| KEY POINTS AT A GLANCE • Today, choosing an e-signature platform depends on far more than just the available features. • In addition to eIDAS compliance, data protection, data location, and digital sovereignty are becoming increasingly important. • European providers of digital signature and identity solutions, such as sproof, process data exclusively within the EU and are subject solely to European law. • When comparing options, companies should pay particular attention to data processing, hosting, integrations, identity solutions, and compliance. • For organizations with high requirements regarding the GDPR, eIDAS, and digital sovereignty, a European alternative to DocuSign may be the better choice. |
For a long time, choosing an e-signature solution was primarily a matter of user-friendliness. Today, however, entirely different criteria play a role in the use of digital signatures in businesses: data protection, digital sovereignty, eIDAS compliance, integration options, and the future of digital identity. That’s why many companies today are comparing international providers like DocuSign with European alternatives. But what really matters in this context?
Why Companies Are Reevaluating Their E-Signature Platforms
The requirements for digital business processes have changed significantly in recent years. While the focus used to be primarily on electronic signatures, companies today expect much more:
- Legally valid electronic signatures under eIDAS
- Seamless integration into enterprise-wide IT systems
- Automation of Approval and Signature Processes
- secure identity verification
- high data protection standards
- a reliable European technology partner
These requirements are increasingly becoming the norm, particularly in regulated industries such as finance, healthcare, public administration, and KRITIS (critical infrastructure).
What should companies look for when comparing e-signature providers?
Not every digital signature provider has the same focus. That’s why it’s worth taking a closer look at various criteria.
1. Legal Compliance
Does the solution support all relevant types of signatures under eIDAS?
- Simple Electronic Signature (EES)
- Advanced Electronic Signature (AES)
- Qualified Electronic Signature (QES)
2. Data Protection andData Location
For many companies today, the following is crucial:
- Where is the data processed?
- Which legal jurisdiction applies?
- Which subcontractors are used?
European organizations, in particular, are placing increasing emphasis on digital sovereignty.
3. Integration into existing processes and company-wide IT systems
A modern signature platform should integrate seamlessly with existing applications —for example, through APIs or workflow automation with Microsoft Power Automate, Zapier, or CRM systems.
4. Digital Identity
With eIDAS 2.0 and the upcoming European Digital Identity Wallet, identity verification and electronic signatures are becoming increasingly intertwined. A platform that supports both areas can offer long-term benefits.
DocuSign vs. sproof – An Overview
| Criterion | DocuSign | sproof |
| Support for all eIDAS signature types | ✓ | ✓ |
| API & Integrations | ✓ | ✓ |
| Workflow Automation | ✓ | ✓ |
| European company | – | ✓ |
| Data Processing Exclusively Within the EU | depending on the configuration | ✓ |
| Hosting exclusively on European infrastructure | depending on the provider and region | ✓ |
| Applicable Law | may include U.S. law | EU law |
| Focus on Digital Sovereignty | limited | ✓ |
| Digital Identity Solutions | available | integrated |
| Risk Assessment | moderate risk | completely risk-free |
When a European Alternative Is Worth It
A European solution may be particularly appealing when companies:
- place particular emphasis on the GDPR and data protection,
- strategically address digital sovereignty,
- prefer a European provider and software partner,
- would like to combine identity verification and digital signatures into a single platform,
- Prepare for eIDAS 2.0 early on.
Our experts would be happy to provide you with personalized advice and show you how sproof can be optimally integrated into your existing processes and IT systems—with no obligation and tailored to your specific needs.
FAQ
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+–Is there a European alternative to DocuSign?Yes. In addition to international providers, there are several European e-signature platforms. Anyone who places particular importance on data protection,… show more
Yes. In addition to international providers, there are several European e-signature platforms. Anyone who places particular importance on data protection, digital sovereignty, and eIDAS compliance should include European solutions in their comparison. sproof is an Austrian provider that has developed its platform specifically to meet the needs of European companies.
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+–Is DocuSign eIDAS-compliant?Yes. DocuSign supports electronic signatures in accordance with the eIDAS Regulation. However, it is important to note that eIDAS compliance… show more
Yes. DocuSign supports electronic signatures in accordance with the eIDAS Regulation. However, it is important to note that eIDAS compliance does not specify where data is processed or stored. Companies should therefore also verify in which jurisdiction their data is processed, which cloud infrastructure is used, and which data protection and compliance requirements are met. sproof supports all eIDAS-compliant signature types and processes data exclusively within the European Union on European infrastructure.
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+–What role does the U.S. CLOUD Act play in selecting an e-signature platform?For many companies, the U.S. CLOUD Act is an important factor in selecting a software provider. Under certain conditions, the… show more
For many companies, the U.S. CLOUD Act is an important factor in selecting a software provider. Under certain conditions, the law may require U.S. companies or companies with ties to the U.S. to hand over data in response to a government order—regardless of whether that data is stored in the U.S. or abroad. That is why many organizations today examine not only the location where their data is stored, but also the company’s headquarters, the cloud infrastructure used, and the applicable jurisdiction. sproof relies exclusively on a European infrastructure. Data processing takes place within the European Union and is subject to European law. This helps companies meet high standards for data protection, compliance, and digital sovereignty.
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+–Why is the data location important for e-signature solutions?Many companies want to ensure that personal data is processed exclusively within the European Union and is subject to European… show more
Many companies want to ensure that personal data is processed exclusively within the European Union and is subject to European data protection regulations. sproof processes data exclusively in the EU and relies on European infrastructure.
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+–Can I try out sproof before making a decision?Yes. Interested companies can try sproof sign for free for 14 days. In addition, sproof’s experts are happy to provide… show more
Yes. Interested companies can try sproof sign for free for 14 days. In addition, sproof’s experts are happy to provide personalized advice and show how the platform can be optimally integrated into existing business processes. Try sproof sign now →
