In April 2025, the “Second Source” study commissioned by the “Cloud Governance and Workplace” working group of Digital Public Services Switzerland was published. The study was conducted by ELCA Advisory on behalf of the “Cloud Governance and Workplace” task force (DVS) and highlights key issues relating to the opportunities and challenges surrounding the public administration’s dependence on proprietary Microsoft software and software-based services, particularly in the area of office automation.
The complete study can be found here: Second Source study
commissioned by the “Cloud Governance and Workplace” task force of Digital Public Services Switzerland.
Here is our brief summary of the study:
Conclusion of the study
Strengthening digital sovereignty is a complex process, but one that can be achieved through coordinated, long-term strategies. Bringing together all actors involved—ideally at the national and even supranational level—is crucial for creating synergies, developing standards, and using resources efficiently. Only through a coordinated, comprehensive approach sustainable and sovereign solutions can be achieved in the long term.
Market analysis results – outstanding performance by VNClagoon
In section 7.6 “Market Analysis Results” (pages 27-28), the degree to which the following requirements for alternative solutions to Microsoft services were met was compared: Office, email, collaboration, operating system, clients, IAM, RAS/VDI (remote access & virtualization), mobile device management, and telecommunications. The focus was on four software solutions or providers: EGroupware, VNClagoon, kSuite, and openDesk.
A first glance at the evaluation table for the degree of requirement fulfillment shows VNClagoon clearly in the dark green top range. To better visualize the results, we have created a points system. Here, the outstanding position of VNClagoon becomes even more apparent:
Comparison of the degree of fulfillment by providers
scoring system
Evaluation of degree of fulfillment per requirement group – table
With an outstanding overall rating of 33 out of a possible 40 points, VNClagoon takes the top spot among all providers!
Comparison of the degree of fulfillment by providers
The “Second Source” study clearly shows that VNClagoon is not only a valid alternative to Microsoft 365, but also a beacon of hope for the digital transformation of public administration. With its combination of innovative strength, focus on digital sovereignty, and adaptability, VNClagoon offers an attractive solution for public authorities that want to operate more independently and flexibly in the long term. The study shows that digital sovereignty is not a distant goal, but is already within reach today with VNClagoon.
With VNClagoon at their side, public institutions can look confidently toward a future in which they can shape their digital infrastructure independently—securely, scalable, and future-oriented. VNClagoon is not just an alternative, but a pioneer for sovereign digital administration!
Unrecognized strengths of VNClagoon
While VNClagoon already performs excellently in the study, we would like to point out that some innovative components and products were not fully included in the evaluation. These additional features further underscore the unique potential of VNClagoon:
- VNC apps with offline synchronization: Enables seamless use even without an internet connection, ideal for emergency scenarios or mobile working environments.
- VNClagoon AI: Offers global AI integration within the suite as well as local AI capabilities directly on end devices, optimizing efficiency and data protection.
- VNClagoon Archive: Ensures evidence-preserving long-term archiving in accordance with the TR-ESOR standard, a decisive advantage for public administration.
- VNCzTOP Zero Trust Principle: Enforces the highest security standards through a consistent zero trust model that provides optimal protection for sensitive data.
- VNCuxf Unified UI: Provides a consistent user interface for all applications, enhancing usability and efficiency.
- VNCaxf Backend with Restful API: Enables flexible integration and customization through powerful backend access.
- Automated rollout of the VNClagoon Suite on agnostic Kubernetes: Simplifies deployment and scaling in heterogeneous IT environments.
In addition, VNClagoon includes a range of products that were not mentioned in the study but are of great importance for public administration:
- VNCdirectory: For efficient management of users and resources.
- VNCindex: Supports intelligent data indexing and search, also with regard to AI.
- VNCcrm: Offers comprehensive customer relationship management features.
- VNCproject: Enables effective project management.
- VNCtask: Supports task management and collaboration.
- VNCcontacts: Optimizes contact management.
- VNCphone: A Google-free Android system with pre-installed apps that meets the highest privacy standards.
VNClagoon – the alternative to Microsoft 365
VNClagoon is the leading suite of integrated communication and collaboration solutions. With VNClagoon, we enable our users to work in compliance with data protection regulations and support them in maintaining their digital sovereignty. Our customers and partners also have the freedom to choose where the software is hosted: on-premises, in a private or public cloud.
Secure user and account management in VNCdirectory, long-term support, high-quality open-source-based software solutions, two-factor authentication, end-to-end encryption, intelligent and useful integrations, and single sign-on for the entire suite make VNClagoon ideal for secure work in administration.
VNCuxf (User Experience Framework) is our state-of-the-art front-end technology. Our goal is to have a generic VNClagoon code base for every operating system, browser, and device.
All VNClagoon products can be flexibly adapted to different environments. This allows us to offer our stack as an OEM and branded version, integrate additional applications, and customize existing applications to ensure efficient use in administration. In addition, we can modify the user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) in a modular fashion to meet the specific requirements of government agencies and administration.
For further details and links to all VNClagoon products, please visit our VNClagoon product page.
You can find detailed information about VNClagoon at VNClagoon.com.
Or contact us for a personal presentation to receive detailed information about individual VNClagoon products or the complete VNClagoon Enterprise Software Suite:
You would like to experience the VNClagoon Suite live?
Simply register on VNClagoon LIVE, our reference implementation of the VNClagoon communication and collaboration stack!
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You are as enthusiastic as we are about the product integrations in the VNClagoon Business Software Suite or have a suggestion, a use case we should explore, or something you think we missed? Your input is invaluable! Share your thoughts in the comment section below, email us at sales@vnc.biz, or schedule a personalized demo here to discuss your needs directly with our team:
About VNClagoon
Secure, Best in Class, Seamless Communication and Collaboration, Lowest TCO
The VNClagoon enterprise software suite offers a full range of integrated communication and collaboration products for messaging, real-time conferencing, community building, channels, email, groupware, task and project management, file handling and more for large organizations. Built upon state-of-the-art open source technology by thousands of world-class developers around the world, VNClagoon is a leading alternative to closed source and SaaS-only applications like Microsoft Teams, Zoom, WhatsApp, Dropbox and many others. Now it is possible for VNClagoon customers to gain greater control over their digital sovereignty as they communicate and collaborate more securely using one completely integrated suite of applications. For more information visit:
https://vnclagoon.com
