Two-Thirds of Dutch Municipalities Use Microsoft Email Services

By Netvora Tech News

A recent study has revealed that two-thirds of Dutch municipalities use Microsoft's email services. The research, conducted by investigator Jurgen Gaeremyn, analyzed DNS data to reach this conclusion. "A significant portion of the rest will also use Microsoft's services, but will place another mail server in between, making it invisible," Gaeremyn told the AD. The findings come amidst concerns over Microsoft's dominance in the email services market and the company's recent decision to block the email account of the International Criminal Court's chief prosecutor. "We've been told that only Microsoft, Google, and Amazon know how it's done, but that's not true," security expert Bert Huber said in an interview with the AD. Gaeremyn's research also examined the situation in other countries, including Belgium, and made the code for the used software publicly available. The investigator emphasized the importance of countries maintaining control over the software they use, as this eliminates the need to trust a company. "The longer we wait, the harder it will be to break free," he warned.

Consequences of Microsoft's Dominance

The study's findings raise concerns about the consequences of relying on a single company for email services. Microsoft's dominance in the market makes it difficult for other companies to compete, and its decision to block the email account of a prominent individual has sparked concerns about the company's motives.

Calls for Increased Transparency

Gaeremyn's research highlights the need for increased transparency in the tech industry. By making the code for the used software publicly available, the investigator aimed to promote accountability and encourage other countries to take control of their own software.

More Than Just an Email Service

The study's findings are not just limited to email services. They have broader implications for the tech industry as a whole. As more and more countries rely on a handful of companies for essential services, the risk of dependence on these companies grows.

The study highlights the need for countries to take control of their own software and not rely on a single company.
The findings also raise concerns about the motives of companies like Microsoft, which have significant influence over the email services market.
The research emphasizes the importance of transparency in the tech industry and the need for countries to maintain control over their own software.