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Empowering National Defence: The Strongest Solution with Collabora Online

In our exploration of how Collabora Online empowers various sectors, we’ve already uncovered its pivotal role in government initiatives and educational institutions. Now, let’s delve into how Collabora Online extends its capabilities to strengthen the digital sovereignty of military and national defence infrastructure. Just as we seamlessly integrate with the workflows of governments and elevate the educational experience, Collabora Online stands ready to meet the unique demands of military applications. From on-premise hosting anywhere in the world to robust data security and interoperability, Collabora Online emerges as a steadfast ally in the strategic landscape of military and national defence operations.

 

1. Host Anywhere in the World

Collabora Online offers unmatched flexibility in deployment. Whether in a remote desert outpost, a naval vessel, or a submarine with no possibility of a reliable connection to a traditional cloud, Collabora Online proves to be the best and only secure solution. This capability is vital for military operations that demand collaborative access to documents, with real-time editing, but without dependency on any third party infrastructure system. Sensitive data can be securely shared, whilst always staying within secure boundaries with Collabora Online.

Furthermore, with our new Collabora Online Controller, deployment and management in a Kubernetes cluster in a container on the battlefield is now easier than ever.

2. Data Security and Privacy

Perhaps an obvious point, but seemingly overlooked in many cases. Governments are rightfully concerned about data security and privacy, especially in military and defence applications. In this arena, Collabora Online stands out as the only solution with real-time collaborative editing and the highest levels of security (find out more here). Its on-premise hosting capability ensures that sensitive information remains within the control of national defence authorities, removing dependence on third-party services with potential security or jurisdictional concerns.

3. Open Source Code for Unmatched Adaptability

The open-source nature of Collabora Online empowers military applications with unparalleled adaptability. Its interoperability with other systems, both proprietary and open source, enables seamless collaboration and data exchange. Additionally, our out-of-the-box source code escrow means your software is continually maintained, whilst the ability to customize and modify the source code ensures that Collabora Online aligns precisely with the unique needs and requirements of military and national defence institutions.

4. Cost-Efficiency in Defence Operations

It is no secret that cost-efficiency is a top priority for governments, which has a direct effect on military and defence spending. Collabora Online offers a cost-effective solution without compromising on quality. By reducing licensing costs associated with proprietary software, governments can allocate resources more efficiently without losing access to a powerful and fully-featured office suite for document creation, editing, and collaboration.

 

As we continue to empower organisations in their journey toward digital sovereignty, Collabora Online stands as the reliable partner for military and national defence applications, offering control, adaptability, and security in an ever-evolving landscape.


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Flexible Integrations, Custom UIs, Genuine Partnership – Collabora Online and EGroupware

In a recent video call with EGroupware Managing Director, Birgit Becker, we learned about some of the impressive ways EGroupware is leveraging the power of Collabora Online to enhance productivity across their software suite. In this blog post, we’ll take a quick dive into some of the ways Collabora Online’s adaptability and openness shine in this integration.

Powerful email integration

A customised user interface is just one of the ways Collabora Online has been adapted to seamlessly fit into the EGroupware ecosystem. Something that can only be dreamed of with proprietary systems, this becomes a reality with Collabora Online. In their customisation, EGroupware developers have added email functionality directly into the Collabora Online document editor interface. Rather than having to download a document and attach it to an email with a separate email application, the whole process can be managed directly from the document editor UI with just a few clicks. This integration is then further developed within the EGroupware CRM, enabling EGroupware users to quickly and easily identify which documents have been sent to which email addresses.

Flexible custom fields

EGroupware takes further advantage of Collabora Online’s versatility by allowing the insertion of EGroupware standard data or custom fields from other EGroupware modules directly into Collabora Online documents. The open-source nature of Collabora Online enables this kind of deep integration, providing users with a flexible platform where functionalities can be extended to meet specific needs. This adaptability ensures that Collabora Online is not a one-size-fits-all ‘my way or the highway’ solution, but a dynamic tool that evolves with the unique requirements of each user.

Genuine partnership

As Birgit put it towards the end of the call, “If we have a problem, we can open a ticket at your side, and it’s always one-to-one discussion. It doesn’t make us feel like a smaller company or something – we are just a partner.” At Collabora Online, we take great pride in the service we provide to our partners and integrators. This comment highlights the friendly and collaborative nature of the partnership between Collabora Online and EGroupware. With direct lines of communication, problem-solving is quick and efficient, fostering a relationship where both sides feel equally valued.


