SovereignDesk – The sovereign workplace for public administration

Digital sovereignty requires collaborative working – organised and across different solutions. The launch of SovereignDesk introduces a new, open collaboration model that has been developed specifically to meet the needs of local and regional authorities in Germany. SovereignDesk is more than just a software solution – it is a contribution to the digital self-determination of public administration.

SovereignDesk is part of the ekom21 portfolio and will continue to be available through cooperatives such as govdigital – for simple, tender-free procurement. 

As part of the roll-out of SovereignDesk within the ekom21 ecosystem, an accompanying working group has been set up. The aim is to tailor SovereignDesk to the specific requirements of local authorities in Hesse, under a distinct brand identity and with bespoke enhancements. The final product name will be developed as part of this collaborative process. The technological foundation, the operating platform and SovereignDesk’s security and data protection commitments will remain unchanged.

At a time when digital sovereignty is increasingly becoming a strategic necessity, this software solution offers an open, transparent and customisable alternative to proprietary platforms. Based on tried-and-tested open-source components, it brings together all the tools that modern public administrations need for digital collaboration – securely, in compliance with data protection regulations and flexibly.

The service is provided centrally via Deutsche Telekom’s highly secure and independent platform, which also ensures the operation and scalability of selected services.

SovereignDesk offers a comprehensive range of features that can be seamlessly integrated into existing administrative processes:

• File storage & collaboration with Online Office
• Video conferencing with OpenTalk – browser-based, no client installation required
• Calendar, email & groupware – fully integrated
• Wiki & Project Management for Structured Collaboration
• Whiteboarding & surveys for creative processes
• Secure messaging based on the Matrix protocol
• Single Sign-On (SSO) and LDAP integration for easy user management

The product has also achieved its first successes: the solution was developed jointly by govIT and the City of Rüsselsheim am Main as a pilot project specifically tailored to the requirements of public administration. The solution is highly standardised, can be deployed quickly and offers end-to-end support – from planning through to implementation and operation.

SovereignDesk enables public authorities to design their digital infrastructure independently of individual providers. By using open source software, vendor lock-in is avoided, data protection requirements are met, and control over data and processes remains in public hands. This also includes an attractive cost model with usage-based billing and high scalability.

SovereignDesk paves the way for a new generation of digital workplaces in public administration. The solution is ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow, whether through integration with specialist systems, support for hybrid working models, or continuous development within the open-source ecosystem.

Because digital sovereignty is not a luxury, but a necessity.