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ICC ditches Microsoft 365 for openDesk (binnenlandsbestuur.nl)

646 points by vincvinc · 260 days ago · 212 comments on HN

Article summary

The International Criminal Court (ICC) is switching from Microsoft 365 to Open Desk, a European open-source alternative, due to concerns over digital dependence on American companies. This move is seen as a potential trendsetter for the European public sector. The ICC's decision is motivated by the risk of being affected by US sanctions, which have already caused issues with Microsoft services in the past. Open Desk is developed by the Zentrum Digitale Souveränität and is part of the European Digital Infrastructure Consortium.

Main themes

  • Digital sovereignty
  • Open-source software
  • European public sector
  • US sanctions
  • Microsoft 365
  • Open Desk

What commenters say

  • The ICC's decision to switch to Open Desk is a result of Microsoft's compliance with US sanctions, which can affect their services.
  • Some commenters argue that Microsoft has no choice but to follow US sanctions, while others believe that the company could take a stand and relocate its headquarters to avoid such issues.
  • Open Desk is seen as a viable alternative to Microsoft 365, offering a range of features and integrations for companies, but its suitability for personal use is debated.
  • The use of open-source software like LibreOffice and OnlyOffice is proposed as an alternative to Microsoft and Google products, with some commenters praising their features and collaboration capabilities.
  • Some argue that Microsoft's actions are comparable to those of large corporations during the 1930s, which complied with oppressive regimes, while others see it as a necessary compliance with US laws.
  • The idea of a global company like Microsoft relocating its headquarters to avoid US sanctions is discussed, with some arguing it's not a feasible solution due to the potential loss of the US market and data centers.
  • The importance of digital sovereignty and reducing dependence on American companies is emphasized, with some seeing the ICC's move as a step in the right direction.
  • The suitability of Open Desk's features, including its document editing capabilities, is questioned, with some pointing out that it uses Collabora, which is based on LibreOffice.