We’d love to bring some of this powerful yet flexible goodness to your organisation! Sign up below for a free trial, and unleash the power of Collabora Online.

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Find out more about the Collabora Online and EGroupware integration here.

Empowering Education: A Smart Choice with Collabora Online

Following on from our recent post about Collabora Online and governments, as well as our recent discussion of the German government’s openDesk initiative, we want to explain why Collabora Online is increasingly becoming the document editor of choice for many universities and educational institutions.

Some Background

Collabora Online has now been operating for over 10 years, bringing control and security to an increasing number of sectors. In this span of time, we’ve seen legislation and regulations evolve, and more recently universities are also waking to the significance of data security and digital sovereignty. In the wake of global events, such as the Ukraine war, dependency on foreign organizations for digital infrastructure also sparks concerns.

1. Join the Free World

Learning is synonymous with free thinking, creativity, and innovation. For centuries, universities have been the bastions of research and progress, pushing against a secretive world. As dynamic environments where ideas flourish, opting for an open solution, such as Collabora Online, aligns seamlessly with the spirit of academia.

Unlike proprietary platforms that may impose limitations and roadblocks, Collabora Online empowers universities to foster a culture of exploration and intellectual freedom. By embracing an open-source approach, institutions ensure that their students and faculty are not confined to a predetermined path, but rather equipped with a versatile and adaptable tool that grows alongside their evolving needs and aspirations.

2. Privacy and Data Control

With growing concerns about data privacy, Collabora Online provides a secure environment for educational institutions to work within. Institutions can maintain control over sensitive information, ensuring that student and faculty data remains protected. French1 and German2 governments in fact have already said that Microsoft Office 365 and Google Workspace should not be used in schools due to ongoing concerns about data sovereignty, and privacy. Other governments and public bodies appear to moving in the same direction3,4.

Take control of your personal data, your research data, and your students’ data with Collabora Online.

3. Compatibility and Accessibility

Collabora Online’s compatibility with popular document formats ensures smooth integration with existing systems. This flexibility allows universities and schools to transition seamlessly to Collabora Online, preserving compatibility with a wide range of file types and ensuring a smooth workflow for both educators and students.

We are also continuously developing our accessibility, ensuring the the world of education remains as open as possible.

4. Integrations

With an open code, you can use Collabora Online however you want. Integrate with the open-source learning platform moodle, or your existing sharepoint, or your email client, or your video calling provider, or your… If you can dream it, we can do it. Join the new world of possibilities!

 

In conclusion, Collabora Online emerges as the ideal document editor for universities and educational institutions. Unbound by the rules of closed platforms – we fully embrace the spirit of exploration and creativity. Choosing Collabora Online, universities empower their students and faculty with a tool that not only respects privacy and data control but also seamlessly integrates with existing systems.

As institutions worldwide navigate the complexities of digital sovereignty, Collabora Online stands as a beacon, offering a reliable and versatile document editing solution for the academic community. Embrace the future of education with Collabora Online – where openness, compatibility, and security converge.

 


Keep your data secure with Collabora Online.

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Collabora Online – Safe, Powerful, Flexible.


1https://www.theregister.com/2022/11/22/france_no_windows_google/

2https://news.sophos.com/en-us/2019/07/17/germany-bans-schools-from-using-tech-giants-clouds/

3https://radar.dk/artikel/borgmester-undervurderer-chromebook-regning-nye-pcer-vil-koste-cirka-30-millioner

Empowering Governments: Collabora Online and Sovereignty

In our previous post, we delved into Collabora’s exciting collaboration with the German Federal Ministry of the Interior (BMI) and other partners on the groundbreaking openDesk project. Today, we’ll take a closer look at why Collabora Online, in particular, is an ideal fit for governments aiming to strengthen their digital sovereignty.

1. Bringing Real Pedigree

You might not have heard of Collabora Online until recently, but we are based on and are the world’s largest code contributor to LibreOffice, which traces its history back to 19851 (5 years earlier than Microsoft Office2). As mentioned in the introduction above, we are a core part of the German Government’s openDesk project, and are already used by many more authorities, both local and national.

