Why the location of your data matters - especially with US software providers

Cloud software has undoubtedly become an indispensable tool for companies in recent years . Today, instead of loading a copy from a disk onto a computer, everything is stored and accessed in the cloud. The cloud has many advantages. Nevertheless, when selecting such software and tools , we should not ignore one crucial criterion: data protection and data security. US providers in particular are coming under increasing criticism due to the differences in data protection law between the USA and the European Union.

In this blog post, we would therefore like to illustrate the risks of software with data storage in America and at the same time present the advantages of European alternatives. In this context, we should be aware that US software is a data protection nightmare and poses potential risks to your business. It is important to recognize the potential dangers and vulnerabilities of US vendors. As a result, companies should consider using European solutions that meet the strict data protection standards of the European Union.

Be careful with US software - check certificates carefully

Companies from Germany, Austria and Switzerland in particular should take a close look when selecting digital tools - especially when it comes to solutions from the USA. Many US providers advertise "GDPR compliance" without this actually being consistently fulfilled in practice. Terms such as GDPR compliance or data protection friendliness are often used for marketing purposes, but cannot be substantiated on closer inspection.

The EU-US Data Privacy Framework (DPF) can be an important criterion - it provides an initial legal basis for data transfers to the USA. But be careful: the DPF does not replace GDPR compliance and only applies to providers that are explicitly certified. In addition, its legal stability - as with the predecessor agreements Safe Harbor and Privacy Shield - is not guaranteed.

What really counts: Companies should rely on clear and verifiable evidence when selecting software solutions. This includes, among other things:

• DPF certification (for US suppliers)

• BSI C5 (for cloud services with a high level of security)

• ISO/IEC 27001 (internationally recognized standard for information security management)

• GDPR-compliant DP contracts and technical measures

If you want to be on the safe side, choose providers with data centers in the EU or Switzerland and complete control over data processing - without any legal grey areas.

What is the EU-US Data Privacy Framework (DPF) - and why is it often not enough?

Many international software providers - especially from the USA - describe themselves as "GDPR-compliant". But on closer inspection, there is often no proof of this. Promises alone do not protect customer data. What counts are verifiable standards and certifications.

The EU-US Data Privacy Framework (DPF) is a step in the right direction. It was introduced in 2023 and allows the transfer of personal data to the USA, provided the US provider is officially certified. Compared to flowery statements such as "We comply with the GDPR", the DPF at least offers a verifiable basis - but: certification is voluntary and not all providers meet the conditions.

Data protection risks with US providers

Data protection laws in the USA differ significantly from those in the European Union, mainly with regard to the processing and storage of personal data. US companies are not subject to the same strict regulations as European companies under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). This can pose potential risks to the confidentiality and security of customer data. For example, data may be demanded by US authorities under laws such as the Cloud Act, leading to data protection concerns.

Compliance with the GDPR is crucial for European companies to ensure privacy protection and the secure handling of personal data. The challenge with using US appointment scheduling tools is that they may not comply with the requirements of the GD PR. Companies must ensure that data processing and storage is carried out in accordance with GDPR guidelines to avoid compliance challenges.

Advantages of European software

European online appointment scheduling software offers decisive advantages over US providers in terms of data protection and security. Protecting your sensitive company and customer data is of utmost importance, and here are some important factors to consider:

1. Strict data protection laws: European solutions, such as Calenso, are designed to meet the strict requirements of the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). In contrast, US providers may not have the same comprehensive data protection laws, which can result in potential security gaps and data breaches.
2. Local data storage and processing: European companies offer the additional security measure of local data storage and processing. By keeping your data in the EU, it is better protected from access by unauthorized third parties. This gives you peace of mind that your confidential company information is safe and will not fall into the wrong hands.
3. Trust and reputation: European software solutions have earned an outstanding reputation for their focus on data protection and security. By choosing a European provider like Calenso, you signal to your customers and business partners your commitment to protecting their data and handling sensitive information responsibly. This strengthens trust in your company and can have a positive impact on your reputation.
4. Risks of data breaches: US providers have been repeatedly affected by security breaches and data breaches in the past. These incidents can lead to significant financial losses, damage to your company's image and loss of trust from your customers. By using a European solution, you minimize the risk of data breaches and protect your company from potentially costly consequences.

So when choosing an online appointment scheduling software, you should consider data privacy and security as a top priority. Choose a trusted European solution like Calenso that handles your sensitive data with the utmost care to protect your business from potential risks and build trust with your customers.

Optimize your business processes today - securely & efficiently 

Alternatives to US providers like Calendly

In an increasingly data-intensive business world, online appointment scheduling is a software solution that is highly valued and requires extensive customer data. Particularly in industries such as healthcare or finance, the protection of this sensitive information is of crucial importance. Companies are therefore increasingly looking for trustworthy alternatives from Germany or Switzerland that not only guarantee secure data storage, but also comply with European data protection standards.

In this context, Calenso proves to be the leading online appointment scheduling solution that meets these requirements. With its GDPR compliance and advanced security features, Calenso offers the ideal alternative to US tools and enables companies in the aforementioned industries to manage appointments securely and efficiently. The platform offers customization options and integrations for different industries and requirements.

Count on software made in Europe

To avoid data protection risks and compliance challenges, it is advisable to opt for European appointment scheduling tools such as Calenso. By making this decision, you ensure the privacy of your customers, strengthen trust in your company and avoid unnecessary fines. Consciously choose a secure and trustworthy alternative to US providers and take advantage of the benefits of a European solution.

Rely on Calenso to benefit from secure, user-friendly and GDPR-compliant online appointment scheduling!