German state Schleswig-Holstein ditches Windows for Linux
State government undertakes massive migration of 30,000 systems
Schleswig-Holstein, one of Germany's 16 states, has announced plans to transition its vast governmental infrastructure from Microsoft Windows to Linux.
This shift, encompassing the migration of approximately 30,000 systems, marks a decisive step towards embracing open-source solutions whilst fortifying the state's digital resilience.
The decision was confirmed by Minister-President Daniel Gunther's office on Wednesday.
"Independent, sustainable, secure: Schleswig-Holstein will be a digital pioneer region and the first state to introduce a digitally sovereign IT workplace in its state administration," Gunther said.
"With a cabinet decision to introduce the open-source software LibreOffice as a standard office solution across the board, the government has given the starting signal for the first step towards complete digital sovereignty for the country, with further steps to follow," he added.
There are a few reasons underlying this change.
In 2021, Jan Philipp Albrecht, then-digital minister for the state, highlighted concerns regarding the high hardware requirements of Windows 11, presenting compatibility challenges for older computer systems.
By transitioning to Linux, Schleswig-Holstein anticipates side stepping these limitations and also creating an environment conducive to innovation and adaptability.
The comprehensive transition plan includes replacing Microsoft Office with LibreOffice, Windows with a yet-to-be-determined Linux distribution, and proprietary programs with open-source equivalents.
Platforms such as Nextcloud, Open Xchange/Thunderbird and the Univention Active Directory connector are poised to supplant Sharepoint and Exchange/Outlook, further cementing Schleswig-Holstein's commitment to open-source innovation.
This approach aims to not only optimise cost efficiencies but also enhance cybersecurity and promote seamless collaboration.
Dirk Schrödter, the digitalisation minister, articulated the vision of digital sovereignty, likening it to the imperative of energy autonomy.
He said that reliance on proprietary software compromises data sovereignty and inhibits regulatory influence over critical digital infrastructure.
"As a country, we have a great responsibility towards our citizens and companies to ensure that their data is kept safe with us and we must ensure that we are in control of the IT we use at all times solutions and we as a state can act independently," Schrödter said.
"Ensuring digital sovereignty is at least as important as energy sovereignty."
Additionally, the transition holds substantial economic implications. By redirecting resources from licensing fees to domestic programming services, Schleswig-Holstein aspires to invigorate its digital economy and stimulate job growth within the region.
Mike Saunders, representing The Document Foundation, highlighted the concerted effort to expedite the transition to LibreOffice, signalling a paradigm shift towards open-source solutions.
Saunders said the government has completed its trial phase of LibreOffice and is now revealing intentions to broaden its embrace of additional open-source alternatives.
According to The Document Foundation, Schleswig-Holstein's choice followed a determination by the European Data Protection Supervisor that the European Commission's (EC) use of Microsoft 365 violated the data protection regulations of the bloc.
The decision, disclosed on 29th March, stated that the EC had neglected to implement sufficient measures to ensure that personal data transferred beyond the EU/EEA received the same level of protection as guaranteed within the EU/EEA.
Schleswig-Holstein's decision mirrors similar endeavours witnessed across Germany, including Munich's notable LiMux project.
Back in 2001, Munich initiated a transition from Windows to its tailored Linux distribution, LiMux. Originally slated for completion in 12 years, by 2013, approximately 15,000 out of the city's 18,000 desktops had migrated to LiMux. However, in February 2017, the city voted to revert to Windows.