New cloud service aims to free higher education from Big Tech’s grip
From January 2026, staff and students in higher education will be able to use Nextcloud, an alternative collaboration environment. Surf, the ICT cooperative for higher education, wants to make universities and colleges less dependent on American big tech companies.
European alternative
Nextcloud was chosen because it is a European company that is not solely focused on profit and considers privacy to be of paramount importance. In addition, the company actively contributes ideas for solutions that scientists need.
In recent years, researchers from AlgoSoc have been collaborating on a pilot project with Nextcloud. “It is surprisingly user-friendly,” says Helberger. “Admittedly, it’s not yet perfect. What’s more, we still have to log in via Microsoft to use Nextcloud. So we’re not there yet.”
However, Helberger believes that investing in Nextcloud is time well spent. “We have to start somewhere with a European alternative, and I hope that many colleagues will take advantage of the offer to try Nextcloud.”
Freedom of choice
A scientific world without Microsoft is still a long way off, Helberger believes, but a short-term alternative is feasible. “Digital autonomy does not mean that you no longer use American software, but that you have freedom of choice. As a public institution, the UvA has a certain obligation to help with this.”
Surf is initially offering Nextcloud for one year and hopes that this broader pilot will provide practical experience of how teams work together in the software. The spokesperson does not want to speculate on whether it will ultimately be able to completely replace other cloud services.
