WebHarvest; transitioning from Microsoft Azure to European Cloud sovereignty

About WebHarvest and Patrick van de Willik

• Customer since: Mar, 2025
• Industry: AI tech
• Size: 0 - 10 employees
• HQ: Amsterdam

Customer website

Patrick van de Willik

We develop intelligent digital assistants for SMEs to save time and boost efficiency. Our AI solutions automate routine tasks and integrate business systems whilst maintaining your digital independence.

We use open-source technology where possible, keep all data on secure Dutch servers compliant with EU regulations, and provide personal service with clear communication and commitment to data security.

From Azure dependency to European Cloud freedom

For WebHarvest, a Dutch company specialising in custom AI agents for small and medium-sized businesses, data sovereignty and independence from US-based cloud providers have become critical business priorities. When geopolitical tensions heightened in early 2025, Patrick van der Willik, founder of WebHarvest, made the strategic decision to migrate from Microsoft Azure to Cyso Cloud's European cloud infrastructure. This move has not only enhanced data security but also delivered significant cost benefits.

"I realised I was becoming completely intertwined with American cloud infrastructure. When I saw the political landscape changing, I knew I needed a European cloud solution where I could maintain complete control over my data and infrastructure without being locked into a single vendor's ecosystem," explains van der Willik.

About WebHarvest

Founded as a data extraction service, WebHarvest has evolved to become a provider of custom AI agents for Dutch SMEs with 10-150 employees. The company specialises in automating routine administrative tasks, from processing timesheets to managing e-commerce backend systems, allowing businesses to maintain their existing workflows while offloading time-consuming processes to AI.

WebHarvest's business model centres on creating tailor-made automation solutions that integrate seamlessly with clients' existing operations, rather than forcing clients to adapt to new software. This customer-centric approach has resonated particularly well with SMEs seeking efficiency without disruption.

"My clients continue working exactly as they always have, but the workload decreases significantly. For example, what previously took two days per month can now be completed in just half an hour."

The challenge: sovereignty, scalability, and freedom from vendor lock-in

Despite having access to substantial Azure credits through a sponsorship programme, WebHarvest faced several critical challenges with its US-based cloud infrastructure:

What concerns did you have about alternatives to European Cloud providers?

The increasing geopolitical tensions raised serious questions about data storage and processing on American cloud platforms. WebHarvest's clients—particularly those dealing with sensitive business information—were becoming increasingly concerned about where their data was being stored and processed.

"My clients fall into two groups. Those who shrug it off and think it won't affect them, and those who suddenly realise they're highly dependent on another party without visibility into the associated risks. When I explain my value proposition, they start thinking, 'That's actually quite a significant risk.' They find it important that their data remains on European territory," says van der Willik.

Did you experience any vendor lock-in issues with your previous provider?

Like many businesses using hyperscale cloud providers, WebHarvest found its applications becoming deeply entangled with proprietary Azure services. This integration created a concerning dependency that would make future migrations challenging, if not impossible.

"I've seen how everything becomes completely intertwined with cloud services. Your software might be yours, but all interactions with the operating system are outsourced to app services. That means you can't easily migrate away."

What technical challenges did you anticipate when considering a move?

Moving from a full-service platform like Azure to a more infrastructure-focused provider presented some technical challenges. With expertise in Azure but limited experience with commodity infrastructure and Kubernetes, WebHarvest needed a provider that could offer both the infrastructure and the technical guidance to facilitate a smooth transition.

"Initially, the transition required a shift in mindset," says van der Willik. "On Azure, everything happens behind the scenes through a simple text file, but you don't really know what's happening. With Kubernetes on Cyso Cloud, I've regained ownership of my infrastructure. Yes, there was a learning curve, but now I have much more control and understanding of how my applications actually work. That transparency gives me greater confidence in the security and reliability of our systems."

The solution: Cyso Cloud's European Cloud infrastructure and expert support

After researching European alternatives to US cloud providers, WebHarvest discovered Cyso Cloud and was immediately drawn to several key aspects of their offering:

What made Cyso Cloud's European Cloud infrastructure stand out for you?

Cyso Cloud offered exactly what WebHarvest was looking for: cloud infrastructure physically located in the Netherlands, owned and operated by a Dutch company, ensuring complete data sovereignty within European borders.

"What I liked most about Cyso Cloud is that they're not only based in the Netherlands but also have a presence in Frankfurt. That's not relevant for me now, but it could be in the future."

How did Cyso Cloud address your concerns about vendor lock-in?

