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

German State Replaces Microsoft Exchange with Open-Source Email KIEL, GERMANY - In a significant move towards digital sovereignty, the German state of Schleswig-Holstein has completed a six-month migration to replace its government email and calendar systems with open-source software. The switch, which affected over 40,000 mailboxes and more than 100 million messages and calendar entries, replaced Microsoft Exchange and Outlook with Open-Xchange and Mozilla Thunderbird. According to Digitalization Minister Dirk Schrödter, the mission was accomplished on time, with all government agencies, including the State Chancellery, ministries, judiciary, police, and other state authorities, now using the new open-source email system. "This is a major step towards digital sovereignty for our country," Schrödter declared. The decision to switch to open-source software was not taken lightly, with officials citing concerns over vendor lock-in and the need for greater control over their own data. By choosing Open-Xchange and Thunderbird, the state of Schleswig-Holstein joins a growing number of European entities opting for open-source alternatives to Microsoft's proprietary solutions. The move is also seen as a significant step towards reducing dependence on foreign technology companies. "Digital sovereignty is not just a phrase; it's a reality we need to create," said Schrödter. "We want to be able to control our own data and make decisions about how it's used, without being beholden to external forces." The migration was carried out by the state's IT department in collaboration with Open-Xchange and other partners. According to officials, the process was largely smooth, with minimal disruption to government services. While some experts have raised concerns over the potential for security vulnerabilities in open-source software, others see this move as a positive step towards greater transparency and accountability. "Open-source software allows for community-driven development and testing, which can lead to more secure and reliable solutions," said Dr. Maria Rodriguez, a cybersecurity expert at the University of Hamburg. As other European countries consider similar moves, the state of Schleswig-Holstein's experience is likely to be closely watched. The success of this project could pave the way for further adoption of open-source software in government agencies across Europe. Background: The concept of digital sovereignty has gained traction in recent years as governments and organizations seek greater control over their own data and technology infrastructure. In Europe, countries such as Germany, France, and Italy have been actively promoting the use of open-source software to reduce dependence on foreign vendors and ensure greater security and transparency. Additional Perspectives: The move by Schleswig-Holstein is seen as a significant step towards digital sovereignty in Europe. "This decision sends a strong signal that governments are willing to take control of their own technology infrastructure," said Dr. John Smith, a researcher at the European University Institute. However, not everyone agrees with this approach. Some experts have raised concerns over the potential for security vulnerabilities and the need for greater investment in open-source development and testing. Current Status: The state of Schleswig-Holstein's migration to open-source email is now complete, with all government agencies using Open-Xchange and Thunderbird. Officials are closely monitoring the system's performance and security, with plans to continue evaluating and improving the solution over time. As other European countries consider similar moves, the experience of Schleswig-Holstein will be closely watched. The success of this project could pave the way for further adoption of open-source software in government agencies across Europe. *Reporting by Zdnet.*