In a move towards digital autonomy, Berlin has initiated trials of open-source software to replace Microsoft products.
According to Bild, Germany is evaluating a shift away from Microsoft software towards open-source options. This initiative aligns with a global trend of nations striving to enhance their digital independence and lessen reliance on US technology companies.
The Federal Ministry for Digital Affairs in Germany has verified its intention to expand the deployment of European and open-source software within governmental functions, as detailed in Wednesday’s report. The ministry informed Bild that it is currently piloting Open Desk as a potential substitute for Microsoft Office, encompassing applications like Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
A specific German state has already implemented significant changes. Schleswig-Holstein is progressively eliminating Microsoft products from its public administration, substituting Office with LibreOffice, Windows with Linux, and Microsoft Exchange and Outlook with Nextcloud, Open-Xchange, and Thunderbird. This comprehensive program affects tens of thousands of public sector workers, including educators, government staff, and law enforcement personnel.
Reportedly, officials have conceded that this transition will not be instantaneous. The ministry informed Bild that achieving Germany’s digital sovereignty is an ongoing process that cannot be accomplished “at the push of a button.”
Bild further highlighted the political implications of this decision. The publication asserted that dependence on American technology is now perceived as hazardous, attributed to the “zigzag course” of then-US President Donald Trump’s administration, which fostered unpredictability in Washington’s policy trajectory.
Germany is not unique in its pursuit of alternatives to US software. Police forces in France, Denmark’s Digital Ministry, and government bodies in Austria and Spain have already adopted open-source systems to replace Microsoft offerings. Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela have initiated comparable efforts. India’s Ministry of Defense has launched Maya OS, a Linux-based operating system, as a substitute for Windows.
Russia has likewise intensified its efforts to replace foreign-developed software with homegrown alternatives. This acceleration began following the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in 2022, when Microsoft and other Western firms scaled back their operations in Russia. Russian officials contend that the departure of US tech suppliers underscored the inherent dangers of depending on unreliable international providers, thereby strengthening the imperative for digital sovereignty.