Guan Cha Zhe Wang·2025-08-22 13:22Core Viewpoint - Germany is considering replacing Microsoft software with open-source alternatives in government operations to enhance digital sovereignty and reduce reliance on American tech companies [1][3]. Group 1: Government Initiatives - The German Federal Ministry of Digital and National Modernization plans to increase the use of European solutions and open-source software, impacting thousands of public employees including teachers, civil servants, and police [1]. - The ministry has begun testing Open Desk as a potential replacement for Microsoft Office, indicating a possible end to the use of Microsoft products like Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint in federal government agencies [1]. Group 2: Political Context - The move to reduce dependency on American products is politically motivated, influenced by the uncertainties stemming from the Trump administration's policies [3]. - The Schleswig-Holstein state in Germany is already phasing out Microsoft products, opting for LibreOffice, Linux, Nextcloud, Open-Xchange, and Thunderbird as alternatives [3]. Group 3: Global Trends - Germany is not alone in seeking alternatives to American software; countries like France, Denmark, Austria, Spain, Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela are also adopting open-source systems [5]. - India's Ministry of Defense has introduced a Linux-based operating system, Maya OS, to replace Windows, reflecting a broader trend of enhancing digital sovereignty [5]. - Russia is accelerating the replacement of foreign software with domestic solutions, particularly after the withdrawal of Western companies following the Ukraine conflict [5].