For enterprise software operating in Germany and the EU, data protection isn't an optional feature — it's a legal baseline. Retrofitting GDPR compliance after launch usually costs twice: once in engineering time, once in lost trust.

1. Data minimization by default. We only collect what a given business process actually requires.

2. Encryption as standard. Data is encrypted both at rest and in transit.

3. Clear retention and deletion rules. For every data category we define how long it's kept and when it's automatically deleted.

4. Documented data processing agreements. Every third party that processes data is bound contractually and technically.

5. Subject rights, built in. Access, correction and deletion requests need to be technically feasible, not just a policy on paper.

Companies that bake these principles in from day one avoid costly rework later and build real trust with customers and partners.