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Amsterdam wants to phase out US big tech software, but how do you approach that?

Amsterdam wants to phase out US big tech software, but how do you approach that?

The Amsterdam municipal government is launching a plan to gradually replace software from major American tech firms due to concerns over digital dependency and security. With Dutch municipalities currently spending 185 million euros annually on Microsoft, the city aims to transition toward more independent and sovereign technology solutions.

Based on reporting by ad. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

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