Office software: replacing Microsoft Office
| Solution | Country / publisher | Origin | Open source | Self-hostable | Pricing model | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Infomaniak kSuite | Switzerland | Switzerland | Partial | No | Freemium | Mail, docs, kDrive, kChat, kMeet |
| Proton Docs | Switzerland | Switzerland | No | No | Freemium | Encrypted documents |
| Nextcloud + Collabora Online | Germany / United Kingdom | EU | Yes | Yes | Free / business subscription | Collabora is a British company |
| LibreOffice | Germany (The Document Foundation) | EU | Yes | Yes (local software) | Free | Open ODF formats |
LibreOffice is the simplest migration: software installed on each computer, open formats (ODF), decent compatibility with Word and Excel files. For working together on the same document, kSuite (online, hosted in Switzerland) or Nextcloud with Collabora (hosted wherever you want) take over.
Storage: replacing Google Drive and OneDrive
| Solution | Country / publisher | Origin | Open source | Self-hostable | Pricing model | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| kDrive (Infomaniak) | Switzerland | Switzerland | No | No | Freemium | |
| Proton Drive | Switzerland | Switzerland | Yes (apps) | No | Freemium | End-to-end encryption |
| Nextcloud | Germany | EU | Yes | Yes | Free / business subscription |
kDrive and Proton Drive are hosted in Switzerland and used like Google Drive, with a sync app on computers. Nextcloud is the choice of organisations that want their own server, with calendar, contacts and document editing built in.
The real question: the format
A .docx file stays readable everywhere; a Google Docs document exists only in Google. Before migrating storage, export native documents (Docs, Sheets, Slides) to a file format, then move the folder tree. It is the moment to sort: a migration is a good opportunity to archive.
Where to start
- Install LibreOffice on the computers and use it for new documents; keep Office during the transition.
- Export native Google or Microsoft documents to files, then migrate the folder tree to kDrive, Proton Drive or Nextcloud.
- Set a simple rule: open formats for everything that must last.
I put this kind of migration in place with your teams: inventory, choices by data sensitivity, staged switch-over, operations. A first conversation is enough to know where to start.
Frequently asked questions
Does LibreOffice open Word and Excel files?
Yes. Compatibility is good for everyday documents; complex layouts and macros may need adjustments.
Can several people work on a document without Google Docs?
Yes, with kSuite (Infomaniak) or Nextcloud and Collabora Online: simultaneous editing in the browser, hosted in Switzerland or on your server.
Should storage be end-to-end encrypted?
For sensitive data, Proton Drive does it by default. For everyday use, kDrive or Nextcloud with Swiss or European hosting meet the need.