Denmark is poised to transition its government IT infrastructure from proprietary Microsoft products to open-source alternatives, marking a significant shift towards digital sovereignty. This move mirrors similar initiatives in other European regions, notably the German state of Schleswig-Holstein.
In November 2021, Schleswig-Holstein announced plans to migrate approximately 25,000 government computers from Microsoft Office to LibreOffice and from Windows to a Linux-based operating system by 2026. The primary motivations included reducing licensing costs, enhancing data security, and achieving greater flexibility through open-source solutions. By April 2024, the state confirmed the expansion of this initiative to encompass 30,000 systems, emphasizing the importance of digital sovereignty and the desire to avoid dependency on a single vendor. (computing.co.uk)
Denmark's decision aligns with these objectives. Caroline Stage Olsen, the Minister for Digital Affairs, announced plans to phase out Microsoft products in her ministry, starting with a transition from Office 365 to LibreOffice. This initiative aims to reduce reliance on a limited number of providers and enhance the nation's control over its digital infrastructure. Olsen acknowledged potential challenges in the transition but emphasized the necessity of taking the first step towards the goal.
The move is also influenced by geopolitical considerations. Recent events, such as the International Criminal Court's chief prosecutor losing access to his Microsoft account due to U.S. sanctions, have underscored the risks of dependency on foreign technology providers. Additionally, former U.S. President Donald Trump's interest in Greenland, a semi-autonomous region of Denmark, has heightened concerns about national sovereignty and the need for greater control over critical digital resources.
Denmark's initiative reflects a broader European trend towards adopting open-source software in public institutions. For instance, the French National Gendarmerie transitioned to Ubuntu and other open-source tools, achieving significant cost savings and enhanced security. (en.wikipedia.org)
However, such transitions are not without challenges. The city of Munich's LiMux project, which aimed to migrate to Linux, faced difficulties and eventually reverted to Windows. The primary issues included compatibility problems and user dissatisfaction. These experiences highlight the importance of thorough planning, user training, and addressing compatibility concerns to ensure a successful migration. (en.wikipedia.org)
Denmark's proactive approach, including a clear backup plan and a commitment to starting the transition despite potential challenges, positions it to navigate these obstacles effectively. By learning from the experiences of other regions and prioritizing digital sovereignty, Denmark aims to establish a more secure and independent digital infrastructure for its government operations.
Source: Neowin Denmark ditching Windows and Office for Linux as it may not want to rely on Microsoft, Trump
