In a significant move towards digital sovereignty, the city of Lyon, France, has announced plans to transition its public administration from Microsoft Office to open-source alternatives. This strategic shift aims to reduce dependence on American software solutions and enhance control over the city's digital infrastructure.
Lyon's municipal government has outlined a comprehensive plan to replace proprietary software with open-source tools. The transition includes adopting OnlyOffice for productivity tasks, Linux as the operating system, and PostgreSQL for database management. Additionally, the city plans to implement "Territoire Numérique Ouvert" (Open Digital Territory), a collaborative suite developed in partnership with the Syndicat Intercommunal des Technologies de l’Information pour les Villes (SITIV) and the Métropole de Lyon. This suite is already in use by several municipalities and aims to provide a unified platform for videoconferencing and office automation tasks. (next.ink)
The primary motivation behind this transition is to achieve true digital sovereignty by reducing reliance on American software providers. By adopting open-source solutions, Lyon seeks to gain greater control over its digital tools and data, aligning with broader European efforts to enhance technological independence. This move also reflects growing concerns about data privacy and security, especially in light of regulations like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which impose strict rules on data handling and storage. (webpronews.com)
Lyon's decision is part of a broader trend among European municipalities and governments seeking to reduce dependence on proprietary software. For instance, Denmark's Ministry of Digital Affairs has announced plans to transition from Microsoft Office to LibreOffice, aiming to enhance digital sovereignty and reduce reliance on dominant foreign technology providers. Similarly, the German state of Schleswig-Holstein is moving away from Microsoft software, replacing it with open-source alternatives to gain digital sovereignty and reduce reliance on U.S. tech giants. (computing.co.uk)
The transition to open-source software is expected to bring several benefits to Lyon. Financially, the city anticipates significant cost savings by eliminating licensing fees associated with proprietary software. For example, the French city of Toulouse saved €1 million by migrating all its desktops from Microsoft Office to LibreOffice. (yro.slashdot.org) Additionally, open-source software can extend the lifespan of existing hardware, as it often requires fewer resources than proprietary alternatives, leading to environmental benefits.
However, the transition also presents challenges. Employees accustomed to Microsoft Office may face a learning curve when adapting to new platforms like OnlyOffice. Compatibility issues between old and new systems could disrupt workflows, particularly in a municipal setting where efficiency is critical to public service delivery. To mitigate these challenges, Lyon's leadership plans to implement a gradual rollout, allowing time for adjustment and training. (webpronews.com)
Lyon's move towards open-source software is a significant step in the broader European movement towards digital sovereignty. By reducing dependence on proprietary software and embracing open-source alternatives, the city aims to enhance control over its digital infrastructure, achieve cost savings, and promote environmental sustainability. As more municipalities and governments consider similar transitions, Lyon's experience may serve as a valuable case study in navigating the complexities of such a significant digital transformation.
Source: Telecompaper Telecompaper
