“Let me spell it out for you. This is a Commission initiative. It’s not an EU-wide order to abandon Microsoft software. I’d love that myself, but that’s not what’s happening here. Teams will remain the principal platform, while Element provides a fallback intended to reduce dependence on an externally operated communications service. Got it? I hope so!
Mind you, there are other good reasons to dump Microsoft Teams. I’m not a fan. For my sins I have to use it and every other groupware program out there. And, I might add, I’ve been using them since Lotus Notes rolled out the door in 1990.
Digital sovereignty isn’t just a good idea. It’s essential. Or, as an EC July staff memo put it: “In practice, this means having greater control over our data and systems so that we can reduce risks and limit disruption to our work, wherever possible.” Exactly so.
Element’s architecture is well suited to digital sovereignty. Built on Matrix, an open standard for real-time communications, the platform supports self-hosting, decentralized operation, and interoperability with other Matrix-based systems. Element also supports end-to-end encrypted messaging and calls.”
