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Transitioning to a Culture of Digital Sovereignty

with …

Collectively Enabling or Disabling the Dominating Surveillance System

The need for this transition arises from a collective need for healthier digital practices amidst the widespread dominance of BigTech companies. For decades, users have relied on the seemingly convenient and cost-effective offerings of these tech giants to store emails, files, and and share media on social platforms.

However, events of recent years have shed light on the alarming consequences of this pattern. As Yanis Varoufakis aptly terms them, the ‘Techno-Feudals’ exert an increasingly pervasive control over our governments, organizations, markets, and information circulation. Most significantly, they influence individuals’ social behavior using social media algorithms, heralding a dystopian era of surveillance at unprecedented levels.

We collectively create results nobody wants.
–  Otto Scharmer

The repercussions of this hegemony extend far beyond mere convenience, threatening the very fabric of privacy, autonomy, and healthy social systems. It’s evident that the current trajectory is unhealthy and calls for a shift towards decentralized and more secure alternatives.

By embracing this transition, individuals not only claim more control over their digital lives but also contribute towards a more healthy, equitable and transparent digital landscape.

Cloud: “An automated system to shape human behaviour.” – Yanis Varoufakis (to be expanded)

We reside in an era where data wields substantial political and economic influence. Tech giants provide free or highly affordable digital services as they’ve mastered the art of monetizing and leveraging data for significant profit and widespread influence. As a result, our usage of these services inadvertently empowers them to sway global markets and mold the social behavior of upcoming generations, often in alignment with the hidden agendas of groups that prioritize interests misaligned with the well-being of humanity and the planet.

What else is possible?

Leveraging the power of open-source software and the accessibility of cloud computing to create islands of sanity.

With platforms like NextCloud, individuals and groups have the opportunity to join little islands of digital sovereignty. They can store their digital assets and collaborate with others without perpetuating the surveillance ecosystem of tech giants. These islands offer a space where privacy and autonomy are prioritized, where individuals can reclaim control over their digital lives and stop contributing to the surveilance system.

With embracing these alternatives, the possibility of a healthier digital future becomes increasingly tangible.

a lighthouse on a small island in the middle of the ocean

What is needed to build an island?

Computing Power

Hardware / Virtual Private Server
A share of a computer that is connected to the Internet, providing computing power for running the softwares that are needed.

Operating system

Open Source Linux Server
The operating system as a base for running basic server tasks, which includes a website and email server.

Cloud Platform

NextCloud Hub
File storage, collaboration tools, calendar, contacts, and more, providing users control over their data and privacy.

Setup & Configuration

Development
It needs a set of skills known as SysAdmin (System Administration) which includes setting up the operating system, required servers and other components of a well functioning including security, monitoring and backup.

Administration

Facilitating Processes
Administrative tasks are required to take care of financial interactions, information circulation and support.

Technical Maintenance

NextCloud Hub
Like any other IT system, there needs to be regular monitoring, maintenance and software updating to keep the system healthy, secure and up to date.

What is needed for transitioning?

Effort & Dedication for Transition

Transferring Data & Learning
Two types of effort are essential: initially, transferring emails and files to the new system, and then, adapting to its applications and interfaces. The required effort varies based on the complexity of the old system and the user’s technological proficiency.

Extra Costs

Sharing the Costs
System users collectively shoulder setup costs, monthly fees for computing capacity, essential services, and dedicated human resources for ongoing maintenance and administration, tailored to the system’s size and user base.

Example cost estimation

One Off Setup

Task / ItemCost (€)40 Users60 Users80 Users100 Users200 Users
Development Work & Resources
Including 2 months of server and related services costs
2200
55
37
27.5
22
11
User Acocunt Setup / User
10
10
10
10
10
Total Initial Cost / User
65
47
37.5
32
22

Monthly

Task / ItemCost (€)40 Users60 Users80 Users100 Users200 Users
Computing Power (Server)
32 GB / 12 Cores / 1 TB SSD (40 / 60)
64 GB / 16 Cores / 2 TB SSD (80 / 100)
128 GB / 24 Cores / 4 TB (200)
35
60
110
Email Delivery Service
40’000 emails per month
15
Backup Storage
10TB
25
General Monitoring & Maintenance
4 hours of system administration
180
SUM
255
255
255
280
280
330
SUM / User
6.25
4.2
3.4
2.75
1.65
File Storage / User
250GB
3
3
3
3
3
Maintenance / User

4

4

4

4

4

Administration / User
5
5
5
5
5
Total / User (€)

18.25

16.2

15.4

14.75

13.65

Is it time to transition to healthier digital eco-systems?

Susan Ryan

Parent-Child Mother Goose Program, Toronto, Canada
Kamyar built our charity a very beautiful and very effective website. He had been personally recommended by the chair of our board of directors and he did not disappoint! Kamyar is a profoundly thoughtful and compassionate person, and these qualities come through in his graceful service. I cannot recommend Kamyar highly enough.

James Alexander

Human Design Coach & Trainer, Chicago
Kamyar stands out amongst the website developers I have worked with. I could tell he would be an ideal long term partner for my website needs with his very calm, grounded, demeanor and his ability to explain complex technical subject matter in a simple, plainspoken, way. He quickly understood my vision and was able to add to it with great suggestions on improving my UX, SEO, and overall digital marketing. I found him to be completely reliable throughout the web development process. He promptly answered questions, addressed issues with my site, and delivered the site on schedule. His process is entirely transparent and I always had a clear sense of his progress. I highly recommend Kamyar, and look forward to working with him again soon on other projects.

