But how to get to that European cloud? - Bert Hubert's writings
a day ago
- European governments cannot rely on US cloud providers and lack viable alternatives; market forces have failed to deliver a European cloud.
- Industrial policy is needed, requiring governments to develop deep industry knowledge to avoid failed projects.
- Past successes like Galileo and Airbus show Europe can overcome massive challenges with coherent strategy and funding.
- Complex IT projects often fail due to unclear goals and bureaucratic procurement; governments must regain in-house capability.
- Smart procurement can drive development of European services like Eumail, Eutube, and open-source alternatives to US tools.
- Subsidies must be redesigned to avoid bureaucracy and attract developers; models like Germany's SPRIND show promise.
- A coherent strategy includes enforcing privacy laws, creative procurement, hiring experts, and commissioning open-source improvements.
- Multiple simultaneous actions are needed: legal enforcement, procurement signals, talent development, and innovation agencies.
- Open source is a strong foundation but requires viable business models and support to compete with US giants.
- Europe must combine talent and funding to build a sovereign cloud, similar to creating an Airbus for the digital age.