In April 2025, the “Second Source” study – commissioned by the “Cloud Governance and Workplace” working group of Digital Public Services Switzerland – was published. Conducted by ELCA Advisory on behalf of the “Cloud Governance and Workplace” task force (DVS), the study examines key opportunities and challenges posed by the public administration’s reliance on proprietary Microsoft software and cloud-based services, with a particular focus on office automation.
The complete study can be found here: Second Source Study (PDF).
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 can sustainable and sovereign solutions be achieved in the long term.
Market Analysis Results – Outstanding Performance by VNClagoon
In Section 7.6, “Market Analysis Results” (pages 27–28), the study compares the extent to which alternative solutions fulfill key requirements for replacing Microsoft services across the following categories: office productivity, email, collaboration, operating system, clients, identity and access management (IAM), remote access and virtualization (RAS/VDI), mobile device management, and telecommunications. The evaluation centers on four providers: EGroupware, VNClagoon, kSuite, and openDesk.
A review of the evaluation table reveals VNClagoon positioned prominently in the dark green top range, indicating superior fulfillment. To enhance visualization of these outcomes, we developed a points-based scoring system, assigning values as follows: fully covered (4 points), almost fully covered (3 points), majority covered (2 points), partially covered (1 point), and not covered (0 points). This quantification further accentuates VNClagoon’s leading performance:
Comparison of the degree of fulfillment by providers
scoring system
Evaluation of degree of fulfillment per requirement group – table
With an outstanding total of 33 out of 40 points, VNClagoon secures the top position among all evaluated providers!
Comparison of the degree of fulfillment by providers
The “Second Source” study unequivocally demonstrates that VNClagoon is not merely a viable alternative to Microsoft 365, but a beacon of hope for public administration’s digital transformation. Through its blend of innovative capabilities, unwavering focus on digital sovereignty, and exceptional adaptability, VNClagoon delivers a compelling solution for public authorities seeking greater long-term independence and flexibility. The study underscores that digital sovereignty is no distant aspiration – it’s already attainable today with VNClagoon.
With VNClagoon as a trusted partner, public institutions can face the future with confidence, shaping their digital infrastructure on their own terms—securely, scalably, and forward-looking. VNClagoon isn’t just an alternative; it’s a trailblazer for sovereign digital governance!
Unrecognized Strengths of VNClagoon
While VNClagoon already excels in the “Second Source” study, it’s worth noting that several innovative components and products were not fully evaluated. These enhancements further highlight VNClagoon’s unparalleled potential:
- VNC Apps with offline synchronization: Enables seamless functionality without internet access, making it ideal for emergency situations or mobile workflows.
- VNClagoon AI: Delivers comprehensive AI integration across the suite, including local AI processing on end devices, to boost efficiency while prioritizing data privacy.
- VNClagoon Archive: Ensures evidence-preserving long-term archiving compliant 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 information.
- VNCuxf Unified UI: Delivers a cohesive user interface across all applications, streamlining usability and productivity.
- VNCaxf Backend with Restful API: Enables flexible integration and customization through a robust, flexible backend.
- Automated rollout of the VNClagoon Suite on agnostic Kubernetes: Simplifies deployment and scaling in heterogeneous IT environments.
Moreover, VNClagoon encompasses a suite of additional products not covered in the study, yet vital 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 stands as the premier integrated suite for communication and collaboration. With VNClagoon, we empower users to operate in full compliance with data protection regulations while safeguarding their digital sovereignty. Our customers and partners enjoy complete flexibility in hosting options: on-premises, private cloud, or public cloud.
Secure user and account management in VNCdirectory, long-term support, high-quality open-source-based software, two-factor authentication, end-to-end encryption, smart integrations, and single sign-on across the entire suite make VNClagoon the optimal choice for secure administrative workflows.
VNCuxf (User Experience Framework) is our cutting-edge front-end technology. Our vision is a unified VNClagoon codebase that delivers seamless performance across every operating system, browser, and device.
All VNClagoon products are highly adaptable to different environments. This allows us to offer our stack as an OEM and branded version, incorporate additional applications, and tailor existing ones for optimal administrative efficiency. We also offer modular customization of the user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) to precisely align with the unique needs of government agencies and public administration.
For in-depth details and links to all VNClagoon products, please visit our VNClagoon product page.
Discover comprehensive information about VNClagoon at VNClagoon.com.
Or reach out to us for a personalized demo to gain tailored insights into individual VNClagoon products or the full VNClagoon Enterprise Software Suite:
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Simply register on VNClagoon LIVE, our reference implementation of the VNClagoon communication and collaboration stack!
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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
