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Schleswig-Holstein Government’s Transition to Open Source
One of Germany’s 16 states, Schleswig-Holstein, has recently announced a significant decision to migrate tens of thousands of systems from Microsoft Windows to Linux. This transition follows the state government’s initial plans to shift away from Microsoft Office in favor of the open-source platform LibreOffice.
Background and Implementation Plan
The shift towards open-source software has been a work in progress for Schleswig-Holstein. In 2021, the state government revealed its intention to transfer 25,000 computers to LibreOffice by the year 2026, after two years of testing the software. Recently, the state government confirmed that it has completed a successful pilot run of LibreOffice and is ready to expand its open-source offerings.
The state government, led by Minister-President Daniel Gunther, affirmed the decision to transition all systems to the Linux operating system as well. This move represents a strategic shift away from proprietary software towards free, open-source alternatives to create digitally sovereign IT workplaces for approximately 30,000 state employees.
The government has also introduced a comprehensive training program that will be continuously updated to adapt to the evolving needs of the workforce.
Software Transition and Benefits
While the government is enthusiastic about embracing open-source solutions, it acknowledges that certain specialized job functions may face challenges in making the transition. However, it remains committed to exploring alternatives and providing support where needed.
In addition to migrating to Linux and LibreOffice, Schleswig-Holstein is phasing out Microsoft Sharepoint and Exchange/Outlook in favor of open-source platforms such as Nextcloud, Open-Xchange, and Mozilla Thunderbird with the Univention active directory connector.
Furthermore, the state is developing an open-source directory service as a replacement for Microsoft’s Active Directory, along with an open-source telephony system to enhance operational efficiency and security.
Focus on Digital Sovereignty
The Schleswig-Holstein government’s decision to transition to open-source software is driven by a desire to enhance IT security, achieve cost efficiencies, and facilitate collaboration across different systems. In the official announcement, Digitalization Minister Dirk Schrödter emphasized the importance of digital sovereignty, likening it to energy sovereignty.
Schrödter highlighted concerns related to data flow, cloud services, and external influence on data management. By leveraging open-source solutions, the government aims to redirect financial resources from licensing fees to domestic programming services, fostering economic growth and job creation.
Furthermore, the shift towards open-source software aligns with the state’s goals for digitalizing its administration, offering greater flexibility and autonomy compared to proprietary alternatives. Notably, Schleswig-Holstein has seen success with open-source video conferencing and educational software, demonstrating the practical benefits of embracing this technology.
International Perspective
The move towards open source is not unique to Schleswig-Holstein. Globally, various government entities, including those in North Korea, China, South Korea, and Barcelona, have initiated similar transitions to Linux and open-source technology.
While some organizations have faced challenges in migrating to open-source platforms, Schleswig-Holstein aims to learn from past experiences and ensure a smooth transition process. By actively involving employees and implementing gradual changes, the government seeks to establish a solid foundation for long-term success.
In conclusion, Schleswig-Holstein’s commitment to digital sovereignty, cost efficiency, and technological innovation through open-source solutions sets a notable example for other government entities looking to enhance their IT infrastructure and operational capabilities.
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