The contribution of alternatives to US software: 4 email providers from Europe from Fabian Peters first appeared on Basic Thinking. You always stay up to date with our newsletter.
After the take office of US President Donald Trump again, the question arises whether the United States is still a reliable partner for Europe. Due to the tariffs imposed by Trump, many EU citizens want to boycott products from the USA. It’s not easy at the software level. But there are alternatives. Here are four email providers from Europe.
The idea of foregoing software products from the USA is not new. Because companies such as Microsoft, Amazon, Google, Apple and Facebook Group Meta not only have an enormous market power, but also use it-sometimes with contrary practices.
Many also have concerns that sensitive data in the hands of US companies are not in good hands. After the take office of US President Donald Trump again, the topic is gaining in importance again, since the question is increasingly asking whether the United States is still a reliable partner for Europe. Trump’s external and trade policy decisions such as his customs policy at least nourishes great doubts.
US software: alternatives from Europe
Tech-COS such as Mark Zuckerberg (Meta), Sundar Pichai (Google), Elon Musk (X) and Tim Cook (Apple) also seem to be shot in front of Trump. Critics therefore fear a closer interweaving of politics and business – possibly at the expense of user interests and data protection. Against this background, we present four email providers from Europe-as alternatives to US software such as Gmail and Outlook.
1. GMX/ Web.de
GMX and Web.de are two of the most famous German email services. Both platforms belong to 1 & 1 Mail & Media GmbH, a subsidiary of United Internet AG. Both GMX and Web.de offer free email accounts with virus protection and spam filters. Both services are part of the “E-Mail Made in Germany” initiative, which stands for relatively high security and data protection standards. GMX and Web.de save all data on servers in Germany. The sending and receiving of emails are sent via SSL/TLS encryption. Both services are advertised and contain corresponding ads. The storage capacity of free accounts is also limited. Additional volume is only available for a monthly fee.
2. Proton mail
Proton Mail is an email provider from Switzerland who attaches particular importance to security and privacy. The service protects emails using the end-to-end encryption so that nobody can read messages and recipients messages. Proton Mail is based on a so-called zero access architecture. Specifically, the company itself has no access to stored emails. Proton Mail offers a two-factor authentication and blocks tracking pixels in emails to protect users’ privacy. All servers of the provider are in Switzerland. There is a free version and a paid plus subscription that contains, among other things, more storage space.
3. Orange mail
Orange Mail is an email service from the telecommunications company Orange, where the French state holds the majority of the shares. The offer is aimed primarily at users in France and includes free email accounts with integrated virus protection and spam filter. Orange Mail stores all emails and user data on servers in France. E-mails are transmitted via SSL/TLS encryption. Orange mail is advertised. However, the corresponding ads are only displayed on the platform surface. The free version only includes limited storage space. Additional volume is only available via a paid cloud subscription.
4. Posteo
Posteo is an independent German email provider from Berlin. The company attaches great importance to sustainability, security and data protection. The service is financed exclusively through user fees and completely dispenses with advertising. The cheapest subscription costs one euro per month. Posteo only uses green electricity from Green Planet Energy and relies on open source software. All servers are protected in Germany and LUKS encryption. Posteo offers anonymous registration and payment in order to be able to guarantee the absolute privacy of its users.
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The contribution of alternatives to US software: 4 email providers from Europe from Fabian Peters first appeared on Basic Thinking. Follow us too Google News and Flipboard.
As a Tech Industry expert, I believe that considering alternatives to US software is a smart move for companies looking to diversify their tech stack and reduce dependence on American companies. One area where European providers excel is in email services, with several options offering robust features and data privacy protections.
Four email providers from Europe that I would recommend exploring are ProtonMail, Tutanota, Posteo, and Mailbox.org. ProtonMail, based in Switzerland, is known for its end-to-end encryption and commitment to user privacy. Tutanota, a German provider, also offers encrypted email services and has a strong focus on security. Posteo and Mailbox.org, both based in Germany, are popular choices for their sustainable and ethical business practices, as well as their commitment to data protection.
By choosing one of these European email providers, companies can benefit from enhanced data security, privacy protections, and a more diverse software ecosystem. It’s important to carefully evaluate each provider’s features, pricing, and terms of service to determine which best fits your organization’s needs. Ultimately, diversifying your tech stack with European alternatives can help reduce risk and enhance your company’s resilience in the ever-evolving tech landscape.
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