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A German state is ditching Windows and Microsoft Office for Linux and LibreOffice on the 30,000 PCs it uses for local government functions (www.theregister.com)

submitted 7 months ago* (last edited 7 months ago) by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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Schleswig-Holstein, Germany's most northern state, is starting its switch from Microsoft Office to LibreOffice, and is planning to move from Windows to Linux on the 30,000 PCs it uses for local government functions.

Concerns over data security are also front and center in the Minister-President's statement, especially data that may make its way to other countries. Back in 2021, when the transition plans were first being drawn up, the hardware requirements for Windows 11 were also mentioned as a reason to move away from Microsoft.

Saunders noted that "the reasons for switching to Linux and LibreOffice are different today. Back when LiMux started, it was mostly seen as a way to save money. Now the focus is far more on data protection, privacy and security. Consider that the European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS) recently found that the European Commission's use of Microsoft 365 breaches data protection law for EU institutions and bodies."

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[–] [email protected] 7 points 7 months ago (2 children)

You are right. But what epic dunces.

Employer could pass the savings onto the staff with a payrise though.

"Staff who learn to use these new Linux applications will receive a bonus/payrise. Staff who do not will go to corner and wear the special hat"

[–] [email protected] 2 points 7 months ago

I think trying to sell a switch to opensource as a saving is wrong on two counts...

Firstly it just sets the platform up for hatred. "We know you guys like expensive wine at the Christmas party, but this year we decided to get cheap-but-still-ok wine! Yaay, go team!".

Secondly, any savings should be poured straight back into training and support. Users should be able to ask dumb questions like "how do I create a new word document" and get a more or less instant response.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 7 months ago* (last edited 7 months ago)

Eh, it's civil servants. They'll be sent to training, if it turns out they can't be trained they'll have choice between quitting or working where their qualifications suffice. Have them walk dikes to find rabbit burrows if need be.