End of life for SharePoint: OpenCloud as a digitally sovereign, European cloud alternative

Now is the perfect time to think about digital sovereignty and regain control of your own data. In this article, we explain why OpenCloud offers the right alternative and how you can securely shape your digital future.

What does EoL mean for SharePoint? Necessary steps for companies

SharePoint has become an integral part of many companies. The platform helps to store and organise documents and share them with others. But now the next big step is imminent: The "End of Life" (EoL) for the on-premises editions SharePoint Server 2016 and SharePoint Server 2019. From 14 July 2026, there will be no more security updates and Microsoft will no longer provide technical support for these versions.

What does this mean for companies that continue to rely on SharePoint? Quite simply: without the necessary support, it becomes risky and expensive. Here are the most important points:

• No security updates: After the EoL, all newly discovered vulnerabilities remain unpatched. This greatly increases the risk of cyber attacks and data breaches. If there are no more updates, this is an open door for attackers.
• Increasing costs: On-prem operation after the EoL is not only insecure, but also expensive. Third-party services or internal expertise are required to keep the system running. This means additional costs - and potentially for years to come.
• Legal uncertainty: For companies that are bound by compliance requirements, remaining on an outdated version can be legally problematic. Data protection and security guidelines could be violated.
• Lack of innovation: No new functions, no updates. Without continuous improvements, technological progress stagnates - and with it your competitiveness.
• Loss of system stability and flexibility: Many existing workflows and customised applications will no longer function as usual. This will cause disruptions and cost time and money to get everything up and running again.
• Impact on productivity: If SharePoint no longer works reliably, projects will progress more slowly and this will have a direct impact on the productivity of your employees.

In short: If you stay on the old version, you not only risk more security vulnerabilities, but also higher costs and less flexibility. It is therefore high time to look for a new solution.

SharePoint migration - why you should urgently start planning now

Microsoft has a clear strategy: users should migrate to the Microsoft cloud. With the end of support for SharePoint Server 2016 and 2019, the US giant wants to make the use of on-premises versions increasingly unattractive and push users into the Microsoft cloud. The message is clear: if you want to continue using SharePoint, there is no way around SharePoint Online and Microsoft 365.

In the Microsoft cloud, SharePoint runs as part of Microsoft 365 - a collection of online services and applications that are all hosted on Microsoft's servers. SharePoint Online offers the same basic functions as the on-prem version, but in a web-based environment. It is directly integrated into the Microsoft ecosystem, which means you can work seamlessly with OneDrive, Teams and Outlook.

Sounds convenient, right? The cloud offers many advantages: more availability, automatic updates and a user-friendly experience. But there is a crucial catch. Because while Microsoft promises you the convenience of a cloud solution, you are also handing over control of your data to a US provider. Your data ends up on servers in the USA.

Data protection in conflict: Why the Cloud Act jeopardises your data

Saving data with US cloud providers is in direct conflict with the GDPR. Even if Microsoft moves its servers to Germany, US authorities can access your data at any time - thanks to the Cloud Act (USA, 2018). Regardless of where your data is physically located, the US government has access and Microsoft complies. The case of the Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court shows how quickly US companies can restrict or even shut down their services overnight. So much for control over your own data.

The Cyber Resilience Regulation (CRV) is a European Union regulation. It obliges companies to maintain cyber security. This includes using up-to-date and supported software products. But what if your data can be accessed or blocked from outside the EU at any time? It's not just about cyber security - it's about your digital independence. And you can only really ensure this with European solutions such as OpenCloud.

Why now is the perfect time to switch to OpenCloud

If a switch is inevitable, why not regain control of your own data right away? A European file management and file sharing solution like OpenCloud brings more than just better data protection - it gives you back the power to control your IT infrastructure yourself. Use OpenCloud as an on-premises installation in your own data centre or as an SaaS offering via selected German partners. And free yourself from the shadow of large American companies. Switching to a "made in Germany" solution like OpenCloud means retaining control over your data while strengthening your own digital sovereignty.

With OpenCloud, you are opting for an infrastructure that securely meets the strict data protection requirements of the EU and offers you flexibility and performance thanks to its modern architecture and open interfaces. Service and support packages also provide you with reliable updates and help with the maintenance and operation of a self-hosted solution.

So switching is more than just a technical decision - it's a step towards greater independence and a secure digital future.

OpenCloud as a SharePoint alternative: features and benefits in comparison

OpenCloud has everything you need for effective document management, smooth collaboration and secure file storage - and in a way that rivals SharePoint:

• Changes to documents are synchronised in real time, so your team members always have the latest version to hand - and not just at their desks, but also on-the-go.
• With the ability to create centralised data rooms (Spaces), organising and sharing files and folders has never been easier.
• The powerful Full-text and metadata search helps you quickly find the information that really matters - no more endless searches.
• And thanks to the integrated Office package (Collabora), you can collaborate on texts, spreadsheets and presentations in real time - directly in the cloud.

What sets OpenCloud apart from SharePoint is not only its functionality, but also its focus on open source technologies and a secure, data protection-compliant infrastructure that meets the requirements of European companies. No dependence on American cloud services, but full control - that's the difference that makes OpenCloud the real alternative.

Conclusion: Why OpenCloud is the key to digital sovereignty

Whether on-premises or hosted via one of our selected partners in Germany - with OpenCloud you retain complete control over your data. You decide how and where your infrastructure runs, without any dependence on external providers and their specifications. Switching to OpenCloud not only means opting for a secure and flexible solution, but also reclaiming your digital sovereignty and making your company fit for the digital future.