Schools that have adopted SaaS solutions to optimize their productivity are at a crucial juncture to reconsider their long-term technological needs. Recent changes by key providers, such as Google and Microsoft, including the end of unlimited free storage and the elimination of essential licenses, are presenting new challenges related to costs, functionality, and data privacy. In this context, local alternatives such as Synology Office Suite emerge as sustainable and secure options that can adapt more effectively to the current and future demands of educational institutions.
In January 2025, Microsoft will implement changes to its Microsoft 365 Education suite that will deeply impact educational institutions. Among the changes are:
- The elimination of the free Office 365 A1 Plus plan.
- A reduction in group storage to 100 TB per tenant, which may be insufficient for many schools.
- License restrictions that limit some applications to web-only versions, excluding desktop versions of popular tools like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
These adjustments not only pose an economic challenge, pushing institutions towards more expensive paid plans, but they also raise concerns about data privacy and compliance with regulations such as FERPA and GDPR.
Privacy, Regulation, and Security: An Increasing Priority
With sensitive data such as student records, financial information, and research at stake, educational institutions are frequent targets of cyberattacks, affecting nearly 80% of organizations in the sector each year (Netwrix, 2024). The need to ensure security and privacy, along with auditable data management practices, underscores the urgency for more reliable solutions.
A Sustainable Alternative: Local Productivity Solutions
In the face of these transformations, migrating to on-premises productivity solutions offers educational institutions a sustainable and secure path. These solutions provide:
- Greater Data Control: eliminating dependence on the terms of service from SaaS providers.
- Cost Predictability: avoiding unexpected increases and reducing pressure on school budgets.
- Scalability and Stability: adapting to changing needs without risks of functional disruptions.
A notable example is the Synology Office Suite, a local solution that combines collaboration tools with high security standards. With features such as protected storage, real-time editing, and granular sharing permissions, it is ideal for group projects among students and educational management. Additionally, it facilitates administration through centralized dashboards and advanced access controls for IT teams.
Iván Gento, International Marketing Manager at Synology, stated:
“Recent changes in the policies of major SaaS providers are reminding us of the importance of regaining control over data and technological infrastructure. Local solutions not only provide a sustainable response to current challenges but also open the door to a safer and more efficient educational environment. It is time to act strategically and prioritize digital resilience in our educational institutions.”
The Role of the Technology Channel in the Transition
Distributors and technology integrators play a key role in this process, supporting educational institutions with:
- Strategic Consulting: assessing needs and opportunities for improvement.
- Implementation and Support: ensuring a smooth transition and continuous operation.
- Training: educating IT teams on the efficient use of new platforms.
- Financing Options: tailored to the budget constraints of the education sector.
While changes in SaaS provider policies present immediate challenges, they also pave the way for more robust technological solutions. Adopting local systems not only protects privacy and ensures regulatory compliance but also creates a more resilient digital infrastructure to meet the demands of educators and students.
With the support of the technology channel, schools can confidently navigate this transformation, achieving sustainable modernization that ensures security and efficiency in the educational environment.