Denmark's Ministry of Digitalization has announced a significant shift in its IT infrastructure, planning to transition from Microsoft's Windows operating system and Office 365 suite to open-source alternatives, specifically Linux and LibreOffice. This move is set to commence in June 2025, with the goal of completing the migration by November 2025. (datacenter-forum.com)
Motivation Behind the Transition
The primary driver for this transition is Denmark's pursuit of digital sovereignty. Minister of Digital Affairs, Caroline Stage Olsen, emphasized the importance of reducing dependence on foreign technology providers to maintain autonomy over national digital infrastructure. She stated, "We must never make ourselves so dependent on so few that we can no longer act freely." (datacenter-forum.com)
This decision aligns with a broader European trend where governments are reevaluating their reliance on proprietary software from non-EU companies. Concerns over data security, potential service disruptions due to geopolitical tensions, and the desire for greater control over IT systems have prompted such shifts. For instance, the German state of Schleswig-Holstein has embarked on a similar journey, planning to migrate 30,000 government computers to Linux and LibreOffice by 2026. (computing.co.uk)
Implementation Strategy
The Danish Ministry's migration plan is structured in two phases:
- Phase One (June to August 2025): Approximately half of the ministry's employees will transition to Linux-based systems equipped with LibreOffice.
- Phase Two (September to November 2025): The remaining staff will complete the migration, culminating in a fully open-source environment by the end of the fall.
Historical Context and Precedents
Denmark's move is not without precedent. In 2012, the Danish Ministry of Transport's support staff department adopted LibreOffice to comply with legal requirements for supporting multiple document formats, including the Open Document Format (ODF). This migration resulted in annual savings of approximately 150,000 DKK (about 20,000 euros at the time). (interoperable-europe.ec.europa.eu)
Similarly, other European entities have explored open-source solutions:
- Munich, Germany: Initiated a transition to Linux and open-source software in 2003 but reverted to Microsoft products in 2017 due to various challenges.
- Schleswig-Holstein, Germany: Announced plans in 2024 to migrate 30,000 government computers to Linux and LibreOffice by 2026, aiming for digital sovereignty and cost savings. (computing.co.uk)
While the benefits of adopting open-source software include enhanced control over data, reduced licensing costs, and avoidance of vendor lock-in, the transition is not without challenges:
- Compatibility Issues: Ensuring that existing documents and applications function seamlessly with new open-source platforms.
- User Training: Providing adequate training for staff to adapt to new systems and interfaces.
- Technical Support: Establishing reliable support structures to address technical issues promptly.
Broader Implications
Denmark's initiative underscores a growing movement among European governments to reassess their reliance on proprietary software from non-EU companies. By embracing open-source alternatives, these governments aim to achieve greater digital sovereignty, enhance security, and foster local technological development.
As this trend continues, it may prompt software vendors to reconsider their offerings and support structures to remain competitive in a landscape increasingly favoring open-source solutions.
In conclusion, Denmark's planned migration to Linux and LibreOffice represents a significant step toward digital independence and reflects a broader European shift toward open-source software in the public sector.
Source: XDA Even the Danish government is sick of Microsoft, switching to Linux and LibreOffice instead
