Switzerland Trials Ditching Microsoft for Open-Source Software

Switzerland is moving forward with plans to trial free and open-source software, potentially moving away from standard Microsoft services for parts of its government. Following a proof-of-concept study by the Federal Chancellery, authorities concluded that it is feasible for the Federal Administration to function using open-source alternatives instead of Microsoft 365.

The initial study tested a complete suite of browser-based tools, covering document editing with Collabora Online, email, calendar, contacts, and tasks through Open-Xchange, file storage via Nextcloud, and project management with OpenProject. Additionally, testing evaluated XWiki for knowledge management, Jitsi-based Nordest for audio and video conferencing, Element for chat, and Univention for identity and access management. Although the study acknowledged certain technical, operational, and organizational hurdles, it ultimately determined that the tested solutions are fundamentally suitable for core standard processes.

Building on these findings, Switzerland will launch a follow-up program. According to the Swiss Federal Council, around 3,000 employees should be able to use sovereign workplace software equipped with core office functions starting from the end of 2027. Funding for the initiative will be drawn from resources approved by Parliament to develop a sovereign Swiss open-source platform for office automation.

This shift aligns with broader European trends toward digital sovereignty. Other European countries have also begun reducing their reliance on extra-European dependencies, while the European Union has increasingly encouraged teams to adopt and promote open-source software across the region.