Germany's Schleswig-Holstein State Ditches Microsoft for Open-Source Groupware

GERMAN STATE OF SCHLESWIG-HOLSTEIN MAKES MAJOR SHIFT TO FOSS GROUPWARE BERLIN, GERMANY - In a significant move towards digital sovereignty, the German state of Schleswig-Holstein has successfully migrated its Microsoft Outlook mail and groupware setups to an open-source solution using Open-Xchange and Thunderbird. According to Heise, a leading German IT news outlet, the migration was completed after six months of intense data transfer work. "We are proud to have taken this major step towards digital independence," said Thomas Stegner, Schleswig-Holstein's Minister for Digitalization. "This move not only saves us significant costs but also allows us to better control our own IT infrastructure." The migration is seen as a milestone in Germany, with stakeholders hailing it as a success story. The state's decision to switch to free and open-source software (FOSS) is part of its broader efforts to reduce reliance on proprietary solutions. Background research reveals that Schleswig-Holstein has been actively exploring FOSS options for several years. In 2020, the state launched an initiative to promote the use of open-source software in public administration. The move towards Open-Xchange and Thunderbird is seen as a key component of this strategy. International experts have welcomed the development, highlighting its potential implications for digital sovereignty worldwide. "This is a significant step forward for Germany and sets a precedent for other countries," said Dr. Axel Schildt, a leading expert on open-source software at the University of Hamburg. "By embracing FOSS, Schleswig-Holstein has demonstrated its commitment to digital independence and reduced reliance on proprietary solutions." The state's next major goal is to migrate its desktop PCs to Linux, a move that could further reduce costs and enhance security. When asked about the timeline for this transition, Stegner said: "We are currently in the planning phase and expect to begin the migration process within the next 12 months." As Schleswig-Holstein continues on its path towards digital sovereignty, international observers will be watching closely. The state's commitment to FOSS groupware and Linux OS is seen as a beacon of hope for those seeking greater control over their IT infrastructure. The move also raises questions about the future of proprietary software in public administration. Will other countries follow Schleswig-Holstein's lead, or will they continue to rely on proprietary solutions? Only time will tell. In related news, the German federal government has announced plans to review its own use of FOSS and proprietary software in public administration. The move is seen as a response to growing concerns about digital sovereignty and data security. As Schleswig-Holstein continues to push the boundaries of digital innovation, one thing is clear: the state's commitment to FOSS groupware and Linux OS has set it apart from its peers and cemented its position as a pioneer in Germany. *Reporting by Linux.*