Schleswig-Holstein: Revolution in the office! Almost 80% Microsoft licenses canceled

Schleswig-Holstein: Revolution in the office! Almost 80% Microsoft licenses canceled

Schleswig-Holstein is serious about digital sovereignty. The latest step by the Ministry of Digitalization shows that the state is pursuing a clear vision: the far-reaching replacement of Microsoft. Almost 80 percent of Microsoft licenses have been canceled so far, and the transition to open source software is already well underway. The final switch to Open-Xchange, which replaces the old Microsoft Exchange, was successfully completed. Around 44,000 mailboxes with around 110 million calendar entries and emails are now moving in new ways. A step that is considered essential in the implementation of the open source strategy. Heise reports on the positive progress, but also highlights challenges, particularly in the involvement of unions and staff councils.

What is the plan to transform Schleswig-Holstein's digital landscape? Digitization Minister Dirk Schrödter has made it clear that the complete switch to Linux and open source programs should take place within the next three months. Around 30,000 employees are affected, including civil servants, police officers and judges. Schrödter emphasizes the need to maintain control over IT solutions and protect citizens' sensitive data. This strategy, similar to recent moves by Danish authorities, aims to reduce dependence on US tech companies and promote Germany's digital independence, especially in the context of geopolitical tensions such as the war in Ukraine. ZDNet

Technical hurdles and solutions

The transition was not without difficulties. In the justice sector, there were technical problems retrieving emails at the beginning of September, which were caused by an incorrect configuration in the data center. Fortunately, these hurdles have now been overcome and the system is running stable. Despite all the challenges, the migration is expected to move forward, with clear timelines for tax administration and comprehensive plans to further reduce Microsoft software over the next few months.

Spinning off Microsoft Office licenses isn't just a financial move; Schleswig-Holstein expects to save millions by eliminating these license fees and the associated update costs. The idea is to make the transition gradual: In the first phase, Microsoft Word and Excel will be replaced by LibreOffice, followed by Open-Xchange, which will replace Exchange and Outlook. Communications via Thunderbird and a desktop interface based on KDE Plasma are also planned. Informatik Aktuell highlights the importance of these steps in order to avoid dependencies on individual software providers and to strengthen the state's digital infrastructure.

The look ahead

The restructuring of the IT landscape in Schleswig-Holstein is more than just a technical upgrade; it is a question of digital sovereignty, which is firmly anchored in the coalition agreement between the CDU/CSU and the SPD. There is a clear mandate to modernize digital administration and strengthen long-term independence. The challenges are diverse, from the complex distribution of tasks in federalism to legal hurdles. But Schleswig-Holstein seems to be well on the way to bringing digitalization into line with the new requirements and possibilities.

Particularly noteworthy is the support from the Center for Digital Sovereignty, which is already actively working to promote open source solutions in public administration. The positive developments in other European countries, such as the French Gendarmerie, show that such changes can be successful. Schleswig-Holstein will have to show whether it can take up the need of the hour and create effective digital solutions for its citizens.