[vc_row content_placement=”top”][vc_column width=”2\/3″ offset=”vc_col-xs-12″][vc_video link=”https:\/\/vimeo.com\/1139321126\/8a6cc5ebe7″ align=”center” css=”” el_class=”vimeoPrivacyHeight”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1761930324592{margin-bottom: 2rem !important;}”]<\/p>\n

Executive summary<\/h2>\n
[\/vc_column_text][vc_separator color=”custom” align=”align_left” border_width=”2″ el_width=”20″ css=”” accent_color=”#0082c9″ el_class=”nc_separator_line”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1763418015879{margin-bottom: 2rem !important;}”]The Federal Ministry for Economy, Energy and Tourism (BMWET) has around 1200 employees across its headquarters in Vienna and four external European locations. Their goal is to further improve Austrian business opportunities, promote growth, and ensure a sustainable economic recovery. This, of course, means that they handle personal data for its employees, but also from Austrian companies and citizens.<\/p>\n
In 2024, the Austrian Federal Ministry for Economy, Energy and Tourism (BMWET) faced the urgent need to modernize its collaboration tools, after Skype for Business was phased out. On top of that, they needed to remain compliant with strict GDPR and NIS2 regulations. Although both management and users initially pushed for Microsoft Teams, a legal risk assessment revealed major concerns around cloud data handling.<\/p>\n
To avoid workflow disruption, the ministry adopted a hybrid approach: deploying Nextcloud on-premises for secure file sharing and communication, while activating Sendent to integrate it with Outlook workflows and Teams for external meetings. The result was a significant step toward digital sovereignty. The new user-friendly platform, improved compliance, reduced vendor lock-in, and won over even the users who were skeptical.[\/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner gap=”10″ css=”.vc_custom_1763417868790{padding-right: 1rem !important;padding-left: 1rem !important;background-color: #00A5FF00 !important;border-radius: 10px !important;}”][vc_column_inner el_class=”centerMobile” width=”1\/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1763666291871{padding-bottom: 2rem !important;background-color: #0082C9 !important;border-radius: 15px !important;}” offset=”vc_col-xs-12″][vc_single_image image=”352649″ alignment=”center” css=”.vc_custom_1763442163567{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}” el_class=”nc-sep-logo”][vc_column_text css=”” el_class=”white-text case-study-blocks text-center”]<\/p>\n

The main challenge<\/h3>\n
Ensuring compliance while mitigating legal risks of cloud data handling, preserving user workflows, enabling secure collaboration, and reducing dependence on foreign cloud providers.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner el_class=”centerMobile” width=”1\/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1763666303211{padding-bottom: 2rem !important;background-color: #0082C9 !important;border-radius: 15px !important;}” offset=”vc_col-xs-12″][vc_single_image image=”352853″ alignment=”center” css=”.vc_custom_1763477444584{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}” el_class=”nc-sep-logo”][vc_column_text css=”” el_class=”white-text case-study-blocks text-center”]<\/p>\n

Nextcloud solution<\/h3>\n
On-premise Nextcloud Hub implementation for secure collaboration, with Sendent enabling Outlook, Teams meetings, calendar sync, and file redirection to Nextcloud.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1763366749282{margin-bottom: 2rem !important;padding-top: 2rem !important;}”]<\/p>\n

