Switzerland May Move 3,000 Government PCs Away From Microsoft 365

Switzerland’s federal government is testing alternatives to Microsoft 365 as it looks to reduce its reliance on US technology providers and gain more control over sensitive government data.

The move follows a wider European push toward digital sovereignty. Earlier this year, the French government disclosed plans to replace Windows with Linux, while Switzerland has now started evaluating alternatives to Microsoft’s productivity suite, according to It’s FOSS.

Switzerland has not committed to permanently abandoning Microsoft 365, and the initiative remains a pilot.

Switzerland is looking beyond Microsoft 365

Finding a replacement for Microsoft Office applications is only part of the challenge.

The Swiss government also needs productivity software capable of handling highly sensitive federal data while meeting security, privacy, and compatibility requirements.

Professor Matthias Stürmer of the Bern University of Applied Sciences highlighted data protection as one of the main reasons for evaluating alternative platforms.

A key concern involves storing sensitive government information in systems controlled by companies that must comply with foreign governments and laws.

Microsoft’s costs also play a role. Increasing Microsoft 365 licensing costs have added another reason to consider alternatives, although control over government data appears to be the more important issue.

Pilot could move 3,000 workstations away from Microsoft 365

The trial could include around 7% of employees in Switzerland’s federal administration.

Approximately 3,000 workstations could move to the selected alternative productivity suites as part of the pilot. The government also plans to process sensitive data through those platforms to determine whether they can meet federal requirements.

Compatibility could become one of the biggest obstacles. The Document Foundation previously highlighted compatibility problems linked to Microsoft Office file formats, an issue that could complicate a broader migration.

The pilot will determine whether alternatives can deliver the security, compatibility, and functionality Switzerland needs.

If they cannot, the federal government could ultimately continue using Microsoft 365.

Via Windows Central