Austria's Armed Forces Ditch Microsoft for LibreOffice, Boosting Digital Sovereignty

Austria's Armed Forces Ditch Microsoft Office for LibreOffice VIENNA, AUSTRIA - In a significant move to enhance digital sovereignty, the Austrian Armed Forces have switched from Microsoft's Office suite to the open-source alternative, LibreOffice. The decision affects approximately 16,000 workstations across the country. According to Michael Hillebrand, head of Directorate 6 ICT and Cyber at the Austrian Armed Forces, the primary motivation behind this switch was not cost savings on software license fees but rather a desire to maintain control over their digital infrastructure. "It was very important for us to show that we are doing this primarily (...) to strengthen our digital sovereignty, to maintain our independence in terms of ICT infrastructure and (...) to ensure that data is only processed in-house," Hillebrand emphasized during an interview with ORF radio station O1. The decision-making process began five years ago, after Microsoft announced plans to move its Office suite to the cloud. The Austrian Armed Forces deemed it unacceptable to rely on external cloud services for processing sensitive military data. "We cannot outsource our data processing to third-party providers," Hillebrand explained. "This would compromise our security and independence." The switch to LibreOffice was completed in 2021, marking a significant milestone in the country's efforts to reduce reliance on proprietary software. By adopting open-source solutions, Austria joins other nations in promoting digital self-sufficiency. LibreOffice offers a range of benefits for the Austrian Armed Forces, including improved data security and reduced dependence on external services. This move also aligns with the country's broader strategy to enhance its digital sovereignty and maintain control over sensitive information. The adoption of LibreOffice is expected to have far-reaching implications for other government agencies and organizations seeking to reduce their reliance on proprietary software. As Hillebrand noted, "This decision sets a precedent for other public institutions to follow suit." With this significant development, Austria takes a crucial step towards digital independence, underscoring the importance of open-source solutions in maintaining national security and data sovereignty. Background: The Austrian Armed Forces have been actively exploring alternatives to proprietary software since 2020. This move is part of a broader effort to enhance digital sovereignty and reduce reliance on external services. Implications: The switch to LibreOffice has significant implications for other government agencies, organizations, and countries seeking to promote digital self-sufficiency. Next Developments: As the Austrian Armed Forces continue to refine their digital infrastructure, they are expected to share best practices and lessons learned with international partners. This move is likely to inspire other nations to follow suit in adopting open-source solutions. *Reporting by It.*