Global Shift: Countries Moving Away from Windows and Office to Embrace Linux

Significant Shift in Public Sector Software Policies

In a move reminiscent of the 2021 initiative by the German state of Schleswig-Holstein, Denmark is now preparing to phase out reliance on proprietary software giants like Microsoft. The Danish government is actively exploring a strategic transition from its current Microsoft-based infrastructure to open source alternatives, signaling a broader push towards technological independence and sustainability.

Background: Germany’s Progressive Transition

Back in 2021, Germany announced an ambitious plan to migrate approximately 30,000 computers across various public institutions from proprietary solutions such as Microsoft Office and Windows operating systems to open source alternatives like LibreOffice and Linux-based systems. The objective was to complete this comprehensive switch by the year 2027, aiming to reduce dependency on corporate tech giants and enhance control over public digital infrastructure.

Denmark's Forward-Looking Approach

Building upon this precedent, Denmark’s Ministry of Digital Affairs has revealed that it is preparing to implement a similar strategy. Caroline Stage Olsen, Denmark’s Minister of Digital Affairs, announced in an exclusive interview with the local media outlet Politiken that her department plans to commence the transition as early as next month. The initial phase involves replacing Office 365 with open source solutions, signaling a fundamental shift in the country’s digital strategy.

Objectives and Political Motivations

This initiative is motivated not solely by technical considerations but also by strategic political concerns. Olsen emphasized that moving away from reliance on a handful of dominant technology providers aligns with Denmark’s broader goals of digital sovereignty and national security. "Of course, initial challenges are expected," Olsen acknowledged, noting that technical hurdles may arise at the outset. She mentioned that temporary fallback measures or even reverting to previous systems might be necessary if the transition encounters unforeseen issues. Nevertheless, Olsen underscored the importance of initiating the process without delay, stating, "If we don’t start now, we won’t make progress."

Public and Political Reception

The preliminary response from ministry staff has been largely positive, with many appreciating the move towards more transparent and less dependent technological solutions. The decision reflects a growing awareness within the Danish government of the importance of digital sovereignty and the risks associated with over-reliance on private tech providers.

Influences and Broader Implications

Experts suggest that this shift may also have been influenced by recent geopolitical developments and incidents. For instance, the temporary loss of access to Microsoft accounts experienced by Karim Khan, the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, amid US sanctions during the Trump administration, underscores the vulnerabilities inherent in dependent digital infrastructures. Moreover, Donald Trump’s controversial interest in Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory, has added diplomatic tension and highlighted the strategic importance of technological independence.

Ultimately, Denmark’s move signifies a broader trend where digital infrastructure decisions are increasingly intertwined with national sovereignty, strategic autonomy, and geopolitical considerations. The adoption of open source solutions represents more than just a technical upgrade; it embodies a deliberate effort to regain control over critical digital assets and ensure a more resilient and independent future.