Ensuring compliance while modernizing the IT infrastructure<\/h2>\n
[\/vc_column_text][vc_separator color=”custom” align=”align_left” border_width=”2″ el_width=”20″ css=”” accent_color=”#0082c9″ el_class=”nc_separator_line”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1763417453805{margin-bottom: 2rem !important;}”]In 2024, the BMWET faced the challenge of modernizing their collaboration tools while keeping in line with strict Austrian digital sovereignty requirements. On top of this challenge, support for Skype for Business (the tool they were using) approached its end.<\/p>\n
Microsoft Teams seemed the default solution, but a detailed Data Protection Impact Assessment revealed some serious legal and compliance risks with storing sensitive data in Microsoft\u2019s cloud. Specifically, Austrian law and EU regulations (GDPR and the upcoming NIS2 directive) require full control over data. There was no compromise to be made when it came to data protection and data sovereignty.<\/p>\n
In a nutshell, they were looking for a solution to these challenges:<\/p>\n
\n
Mandate to align with GDPR and NIS2 requirements<\/li>\n
Legal risks from cloud-based data handling<\/li>\n
User expectations to preserve workflows<\/li>\n
Need for secure external collaboration with EU partners<\/li>\n
Increased independence from foreign cloud providers<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
[\/vc_column_text]
\n\n
\n $\"Quote$ \t\n <\/div>\n\n
\n
\n
\n Florian Zinnagl <\/h4>\n <\/div>\n\n
\n Chief Information Security Officer at BMWET <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n
\n We have major concerns with the pressure of nearly all Non-European tech to move all customer data to their cloud infrastructure. <\/div>\n\n \n <\/div>\n [vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1763366739216{margin-bottom: 2rem !important;padding-top: 2rem !important;}”]<\/p>\n
Nextcloud lays the foundation for sovereign collaboration<\/h2>\n
[\/vc_column_text][vc_separator color=”custom” align=”align_left” border_width=”2″ el_width=”20″ css=”” accent_color=”#0082c9″ el_class=”nc_separator_line”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1763742463909{margin-bottom: 2rem !important;}”]In order to successfully solve their challenges, the ministry took a hybrid approach, with a custom system architecture. They implemented Nextcloud Hub<\/a>, with the exception of Nextcloud Groupware, for secure collaboration, hosted on their premises. Additionally, with support from Nextcloud partner Sendent a Microsoft integration<\/a> was implemented, allowing users to continue using Outlook, synchronize their calendars with the Nextcloud environment, hold external meetings via Microsoft Teams, and redirect all file transfers from Teams to Nextcloud. Internal collaboration and meetings take place in Nextcloud Talk, ensuring full data control and secure communication.<\/p>\n
The open-source nature of Nextcloud allowed for full customization, compliance with laws and regulations, and seamless integration with the existing systems.<\/p>\n
This approach ensured:<\/p>\n
\n
A major step toward digital sovereignty by strengthening control over the infrastructure and sensitive data<\/li>\n
Compliance assurance with full audit trails and compliant data processing<\/li>\n
User familiarity by preserving Outlook workflows<\/li>\n
External collaboration with Teams as a tool for external meetings<\/li>\n
Future-proof flexibility based on the created foundation for further independence from Microsoft<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
[\/vc_column_text]
\n\n
\n Based on our requirements analysis, we came to the conclusion that Nextcloud fits best for our demands and is in alignment with our digitalization strategy. <\/div>\n\n
\n
\n
Florian Zinnagl<\/h4>\n <\/div>\n \n
\n Chief Information Security Officer at BMWET <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n \n <\/div>\n [vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1763366730032{margin-bottom: 2rem !important;padding-top: 2rem !important;}”]<\/p>\n
Implementation process<\/h2>\n
[\/vc_column_text][vc_separator color=”custom” align=”align_left” border_width=”2″ el_width=”20″ css=”” accent_color=”#0082c9″ el_class=”nc_separator_line”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1763742519207{margin-bottom: 2rem !important;}” el_class=”process-list”]The successful implementation wasn\u2019t only due to the software chosen, but also based on careful planning and strong collaboration. The project moved fast, from evaluation to full production, supported by Nextcloud implementation partner Atos Technologies Austria GmbH, together with the Nextcloud team and our integration partner Sendent.<\/p>\n
The development included several key:<\/p>\n
1. Policy and legal groundwork<\/h3>\n
The ministry reviewed and updated internal policies to support modern collaboration tools while staying compliant with GDPR and other regulations.<\/p>\n
2. Technical research<\/h3>\n
A detailed comparison was conducted between Microsoft Teams and Nextcloud. They identified technical requirements and potential integrations needed for a successful setup.<\/p>\n
3. Legal review<\/h3>\n
Legal experts confirmed that the hybrid setup \u2014 using Nextcloud Talk and Nextcloud Files for all secure communication and file sharing, while keeping Microsoft Teams strictly for external meetings \u2014 meets data protection and sovereignty requirements. All shared documents in Teams are stored and managed through Nextcloud Files, ensuring data remains under full organizational control.<\/p>\n
4. Proof of Concept<\/h3>\n
