EU Microsoft Teams alternative slammed as ‘absolute sh*t’ – Politico

Brussels has reportedly chosen an app developed by a UK-based company in a bid to reduce technological dependence on the US The European Commission’s attempt to bolster its “digital sovereignty” and reduce reliance on US technology has fallen flat, with its chosen “backup” internal communications app facing sharp criticism from EU officials, Politico has reported.Dubbed ‘Element Pro’, the new app was described by the Commission as a “sovereign back-up to Teams” – the body’s main communications tool developed by US software giant Microsoft – according to an internal memo seen by the news site. Element Pro was introduced in July to help “ensure… business continuity” in the event of a potential “disruption.”“In recent months, digital sovereignty has become increasingly important,” the Commission told staff in the memo. “In practice, this means having greater control over our data and systems so that we can reduce risks and limit disruption to our work, wherever possible.” The app was developed by UK-based company Element Creations, which also has subsidiaries in France, Germany, and the US. The company, founded about a decade ago, advertises itself as a provider of a “digitally sovere...