What if your government decided to swap out Microsoft Word for LibreOffice — and Outlook for an open-source email client? For the northern German state of Schleswig-Holstein, that’s not a hypothetical. It’s a strategic decision.

In a bold move to reclaim control over digital infrastructure, Schleswig-Holstein is officially phasing out Microsoft products from all government operations. The goal? Digital independence, data sovereignty, and long-term sustainability.

Why Now?

Let’s be honest — Europe has been in a long on-again, off-again relationship with Big Tech. Licensing costs are rising, privacy regulations are tightening, and geopolitical events have shown how fragile cross-border dependencies can be. Schleswig-Holstein’s government looked at the roadmap and decided: it’s time to drive the car themselves.

This isn’t just a technical change. It’s a philosophical shift toward open-source ecosystems, where governments aren’t beholden to global software giants with proprietary systems.

What Will Replace Microsoft?

Instead of Teams, it’s video calls over Jitsi Meet. Microsoft Word becomes LibreOffice Writer. Outlook? Replaced with open-source email solutions like Thunderbird. And under the hood, Linux becomes the new operating system of choice for public servants, judges, educators, and even police officers.

It’s not about hating Microsoft — it’s about control. Open-source tools are transparent, customizable, and free of vendor lock-in. Plus, they align better with GDPR requirements, giving governments more clarity over where data lives and who can access it.

From License Fees to Local Empowerment

Let’s talk euros. While Microsoft licences might seem manageable, multiplying them across tens of thousands of users becomes a budgetary nightmare. Open-source migration isn’t free either — training, support, and integrations take time — but the long-term cost savings and flexibility are significant.

Just as important is the chance to invest in local tech talent. Instead of outsourcing technical sovereignty to Silicon Valley, Schleswig-Holstein is fueling its own digital ecosystem.

Will It Work?

The skeptics are already whispering: “Remember Munich?” That city’s open-source experiment famously collapsed after a decade — but times have changed. Cloud-native tools are more mature, support structures stronger, and user expectations more adaptable in a hybrid world.

Schleswig-Holstein isn’t rushing. The transition will be phased, with public employees trained gradually and fallback options in place. But the destination is clear: a future where governments own and shape the tools they use.

A Sign of the Times

Schleswig-Holstein joins a chorus of cities and regions across Europe rethinking their tech stack. Copenhagen, Barcelona, and parts of France have already begun pivoting to open platforms. As regulations like the EU Data Act become reality, governments will be expected to lead by example.

This shift isn’t just about open-source software. It’s about autonomy, transparency, and building public services that aren’t dependent on foreign corporate roadmaps.

One thing’s clear: Schleswig-Holstein isn’t just adopting new software — it’s rewriting the script on digital governance.

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