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France Launches "La Suite": A Digital Sovereignty Model That Could Inspire Quebec

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TL;DR:

  • France is deploying "Docs", a sovereign collaborative text editor integrated into La Suite numerique
  • A 100% open source solution (MIT licence) hosted on certified SecNumCloud infrastructure
  • Real-time collaboration, offline work, granular access controls and AI integration
  • Quebec relies on American cloud solutions (Microsoft, AWS, IBM) for 85% of its needs
  • A study suggests Quebec could have saved $265M with free software alternatives


Sources:

Suite numerique France - Docs launch

La Suite numerique - Official website

Strategic Context

France is strengthening its digital sovereignty with the launch of "Docs", a collaborative editing tool designed to replace Google Docs and Microsoft 365 in the public sector. This initiative, led by the Interministerial Digital Directorate (DINUM), is part of a broader strategy to reduce dependency on foreign tech giants while ensuring full control over sensitive data.

Key Features of Docs

Sovereignty: Data hosted in France on SecNumCloud infrastructure, protected against extraterritorial legislation such as the American Cloud Act 7 21.

Open source: Developed with Django and Next.js, Docs leverages open source projects like Yjs and BlockNote.js, fostering transparency and collaborative innovation 15.

Advanced features:

Knowledge base creation with sub-pages

Export to PDF/Word/OpenDocument

Integrated AI for text reformulation and translation

Authentication via ProConnect, France's secure system23.

Quebec Facing the Digital Dependency Challenge

While France accelerates its transition to sovereign solutions, Quebec remains largely dependent on foreign proprietary tools:

85% of government cloud contracts are awarded without tenders to three American giants 16 18.

71% of contract value goes to Microsoft, according to Le Devoir data (2021)18.

An IRIS study (2013) estimated that Quebec could have saved $265M by adopting free software17.

However, initiatives do exist: creation of the Ministry of Cybersecurity and Digital Affairs (2022), policy framework on free software (2010), and Bill 82 on sovereign digital identity 11 13.

Why Draw Inspiration from the French Model?

  1. Cost reduction: Free software eliminates recurring licence fees.

2. Enhanced security: Hosting on SecNumCloud or Quebec-based infrastructure protects against cyber threats and foreign interference.

3. Stimulating the local ecosystem: Developing sovereign alternatives would create specialized jobs and reduce dependency on external consultants 15 19.

Concrete Steps for Quebec

Prioritize certified infrastructure (a Quebec equivalent of SecNumCloud) for sensitive data.

Expand the use of free software in government, as outlined in the 2010 policy framework12.

Collaborate with the local FOSS ecosystem (e.g., CELL Quebec, Quebec Open Source Network) to adapt solutions like Docs to Quebec's specific needs.



Blue Fox supports organizations in this transition toward sovereign and ethical digital solutions.

Learn more: www.bluefoxconsultant.com

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