Swiss government launching $11.1 million shift from Microsoft 365
Switzerland plans to move about 3,000 government computers—roughly 7% of its fleet—off Microsoft 365 and onto open source software by the end of 2027. The $11.1 million pilot aims to reduce dependence on U.S. tech giants for sensitive data and boost digital sovereignty. Workers will run German-made openDesk alongside Microsoft to avoid disruptions. The government may keep using Microsoft if the trial flops.
- 3,000 computers targeted for open source migration
- Trial runs through late 2027, costs $11.1 million
- openDesk tested by 172 employees so far
- Data privacy and sovereignty are main motives
- Microsoft 365 to remain during transition
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