From next month, Danish Digital Minister Caroline Stage plans to phase out the use of Microsoft and its programs.
Over the summer, half of the ministry’s staff will switch from Windows to another operating system, Libre Office. Caroline Stage aims to lead by example and test this transition herself.
The goal is for the ministry to be completely free of Microsoft by autumn. If the transition proves too complicated, they will revert temporarily.
This initiative is part of a broader strategy called “digital sovereignty,” aiming to reduce Denmark’s dependence on US-based tech giants.
Recent global events and debate around data protection have intensified calls for digital independence. Political parties, including Enhedslisten and Alternativet, support reducing reliance on American technology companies.
It’s just one less unnecessary risk you need to take (that your Distributor is acting in bad faith on the demand of a foreign government), there is no 100% certainty.
Also as a big state customer you can afford to paid for code audits and more developer resources.
Especially if you pool the costs over a huge base like the whole public sector in the EU. (The amount of money they pay for Microsoft Licensing would buy a huge amount of manpower)
Good points.