With this history comes our long-running commitment to interoperability which means that governments can seamlessly integrate us into their existing IT ecosystems, whether they be document management systems, email clients, or cloud storage solutions. Unlike some of our larger proprietary competitors, it’s not ‘my way or the highway’ with Collabora Online.

2. No Hidden Tricks

Collabora Online is built on a foundation of open-source software, which aligns perfectly with the principles of transparency and openness that governments value. This ensures that governments have full access to the source code, allowing them to review, modify, and tailor the software to meet their unique needs. It’s the epitome of control and autonomy.

Furthermore, we are committed to long-term support and development. Governments can rely on a stable and continuously evolving office suite that adapts with their needs. As an open-source solution bringing zero risk of vendor lock-in, governments and civil servants also need not fear of having their data or certain functionality held ransom as is increasingly being seen in the adoption of granular subscription models3 .

3. Data Security and Privacy

Arguably this should have taken top spot on the list. Governments are rightly concerned about services that require exporting data to third-party companies operating in foreign jurisdictions (we’re looking at you Office 365/Teams). Whilst GDPR regulations are going some way to reduce extra-national jurisdictional questions (more on that here [link to GDPR post]), the only real solution for governments is to host their applications and data themselves, or with a local hosting service, an option unavailable from any other leading collaborative document editor.

Collabora Online brings real-time collaborative editing, twinned with the highest levels of security[security onion link] and on-premise hosting. Utilizing Collabora Online, governments can protect their data while collaborating effectively.

4. Cost-Efficiency

One of the top priorities for governments is to provide value-for-money services for their citizens. Collabora Online provides a cost-effective solution without compromising on quality. We allow governments to reduce licensing costs associated with proprietary software while still enjoying a full-featured and powerful office suite for document creation, editing, and collaboration.

 

Collabora Online isn’t just an office suite, we’re a partner in the quest for digital sovereignty. Public bodies worldwide are recognizing the importance of maintaining control over their digital infrastructure, and Collabora Online offers a robust and flexible solution that aligns with these goals. As we continue to work on the openDesk project and similar initiatives, Collabora reaffirms our commitment to supporting governments in their journey toward digital sovereignty.


Keep your data secure with Collabora Online.

Try the Online Demo

Collabora Online – Safe, Powerful, Flexible.


1https://www.libreoffice.org/about-us/libreoffice-timeline/

2https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=wFAEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA50&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q&f=false

3https://www.euronews.com/next/2022/07/14/bmw-charging-a-monthly-fee-for-heated-seats-is-a-glimpse-into-the-future-of-cars

 

Collabora Online Empowering Series:

Empowering Education: A Smart Choice with Collabora Online

Empowering Governments: Collabora Online and Sovereignty

Empowering National Defence: The Strongest Solution with Collabora Online

How SURF keeps 66,000 users productive in Dutch universities

 

SURF, the collaborative ICT organization for Dutch education and research institutions, plays a vital role in supporting 14 universities, 36 universities of applied sciences, and 70 research institutions by managing their IT infrastructure. To address the need for secure data exchange within this academic ecosystem, SURF deployed SURFdrive, an ownCloud-based file-sharing platform. However, they also required an online office productivity suite to enable real-time collaborative editing of documents, tables, and presentations.

In response to stringent data security requirements, SURF sought a solution that could be self-hosted, ensuring efficient and secure data exchange while allowing simultaneous real-time collaboration. ownCloud met their file-sharing needs, but they still needed an office productivity suite. Collabora Online emerged as the ideal solution, seamlessly integrating with ownCloud to enable users to access, create, and edit office documents collaboratively. Multiple authorized users could work on the same documents simultaneously, eliminating version conflicts.

 

Find out how the combination of ownCloud and Collabora Online has been highly successful for SurfNet, allowing SURFdrive to connect 59 institutions and serving 66,000 users in the Dutch academic landscape.

Download the Full White Paper

Explore the full details of how Collabora Online is helping in The Netherlands. Dive into the full white paper to uncover the benefits and insights.

 

Case Study

“Together with ownCloud and Collabora Online, we have created an IT infrastructure that meets [and] can keep up with the large enterprises in terms of performance and usability”