Vendor Lock-in vs. Open Source

In our white paper “Data-Driven Government: Secure data provision in the cloud” (German only), we present the eCORDA project as an example of how to set up an IT baseline protection-compliant cloud environment on AWS. We deliberately decided against lift-and-shift and in favor of a strategic architecture to ensure long-term flexibility and efficiency. This project also shows that independence in the cloud is not a goal in itself - it is crucial to manage dependencies strategically and achieve maximum benefit through standards and partnerships.

Many authorities rely on open source technologies to avoid cloud dependencies. But appearances are deceptive: open source is often more expensive and less independent than it seems. Instead of relying on supposed freedom, authorities should consciously manage dependencies and develop strategies for flexibility. 

Why open source does not bring real independence

• Hidden costs: Operation, maintenance and specialists often make open source more expensive than managed services.

• Indirect dependencies: Open source also depends on ecosystems and communities that cannot be fully controlled.

• High costs: Migration and adaptation of open source solutions tie up resources instead of saving them. IT teams are faced with the challenge of maintaining open source solutions themselves - and do not have the time to focus on strategic projects

• Competitiveness: Cloud providers drive innovation - open source alone often cannot keep up.

The solution: consciously manage dependencies

Instead of fighting against dependencies, companies should manage them in a targeted manner:

• Setting standards for flexibility.

• Smart cost management to optimize expenditure.

• Strategic partnerships with suppliers to leverage innovation.

Vendor lock-in can therefore be reduced through smart dependency management and the choice of standards. Independence is not a goal - the key to success lies in the smart use of cloud technologies.

►Read our whitepaper (German only)  to find out how you can create a secure and efficient cloud environment through smart dependency management.