A significant transition is underway in Lyon, France, as the city commits to replacing Microsoft Windows and Office with Linux and OnlyOffice. This shift is more than just a change in software—it’s part of a larger strategy aimed at achieving digital sovereignty and reducing dependence on foreign software, particularly from American companies.
Lyon’s move follows similar actions in other European regions, such as Denmark and Schleswig-Holstein in Germany, reflecting a growing trend among European governments to ensure data security and control over their digital infrastructure. Concerns about potential governmental pressures from the U.S., especially during the previous Trump administration, have made many European leaders wary of entrusting their sensitive data to American companies like Microsoft.
The European Commission’s report emphasizes the need for open-source solutions to enhance tech autonomy. Lyon’s Deputy Mayor for Digital Policy, Bertrand Maes, articulated the city’s commitment to empowering citizens and safeguarding their data through this initiative, indicating that the city is proud to be on a path toward digital independence.
Additionally, the city’s decision aims to foster local economic growth by developing a collaboration suite, called Territoire Numérique Ouvert (Open Digital Territory), in cooperation with regional digital organizations. This suite, hosted in local data centers, will provide secure and interoperable tools for municipal operations, including office automation and document collaboration.
More than half of the public contracts related to this initiative are going to companies located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, ensuring that funds are kept local to stimulate the economy. Training programs for 10,000 civil servants are already underway to facilitate this transition.
As Lyon embarks on this migration, it sets a precedent that might inspire other municipalities looking to enhance their digital sovereignty while minimizing reliance on foreign software. This could potentially mark a pivotal moment in the broader adoption of Linux in public sector environments, as governments seek to protect their digital landscapes from external pressures.
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