Core Viewpoint - The German state of Schleswig-Holstein is transitioning away from Microsoft products to open-source software to regain control over data and ensure digital sovereignty amid rising US-EU tensions and concerns over the power of major tech companies [3][4][6]. Transition to Open-Source Software - Schleswig-Holstein plans to replace Microsoft Office programs like Word and Excel with LibreOffice and Open-Xchange for emails and calendars, with a complete switch to the Linux operating system in the coming years [5][8]. - The shift will impact approximately 30,000 public servants initially, with plans to extend to around 30,000 teachers in the future [4]. Economic Considerations - The move to open-source software is expected to save Schleswig-Holstein tens of millions of euros, as investing in alternatives and training staff is often cheaper than Microsoft licensing fees [10][11]. - The state aims to avoid unexpected costs associated with mandatory updates from Microsoft, which can financially strain public bodies [10]. Global Interest and Trends - The geopolitical climate, particularly the war in Ukraine, has heightened awareness of digital dependencies, prompting interest in Schleswig-Holstein's approach from other regions [8][10]. - Other public entities, such as France's gendarmerie and India's defense ministry, have successfully adopted open-source systems, indicating a growing trend [13]. Legislative Support - The EU's "Interoperable Europe Act," which encourages the use of open-source software, may further drive this trend, potentially leading to more administrations adopting similar practices in the next few years [14].