Nalan & Nicolas Lecerf

Founders, Via Hygeia, Edirne
We are very happy to have met Kamyar, first as a friend then as a partner to design our website. He was very patient and helpful, since we knew roughly what we wanted, but haven't decided yet on the subtile details. He approached us as a coach, making us contemplate about our goals, target group and personal style. Kamyar is not only present during the development phase but also in the after sales service, always looking for the greater good of his customers. We are delighted to have a well-designed website with an easy to use content management system.

Müge Erdogmus-Turnbull

Psychotherapist, Drama & Movement Therapist, Supervisor, London
It’s been a privilege to work on my website with Kamyar- he is really present, listens so well and i felt he got me and what i needed so easily! He is very creative, his aesthetic sense and perspective was what brought my website to life. As a psychotherapist, my website is often how my clients first make contact with me and i have been getting such great comments on my website and my work has really flourished due to the website reflecting my soul and my work so accurately. I highly recommend working with Kamyar if you are looking for your inner potential to come alive and show itself…

Begüm Erenler

Founder of Owl School, Fethiye, Turkey
Kamyar's amazing gift of being an attentive listener made everything much easier during the contruction of the website. Not only is he talented and experienced in technical matters but also he really gets what you want. It was a pleasure to work with him.

Ayşe Dayı

Founder of Orca Dreams, Scholar, Berlin
I am in love with my Orca Dreams website. I love the clean, simple and aesthetic design that meets functionality. Everyone who visited my website stated its beauty, its clarity and the way it gave them calm and peace, which is fully in line with my work on holistic health and mindfulness. It was a joy working with Kamyar. From the beginning to the end, he listened deeply to my work concept, my ideas, wishes and dreams. He helped me to become clearer in the organization and presentation of my ideas and my work. Kamyar took time with each detail, and made room for custom tailored functions as needed. I also appreciate him teaching his customers on how to use the website, giving training and support during the process and having options for follow-up support.

Hala Makarem

Founder of nCommunity, Author, Beirut
"Kamyar offered his wisdom of listening and his practical up-to-date knowledge of website development into the conversations as the process was unfolding. At a practical level, he delivered solutions that maintain the balance between design/art and information. He also infused the process with creative suggestions on design improvements in relation to user needs. His technical knowledge combined with his acute intuitive perceptive senses resulted in a practical special online platform, a website that is easy to update and expand."

Esin Suvarierol

Upgrade of my website with Kamyar was easily and I’m pleasantly surprised. My website is now more clear and first of all I have now a better overview. I enjoyed the cooperation and learned a lot of things. Thank you Kamyar for your professional support.

    Susan Ryan

    Parent-Child Mother Goose Program, Toronto, Canada
    Kamyar built our charity a very beautiful and very effective website. He had been personally recommended by the chair of our board of directors and he did not disappoint! Kamyar is a profoundly thoughtful and compassionate person, and these qualities come through in his graceful service. I cannot recommend Kamyar highly enough.

    James Alexander

    Human Design Coach & Trainer, Chicago
    Kamyar stands out amongst the website developers I have worked with. I could tell he would be an ideal long term partner for my website needs with his very calm, grounded, demeanor and his ability to explain complex technical subject matter in a simple, plainspoken, way. He quickly understood my vision and was able to add to it with great suggestions on improving my UX, SEO, and overall digital marketing. I found him to be completely reliable throughout the web development process. He promptly answered questions, addressed issues with my site, and delivered the site on schedule. His process is entirely transparent and I always had a clear sense of his progress. I highly recommend Kamyar, and look forward to working with him again soon on other projects.

    Nalan & Nicolas Lecerf

    Founders, Via Hygeia, Edirne
    We are very happy to have met Kamyar, first as a friend then as a partner to design our website. He was very patient and helpful, since we knew roughly what we wanted, but haven't decided yet on the subtile details. He approached us as a coach, making us contemplate about our goals, target group and personal style. Kamyar is not only present during the development phase but also in the after sales service, always looking for the greater good of his customers. We are delighted to have a well-designed website with an easy to use content management system.

    Müge Erdogmus-Turnbull

    Psychotherapist, Drama & Movement Therapist, Supervisor, London
    It’s been a privilege to work on my website with Kamyar- he is really present, listens so well and i felt he got me and what i needed so easily! He is very creative, his aesthetic sense and perspective was what brought my website to life. As a psychotherapist, my website is often how my clients first make contact with me and i have been getting such great comments on my website and my work has really flourished due to the website reflecting my soul and my work so accurately. I highly recommend working with Kamyar if you are looking for your inner potential to come alive and show itself…

    Begüm Erenler

    Founder of Owl School, Fethiye, Turkey
    Kamyar's amazing gift of being an attentive listener made everything much easier during the contruction of the website. Not only is he talented and experienced in technical matters but also he really gets what you want. It was a pleasure to work with him.

    Ayşe Dayı

    Founder of Orca Dreams, Scholar, Berlin
    I am in love with my Orca Dreams website. I love the clean, simple and aesthetic design that meets functionality. Everyone who visited my website stated its beauty, its clarity and the way it gave them calm and peace, which is fully in line with my work on holistic health and mindfulness. It was a joy working with Kamyar. From the beginning to the end, he listened deeply to my work concept, my ideas, wishes and dreams. He helped me to become clearer in the organization and presentation of my ideas and my work. Kamyar took time with each detail, and made room for custom tailored functions as needed. I also appreciate him teaching his customers on how to use the website, giving training and support during the process and having options for follow-up support.

    Hala Makarem

    Founder of nCommunity, Author, Beirut
    "Kamyar offered his wisdom of listening and his practical up-to-date knowledge of website development into the conversations as the process was unfolding. At a practical level, he delivered solutions that maintain the balance between design/art and information. He also infused the process with creative suggestions on design improvements in relation to user needs. His technical knowledge combined with his acute intuitive perceptive senses resulted in a practical special online platform, a website that is easy to update and expand."

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