>Schleswig-Holstein, Germany’s most northern state, is starting its switch from
Microsoft Office to LibreOffice, and is planning to move from Windows to Linux
on the 30,000 PCs it uses for local government functions. >Concerns over data
security are also front and center in the Minister-President’s statement,
especially data that may make its way to other countries. Back in 2021, when the
transition plans were first being drawn up, the hardware requirements for
Windows 11 were also mentioned as a reason to move away from Microsoft.
>Saunders noted that “the reasons for switching to Linux and LibreOffice are
different today. Back when LiMux started, it was mostly seen as a way to save
money. Now the focus is far more on data protection, privacy and security.
Consider that the European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS) recently found that
the European Commission’s use of Microsoft 365 breaches data protection law for
EU institutions and bodies.”
According to Investigate Europe, it had nothing to do with opposition or compatibility issues. Was a backroom deal between the mayor and Microsoft to kill the initiative in exchange for their German HQ being moved to Munich.
Edit: Just double-checked, looks like Munich was considering migrating to Linux again, but critics believe this may just be a negotiating tactic to extract more concessions from Microsoft.