Nextcloud was tested alongside the Teams integration in a trial phase<\/a>. The ministry gathered feedback from users and evaluated how the tools worked together in real-world scenarios.<\/p>\n
5. Production deployment<\/h3>\n
The full Nextcloud environment was installed and configured.<\/p>\n
6. Organization-wide roll-out<\/h3>\n
All staff (1200 users) transitioned to the new platform in a single day. Training materials, internal support, and clear communication ensured a smooth and successful launch.[\/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner content_placement=”middle” disable_element=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1774422323259{margin-right: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;padding-top: 1rem !important;padding-bottom: 1rem !important;}” el_class=”lightBGgradient borderRadius boxShadow centerMobile”][vc_column_inner el_class=”hidden” css=”.vc_custom_1774422286892{padding-top: 1rem !important;padding-bottom: 1rem !important;}”][vc_single_image image=”378583″ css=”” img_inline_css=”max-width: 80px;”][vc_column_text css=”” el_class=”case-study-webinar-cta”]<\/p>\n
Register for Enterprise Day Vienna 2026<\/h5>\n
On March 24, 2026, Nextcloud hosts the first Enterprise Day in Vienna.
\nJoin expert discussions on how to leverage Nextcloud as a secure collaboration platform to meet evolving business and public-sector needs, particularly in the Austrian market.[\/vc_column_text][vc_btn use_svg_icon=”yes” title=”Register now” i_align=”right” i_icon_fontawesome=”” css=”.vc_custom_1771585338743{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}” add_icon=”true” el_class=”btn-main” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fnextcloud.com%2Fenterprise-day-vienna-2026%2F|target:_blank” svg_icon_id=”342796″][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1763366720439{margin-bottom: 2rem !important;padding-top: 2rem !important;}”]<\/p>\n
Secure, flexible collaboration under full data control<\/h2>\n
[\/vc_column_text][vc_separator color=”custom” align=”align_left” border_width=”2″ el_width=”20″ css=”” accent_color=”#0082c9″ el_class=”nc_separator_line”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1763418039859{margin-bottom: 2rem !important;}”]Thanks to Nextcloud, all sensitive government data now resides securely within Austria\u2019s national infrastructure. With a smooth technical implementation, the results and impact were observed right away.<\/p>\n
Adoption<\/h3>\n
The adoption of the new system was aided by a couple of things. Firstly, the platform was branded internally as \u201cConnectX\u201c to foster user trust and distinguish it from public cloud offerings. Short, focused tutorials were published weekly on the intranet prior to the roll-out to prepare the transition, and, during the transition period, IT teams provided hands-on support.<\/p>\n
Lastly, users were informed and engaged with regular updates and feedback channels.<\/p>\n
Compliance and vendor risk<\/h3>\n
The integrated solution strengthened GDPR and NIS2 compliance through detailed audit trails and transparency in data processing. The ministry also reduced its reliance on a single vendor, gaining more flexibility and negotiation power.[\/vc_column_text]
\n\n
\n We are responsible for a large amount of sensitive data - from employees, companies, and citizens alike. As a public institution, we take this responsibility very seriously. That\u2019s why we view it critically to rely on cloud solutions from non-European corporations for processing this information. <\/div>\n\n
\n
\n
Florian Zinnagl<\/h4>\n <\/div>\n \n
\n Chief Information Security Officer at BMWET <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n \n <\/div>\n [vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1763535047258{margin-bottom: 1rem !important;}”]<\/p>\n
Productivity and cost savings<\/h3>\n
With Nextcloud, government staff can securely collaborate on internal documents and share files with external partners while keeping full control over data. Employees now have secure access to systems from mobile devices and personal computers, boosting flexibility without compromising security. Tools like collaborative editing, task tracking with Nextcloud Deck, and password management have improved daily workflows, while automated policy enforcement has reduced the need for manual IT oversight, saving time and lowering operational costs.[\/vc_column_text][vc_btn use_svg_icon=”yes” title=”Start your instant trial” align=”left” i_align=”right” i_icon_fontawesome=”” css=”.vc_custom_1763741608313{margin-bottom: 2rem !important;background-color: #0082C900 !important;}” add_icon=”true” el_class=”btn-main” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fnextcloud.com%2Finstant-trial%2F%3Fref%3Dbmwet-case-study-inline|title:Try%20Nextcloud%20now” svg_icon_id=”342796″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1763534536013{margin-bottom: 2rem !important;}”]<\/p>\n
Impact and recognition<\/h3>\n
BMWET\u2019s approach and implementation has made its rounds across Austria\u2019s public sector and beyond. Two other ministries have begun looking into the solution, with one of them already in the evaluation phase.<\/p>\n
There was also a strong management endorsement from leaders who initially favored Teams. However, as a result of the outstanding performance, their original preference was transformed into strong advocacy implementation.<\/p>\n
At the end of the day, this project has positioned Austria as a leader in sovereignty implementation, being in strong alignment with EU initiatives on digital sovereignty and reduced dependency on non-EU tech providers.[\/vc_column_text]
