Schleswig-Holstein relies on digital sovereignty: Open source for the administration!

Schleswig-Holstein relies on digital sovereignty: Open source for the administration!

Schleswig-Holstein, Deutschland - The Schleswig-Holstein government is making a brave sign of the digital future! With a new strategy for "Open Innovation and Open Source", the way for a comprehensive switch to free software in the administration is paved. The starting shot was already in April, when the black-green coalition LibreOffice introduced as standard office software for around 25,000 IT places. Now the next step follows: The move to Linux as a operating system is intended to strengthen the digital sovereignty of the authorities and offer a user -friendly, customizable surface.

The measures are ambitious! In addition to switching to Linux, the government plans to introduce the open standard ODF (Open Document Format) and a collaboration platform based on Nextcloud. The Groupware Open Xchange with email, calendar and address book will also be part of the plan. Digital Minister Dirk Schrödter (CDU) emphasizes that Microsoft products should soon be a thing of the past. "We want to make the change as smooth as possible," he promises, announcing comprehensive training for the employees.

a fundamental change in the administration

The state government not only hopes for improved IT security from this Transformation, but also lower costs and more data protection. The black and green yellow predecessor government had already sought complete replacement by Microsoft and Co. in 2017. Schrödter sees the current prerequisites as ideal: "The trend towards working independently in the cloud offers a unique opportunity to achieve digital sovereignty." Schleswig-Holstein also wants to promote the regional digital economy and invest the IT financial means in development and support contracts instead of in license fees.

With the establishment of an open source program Offices (OSPO) and participation in the German Administrative Cloud, the country wants to actively shape the digital future. The vision is clear: a modern, transparent and efficient administrative system that meets the requirements of the digital era!