Schleswig-Holstein, Germany’s most northern state, is starting its switch from Microsoft Office to LibreOffice, and is planning to move from Windows to Linux on the 30,000 PCs it uses for local government functions.
Concerns over data security are also front and center in the Minister-President’s statement, especially data that may make its way to other countries. Back in 2021, when the transition plans were first being drawn up, the hardware requirements for Windows 11 were also mentioned as a reason to move away from Microsoft.
Saunders noted that “the reasons for switching to Linux and LibreOffice are different today. Back when LiMux started, it was mostly seen as a way to save money. Now the focus is far more on data protection, privacy and security. Consider that the European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS) recently found that the European Commission’s use of Microsoft 365 breaches data protection law for EU institutions and bodies.”
Consider that the European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS) recently found that the European Commission’s use of Microsoft 365 breaches data protection law for EU institutions and bodies.”
Good news :-)
Lol, it took a while to see the mountain. Also, they should sue Microsoft, if data was transfered and stored in US… AH, no. There’s probably the usual default dialog that you click ‘Agree’ on blindly. Anyway, good news. I hope they invest the money on further development, sponsoring, support, and training of employees.
There’s a learning curve, but really, every large org can save so much money that way.
Heck, most proprietary apps are web apps these days anyway, so it really doesn’t hurt running Linux except for a few specialty roles. Just run Mac or Windows for those areas, and everyone else gets Linux.
I would love it if my work computer was Linux, 90% of my work is on a terminal anyway, it would save me from having to SSH to a Linux server every day.
Honestly, large org could pay FOSS developers for maintenance etc and it would be still a better deal all around.
Again? Isn’t this the third time or something? Then Microsoft comes along with a briefcase of Euros and the “problem” goes away. Sombody please correct me if I’m mis-remembering.
What you describe happened in Munich, at least. This is in another state.
Yes, Munich, thank you! 👍
Maybe they’re looking to get a big Microsoft contract. Switching to FOSS attracts suits bringing cash.
It’s not a lot of stuff really going on in foss/anti-bigtech
If they do it in all states at once there will be nothing to talk about in years
Am I the only one who is getting sick and tired of those AI generated images below every article?
I think this one is kinda funny
It features the flag of the German empire that nowadays is only used by Nazis and “sovereign citizens”.
Tell me about it, I’ve worked with AI generation images and the aesthetic is so easily recognized its and lazy addition to journalism
Yeah, I don’t really care it’s not like I look at it anyways
The new German Microsoft headquarters will be in Schleswig-Holstein i guess.
It’s strange how that happens when a government starts to consider other options.
