Many businesses rely on IT systems that seem convenient at first glance – everything from one provider, everything "integrated." But if you take a closer look, there is a serious downside: vendor lock-in. This means you are tied to the products and services of a specific vendor – with all the consequences: license costs, technical dependencies, limited flexibility, and reduced ability to innovate.
Typical examples include Microsoft 365 or SAP, as well as many modern cloud, communication, or automation platforms. What works today may become expensive, inflexible, or even non-compliant with data protection laws tomorrow.
At |knowhere, we approach IT differently. We talk about alternative IT concepts – not to fight against Goliath, but to give businesses a real choice. Our goal is to create flexible, future-proof IT solutions that are secure, independent, and GDPR-compliant.
Open source is the key. Open systems can be combined, extended, and customized – without being locked into a single vendor. This opens up entirely new opportunities, especially for small and medium-sized businesses.
Some relatable examples:
- Home automation: While many smart home ecosystems only work with devices from the same manufacturer, open-source platforms like Home Assistant allow integration of devices from various brands – with no forced cloud or app usage.
- File sharing and collaboration: Nextcloud offers a fully self-managed alternative to OneDrive or Google Drive – including calendars, tasks, and online office tools.
- Communication: With Jitsi Meet or Mattermost, you can run your own secure communication platforms – no need for external providers.
- ERP systems like Dolibarr: Modular and customizable – unlike SAP environments that are difficult to break free from once adopted.
Vendor lock-in always means less freedom. Open source, on the other hand, means control, integration, and growth on your own terms.
That is why we at |knowhere rely on open platforms. Not just for the principle – but because we truly believe in it.