Logius modernizes government messaging with open-source Kafka platform

Challenges

• Logius, part of the Netherlands Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations, is responsible for developing digital products and services for the Dutch government and defines digital standards used by public institutions across the country. 
• Logius needed to modernize its legacy infrastructure, specifically the Federated Message System (FBS).
• They wanted to a future-proof platform that aligns with the Dutch government's shift from paper to digital communication, improve efficiency through centralized message storage and delivery, let citizens choose their preferred communication channels, and promote reusability by adopting modern microservice-based, open-source technologies that can be used across government systems
• To realize these goals, they required a secure, scalable, and cost-efficient streaming platform that could be deployed on-premises without burdening teams with the technical complexity of managing Apache Kafka.

Why Logius Chose Axual

Logius selected Axual’s Strimzi-based Kafka platform to power the new Federated Message System (FBS). The platform is being deployed to support BBO (Berichtenbox voor Burgers en Ondernemers), the central facility for sending and receiving official communications. Axual’s platform delivered the following key capabilities:

• Open-source foundation: Built on Strimzi and Apache Kafka, aligned with Logius’ open-source strategy
• Enterprise-grade features: Including access control, data governance, and visual tools for managing data flows
• On-premise deployment: Meeting strict government data residency and security requirements
• Simplified management: Enabling teams to focus on building services rather than managing Kafka infrastructure
• Microservice support: Designed for reuse across government entities, creating long-term value

Results

Logius is now using Axual’s platform to build a modern, reusable messaging backbone for the Dutch government.

• Real-time message handling: Enabling faster and more reliable communication between government entities and citizens
• Visual data flow management: Giving teams clear oversight and governance of message pipelines
• Reduced development cycles: Thanks to simplified tooling and reusable microservices
• Secure, role-based access: Ensuring data is handled in compliance with government standards
• Future-proofing: Built on modern, open-source technology ready to scale with changing needs
• Greater efficiency: Centralized messaging reduces duplication and streamlines operations
• Citizen-centricity: Citizens can choose their preferred communication channel
• Cross-government reuse: Generic services can be adopted by other institutions, maximizing value

What’s Next

With the successful deployment of Axual’s platform for the Federated Message System, Logius is laying the foundation for a more connected digital government. The platform not only supports secure and efficient communication today; it’s also designed to scale and evolve as new services and demands arise.

Future plans may include:

• Broader adoption of the platform across other ministries and government agencies
• Integration with new citizen-facing services using the same microservice architecture
• Continued collaboration with CGI and Axual to expand capabilities and maintain platform excellence

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