A recent report, ‘Op weg naar Weerbare Virtualisatie’ (‘On the Road to Resilient Virtualisation’), has been published to support the Dutch government in making decisions about how it will manage server virtualisation software in the future.
What is virtualisation software?
Virtualisation software is a computer program that divides a physical server (a powerful computer in a data centre) into logically separated computing resources. This allows multiple virtual machines (VMs) to run simultaneously on a single physical server. Each VM functions as a fully independent computer.
What is the purpose of this report?
Governments face a strategic challenge regarding their digital infrastructure. Several factors are exposing vulnerabilities in the current virtualisation and platform provision setup, including:
- Shifting licensing models
- Over-reliance on suppliers (vendor lock-in)
- Geopolitical uncertainties
Recent developments in the server virtualisation software market indicate that, without deliberate choices, there is a high risk of becoming overly dependent on a single supplier, often at a higher cost. For governments, it is especially important to balance the continuity of service delivery with cost control.
Key recommendations in the report
- Diversify platforms (e.g., open standards, open-source, or multi-vendor strategies).
- Prioritise critical systems for autonomy, while balancing cost-efficiency for less critical applications.
- Adopt a phased approach to migration, avoiding rushed decisions under contract deadlines.
- Strengthen governance to align IT choices with broader strategic goals (e.g., digital sovereignty).
The report provides decision criteria and implementation roadmaps for selecting resilient virtualisation platforms, emphasising that technical choices must align with organisational strategy, risk management, and long-term autonomy.
The full report, Op weg naar Weerbare Virtualisatie, is available in Dutch.
How does this report align with the Netherlands’ Digital Strategy (NDS)?
This topic aligns with the themes of digital autonomy and sovereignty, Priority 5 of the NDS. Digital autonomy isn’t just about technology; it’s primarily about collaboration. Taking greater control of digital infrastructure requires the government to work more closely together. The government becomes more agile and effective by:
- Sharing standards
- Aligning architectural choices
- Pooling resources
Who is this report for?
The report aims to encourage better collaboration. It is intended for the entire Dutch government and, in line with the NDS, will be shared with other public authorities. This ensures the government uses public funds efficiently. The report also invites a joint discussion on architectural and infrastructure choices.
More information
If you have any queries on this report, please email taskforcecid@minbzk.nl.