\n\n
\n In Europe, we should place greater trust in the technologies we develop ourselves. Digital sovereignty is not just a buzzword; it\u2019s a serious responsibility, especially when processing sensitive information and critical services could be disrupted for days. <\/div>\n\n
\n
\n
Florian Zinnagl<\/h4>\n <\/div>\n \n
\n Chief Information Security Officer at BMWET <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n \n <\/div>\n [vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1764683325469{margin-bottom: 2rem !important;padding-top: 2rem !important;}”]<\/p>\n
Expanding Nextcloud benefits<\/h2>\n
[\/vc_column_text][vc_separator color=”custom” align=”align_left” border_width=”2″ el_width=”20″ css=”” accent_color=”#0082c9″ el_class=”nc_separator_line”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1762927079394{margin-bottom: 2rem !important;}”]In the near future, the ministry plans to extend its use of Nextcloud. They intend to activate Nextcloud AI features, including deploying language models. As a next step, they consider syncing Exchange with Nextcloud Groupware with the goal of improved usability for scheduling and reduced reliance on Microsoft Outlook. Finally, they are taking security enhancement measures.<\/p>\n
The Austrian Ministry\u2019s experience shows that government organizations can achieve digital sovereignty without sacrificing functionality or user experience.[\/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner content_placement=”top” css=”.vc_custom_1763674865500{margin-right: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;padding-top: 1rem !important;padding-bottom: 1rem !important;background-color: #DBEDF7 !important;}” el_class=”borderRadius boxShadow centerMobile”][vc_column_inner width=”1\/3″ css=”.vc_custom_1763532490411{padding-top: 1rem !important;padding-bottom: 1rem !important;}”][vc_single_image image=”319179″ img_size=”medium” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded” onclick=”custom_link” css=”.vc_custom_1763532411654{margin-top: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;}” link=”https:\/\/nextcloud.com\/blog\/webinar\/ms-digital-sovereignty-sendent\/?ref=bmwet-case-study” el_class=”w100″][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2\/3″ css=”.vc_custom_1763500680460{padding-top: 1rem !important;padding-bottom: 1rem !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”” el_class=”case-study-webinar-cta”]<\/p>\n
ON-DEMAND WEBINAR<\/p>\n
From Microsoft to digital sovereignty: Practical steps for your organization<\/h5>\n
Discover practical steps to achieve digital sovereignty while working with Microsoft. Cohosted by Nextcloud and Sendent, with the Austrian Ministry\u2019s CISO.[\/vc_column_text][vc_btn use_svg_icon=”yes” title=”Watch on-demand webinar” i_align=”right” i_icon_fontawesome=”” css=”.vc_custom_1763741564261{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}” add_icon=”true” el_class=”btn-main white-text” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fnextcloud.com%2Fblog%2Fwebinar%2Fms-digital-sovereignty-sendent%2F%3Fref%3Dbmwet-case-study|title:From%20Microsoft%20to%20digital%20sovereignty%3A%20Practical%20steps%20for%20your%20organization|target:_blank” svg_icon_id=”342796″][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/3″ el_class=”case-study-sidebar”][vc_single_image image=”352271″ img_size=”medium” css=””][vc_column_text css=”” el_class=”centerMobile”]Customer<\/span>
\nFederal Ministry of Economy, Energy and Tourism (BMWET)[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1763443638783{margin-bottom: 2rem !important;padding-bottom: 2rem !important;}” el_class=”nc_list_premises”]<\/p>\n
\n
Industry<\/strong>
\nPublic sector<\/li>\n
Country<\/strong>
\nAustria<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
[\/vc_column_text]
$\"Users\"$ <\/div>\n\t
1200+ users<\/h4><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
$\"POC\"$ <\/div>\n\t
4 months from POC to Go-Live<\/h4><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
$\"nc-hub-icons-square\"$ <\/div>\n\t
Solution<\/h4>
Nextcloud Hub (without Groupware)<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
$\"server\"$ <\/div>\n\t
Deployment type<\/h4>
On-premise<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
$\"\"$ <\/div>\n\t
Key integrations<\/h4>
<\/p>\n
\n
Outlook workflows<\/li>\n
Teams for external meetings<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>[vc_row_inner content_placement=”middle” el_id=”cta-contact” el_class=”cta-contact nc-section-gradient-bg white-text case-study-cta” css=”.vc_custom_1763531298550{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;border-radius: 10px !important;}”][vc_column_inner css=”.vc_custom_1763531101973{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}”]
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1. Policy and legal groundwork<\/h3>\nThe ministry reviewed and updated internal policies to support modern collaboration tools while staying compliant with GDPR and other regulations.<\/p>\n

2. Technical research<\/h3>\nA detailed comparison was conducted between Microsoft Teams and Nextcloud. They identified technical requirements and potential integrations needed for a successful setup.<\/p>\n

1. Policy and legal groundwork<\/h3>\n
The ministry reviewed and updated internal policies to support modern collaboration tools while staying compliant with GDPR and other regulations.<\/p>\n

2. Technical research<\/h3>\n
A detailed comparison was conducted between Microsoft Teams and Nextcloud. They identified technical requirements and potential integrations needed for a successful setup.<\/p>\n