Unlike some European cloud alternatives that would have simply substituted one form of vendor lock-in for another, Cyso Cloud's focus on providing the hardware layer meant WebHarvest could build its solutions with minimal dependency on proprietary services.

"I saw that they're in the Netherlands and essentially only provide the hardware layer. If I run my systems there, there's no dependency on another party. I can pick everything up, move it to another provider, and my problem is solved."

What technical support did Cyso Cloud provide during your transition?

The decisive factor in WebHarvest's decision to choose Cyso Cloud was the promise of expert technical support. During initial conversations with Cyso Cloud's team, WebHarvest received assurances that they would have access to architects and technical support staff to guide them through the migration process.

"I was coming from Azure, I'm an Azure specialist, but I had little experience with commodities. I jumped right in, but I was a bit uncertain about how to proceed. Martijn from Cyso Cloud assured me by saying, 'We have cloud architects, we have technical support, so we can guide you.' That was one of the factors that made me choose Cyso Cloud," recalls van der Willik.

How did Cyso Cloud help you evaluate their services before committing?

Cyso Cloud provided WebHarvest with a two-week trial account, allowing them to experience the service first-hand before making a commitment. The transparent pricing model also made it easy to compare costs with existing solutions.

"I got a trial account for two weeks. When I had technical questions, they responded quickly.” notes van der Willik.

Results: Independence, cost savings, and future growth

Since migrating to Cyso Cloud's European cloud infrastructure two months ago, WebHarvest has achieved several significant benefits:

How important was EU cloud sovereignty in your decision?

WebHarvest can now confidently assure clients that their data remains on Dutch soil, processed on infrastructure owned and operated by a Dutch company, a compelling selling point in today's privacy-conscious business environment.

"For me, the GDPR story is very important. Everything running in the Netherlands with a Dutch company behind it aligns perfectly with my target market, which is also the Netherlands. It all fits together beautifully: everything runs in the Netherlands," explains van der Willik.

Have you seen any cost differences compared to your previous provider?

The move to Cyso Cloud has delivered financial benefits for WebHarvest. 

"With Cyso Cloud, I'm now spending only about a third of what I was paying with my previous provider for essentially the same workload. The cost efficiency is remarkable while maintaining the same level of performance."

How challenging was the technical transition to Cyso Cloud?

Although the transition required learning new skills, WebHarvest found the process more manageable than initially feared. The experience has broadened their technical capabilities and reduced dependency on a single cloud ecosystem.

"It turns out the transition was relatively easy, but it was still my biggest hurdle: how could I quickly and efficiently retrain myself?"

What future plans do you have with Cyso Cloud's EU cloud services?

With two clients already running on Cyso Cloud and plans to migrate more workloads in the future, WebHarvest has established a foundation for growth based on European cloud infrastructure. The company is now exploring additional opportunities to expand its service offerings while maintaining data sovereignty.

"Eventually, I want to transfer more of our operations to Cyso Cloud," explains van der Willik. "A key part of my proposition to clients is that their data stays within European borders, giving them confidence in both compliance and security."

Looking forward: a strategic switch to European Cloud sovereignty

WebHarvest's journey with Cyso Cloud represents a growing trend among European businesses seeking to reduce dependence on US-based cloud providers. As awareness of data sovereignty issues increases, particularly among SMEs, the demand for European cloud alternatives continues to rise.

"I see a split in my network: some aren't concerned at all, while others are interested or actively making changes. But I notice that the group that's waiting but interested is growing larger than the group that's not talking about the matter," observes van der Willik.

For WebHarvest, the partnership with Cyso Cloud provides not just infrastructure but a strategic advantage in the market. By hosting its AI agents on sovereign European cloud infrastructure, the company can offer clients both efficiency and peace of mind, knowing their data remains under European jurisdiction and control.

"The overall reception has been very positive. The onboarding was pleasant, the trial account had no hassle about costs and support, and everything runs in the Netherlands. So I'm predominantly positive."

Ready to explore your EU Cloud possibilities?

Are you concerned about where your business data is stored and processed? Like we did for WebHarvest, we can guide you through every step of your migration journey, from initial planning to full implementation.

In WebHarvest's case, the migration to a European cloud solution resulted in a significant reduction in their infrastructure costs. Such cost efficiency may also be a relevant factor for your organisation when considering European alternatives to US-based cloud providers. 

Schedule a consultation today to discuss your EU cloud requirements with our experts. We can guide you through every step of your migration journey, helping you achieve both sovereignty and cost efficiency.