Yet another European government is ditching Microsoft for Linux – here's why
a year ago
- #Open-Source
- #Linux
- #Digital Sovereignty
- Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, is phasing out Microsoft software in favor of Linux and open-source programs within three months.
- The move affects 30,000 employees, including civil servants, police officers, and judges, aiming for 'digital sovereignty' and reduced reliance on US tech giants.
- Reasons include data security concerns, geopolitical dependencies, and cost savings from eliminating Microsoft licensing fees.
- Migration will occur in phases: LibreOffice replaces Word/Excel, Open-Xchange and Thunderbird replace Exchange/Outlook, and Linux desktops (likely Kubuntu or SUSE) replace Windows.
- Past examples like Munich’s LiMux and France’s Gendarmerie (GendBuntu) show mixed but promising results for Linux adoption in government.
- The shift reflects broader EU distrust of US tech companies and a push for digital independence.