German State Embarks on Large-Scale Linux Migration to Boost IT Security and Sovereignty
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Schleswig-Holstein, a German state, is migrating 30,000 government computers from Windows to Linux operating systems.
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The state government has already been testing open source LibreOffice for two years and will expand it to 25,000 computers by 2026.
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The switch aims to enhance IT security, achieve cost efficiencies, enable collaboration, and gain "digital sovereignty."
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The state cites high Windows licensing fees and a lack of flexibility as reasons for changing operating systems.
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Previous high-profile Linux migrations in Munich and Vienna faced challenges, but Schleswig-Holstein believes its gradual approach will avoid major pitfalls.