Digital sovereignty or digital disaster? The risky plan of Denmark to finish it with Microsoft is underway
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- Denmark wants to turn from the grip of Microsoft, turn to Linux and LibreOffice for independence
- The Danish government opts for open source above supplier lock-in and foreign technical check
- LibreOffice may be free, but can it match the compatibility of Microsoft Office?
Denmark is starting an ambitious effort to reduce its dependence on its own software from foreign technical giants by eliminating its government systems Microsoft Offers Windows and Office 365.
The Danish Ministry of Digitization is said to be planning a phased migration to Linux operating systems and LibreOffice for office productivity.
The initiative is driven by concern about digital sovereignty and the strategic risks to be dependent on foreign providers, in particular those in the United States.
Danish officials mention frequently used open-source office package LibreOffice as the Best alternative to Microsoft Office For their needs.
The aim of the Ministry is to gain more control over software updates, data storage and security, while supplier lock-in is avoided.
This effort is not just about reducing costs, although it is expected that license costs in license costs will bring financial benefits.
According to Minister Caroline Stage, the core objective is strategic: protecting the digital infrastructure of Denmark against the uncertainties of geopolitical tensions and the risk of disturbed access to services established in the US.
The move is in line with a wider trend throughout Europe, where governments are always careful with the long -term implications of Depending on foreign technology companies.
The initiative of Denmark is not without precedent. More than ten years ago, Germany, in particular the city of Munich, tried to replace Microsoft products with Linux and LibreOffice.
Despite the first enthusiasm, the project was finally reversed due to compatibility problems, dissatisfaction of users and challenges in maintaining productivity.
Given this history, observers can wonder whether the approach to Denmark can produce different results.
However, the Danish government seems to proceed with more caution. The rollout will be gradual and the Ministry has stated that it will temporarily return to Microsoft Tools if serious disruptions arise.
This pragmatic attitude indicates a willingness to prioritize operational continuity over strict compliance with the transition time line.
Although LibreOffice is often described as the leading alternative to Microsoft Word, the Real-World performance in government institutions remains a topic of debate.
Compatibility with Microsoft Office documents and user adjustment to a new interface can be considerable challenges.
Similarly, while Linux is often praised as a powerful and safe operating system, the stability and support can depend on the selected distribution.
Ultimately, Denmark’s initiative represents a broader political and technological experiment, an experiment that raises important questions about control, resilience and the future of the national digital infrastructure.
Whether it will succeed where others have stumbled is still to be seen, but what is clear is that the step is less about software approvals and more about who owns the government technology keys.
By Guru3d
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