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Frankfurt, Germany – In a bold move to reclaim control over data and bolster “digital sovereignty,” the German state of Schleswig-Holstein is phasing out Microsoft programs, including the widely-used collaboration tool, Teams.
Digitalisation Minister Dirk Schroedter announced the shift to open-source software, emphasizing the need to “take back control” over data storage. “We’re done with Teams!” Schroedter declared during a video call conducted via an open-source German program.
Radical Shift Affects Thousands of Public Servants
The change impacts approximately 30,000 of Schleswig-Holstein’s 60,000 public servants initially, with plans to extend the transition to teachers in the coming years. The state initiated its move toward open-source solutions last year.
The first phase involves replacing Microsoft Word and Excel with LibreOffice, while Open-Xchange will supplant Outlook for email and calendar management. A future transition to the Linux operating system will complete the departure from Windows.
Why Open Source?
Open-source software allows users to access and modify the source code, providing greater flexibility and control. Growing concerns over the influence of major US tech companies, amplified by rising US-EU tensions, have fueled the push for digital independence.
Schroedter noted increased global interest in their approach, stating, “The geopolitical developments of the past few months have strengthened interest in the path that we’ve taken…The war in Ukraine revealed our energy dependencies, and now we see there are also digital dependencies.”
Data Security Concerns
Schleswig-Holstein’s government also intends to migrate its data storage to a cloud system independent of Microsoft, opting instead for publicly owned German digital infrastructure.
Economic and Political Motivations
Experts suggest that open-source alternatives can be more cost-effective, particularly when considering the unpredictable expenses associated with mandatory Microsoft updates. Benjamin Jean, from Inno3 consulting, noted that organizations can feel “taken ‘by the throat'” by these unexpected costs.
Schleswig-Holstein anticipates potential savings of tens of millions of euros through this transition. However, they acknowledge potential resistance from staff uncomfortable with the changes.
Lessons from the Past
The city administration of Munich previously pioneered open-source programs in the 1990s but reversed course in 2017, citing challenges with political support and system compatibility.
Other Governments Embracing Open Source
Despite Munich’s experience, other public bodies are committed to open-source solutions. The French Gendarmerie, with around 100,000 members, has utilized the Linux operating system since the 2000s. In 2023, India’s defence ministry reportedly launched its own system called “Maya OS”.
Across the border in Denmark, Copenhagen and Aarhus are reportedly exploring similar moves away from Microsoft. The EU’s “Interoperable Europe Act,” which promotes open-source software, could further accelerate this trend.
Consultant Benjamin Jean predicts that within a few years, early adopters will be able to provide valuable feedback, inspiring others to make the switch to open-source solutions.
© 2025 AFP