Swiss Government Ditches Microsoft 365 for Open Source Alternatives

The Swiss government is taking steps to reduce its reliance on Microsoft 365, citing concerns over digital sovereignty. The Federal Chancellery has launched a pilot program to replace Microsoft's productivity software with open source alternatives, investing around $11 million in the process.

The plan involves replacing Redmond's tools with the openDesk suite from ZenDIS on 3000 computers as an initial step. This move is part of the Swiss government's 'Digital Switzerland Strategy, 2026' and aligns with its Federal Law on the Use of Electronic Means for the Fulfilment of Governmental Tasks (EMBAG).

This development comes after the Swiss armed forces began transitioning away from proprietary software in July 2026, aiming to complete the migration by October 2026. The move is also reflective of European countries' growing focus on digital sovereignty, as seen earlier this year when France opted for Linux distros over Windows 10/11.