General
Amsterdam Plans Step-by-Step Replacement of US Big Tech Software, But How to Execute?
The Amsterdam municipality aims to become independent from American tech companies by 2035, starting with new workplace software. Currently spending 20 million euros annually on Microsoft, the city cites concerns over potential US sanctions and data sovereignty as primary drivers for this shift. Alderman Melanie van der Horst emphasizes focusing on sensitive data first, while IT expert Bert Hubert advises a gradual transition to avoid employee resistance and service continuity issues. The plan involves sourcing 30 percent of critical software from European providers by 2030, aiming for full independence by replacing systems like Word and Excel incrementally over several years.
Ozetta summarises; the reporting is the newsroom's