, 37% of the municipalities surveyed would prefer it.<\/strong><\/p>\n

It is astonishing that only 37 percent of municipalities are willing to switch to an alternative provider, should it be available.<\/span> This shows a lack of vision and courage to take our digital future into our own hands.<\/span> We must strive for technological sovereignty and invest in European alternatives that respect our values and privacy.<\/span>\u200b<\/p>\n

\n

\u2018He who is unwilling to change remains trapped in his own chains.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

No exit strategy? Nonsense!<\/strong><\/p>\n

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.<\/span> Not having an exit strategy is not an option; It's pure laziness and lack of willpower.<\/span> The current \u2018strategy\u2019 seems to consist of sitting with hands in the hair and crying.<\/span> It's time to stand up, put your shoulders behind it and chart a clear route to independence.<\/span>\u200b<\/p>\n

\n

\u2018Anyone who does not plan to escape chooses to remain imprisoned.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Conclusion: Time for action<\/strong><\/p>\n

It is abundantly clear that our dependence on Microsoft has put us on a dangerous path.<\/span> Risks are accumulating and time is running out.<\/span> Yes, the transition to alternatives will be challenging and require sacrifices, but every day of procrastination makes the situation worse.<\/span> The expertise is there, the will to change must follow now.<\/span> Let's regain our digital sovereignty and build a future where we are no longer held hostage by a foreign monopolist.<\/span>\u200b<\/p>\n

\n

\u201cThose who fight for their freedom deserve their future.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

sources:<\/p>\n

    \n
  • https:\/\/tweakers.net\/nieuws\/231818\/nederlandse-gemeenten-vast-in-microsoft-lock-in-zonder-overstapopties.html<\/li>\n
  • https:\/\/www.dutchitchannel.nl\/news\/511157\/rijksoverheid-onderzoek-cloud-beleid-belicht-saas-en-microsoft-toepassingen<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

     <\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    The municipalities see various risks in the 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 our sovereignty on technological 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