Swiss Government Tests Alternative Suites to Replace Microsoft 365

Switzerland's federal government is testing alternative software suites to replace Microsoft 365, citing data protection and sovereignty concerns. The move affects 3,000 workstations and 7% of federal administrative staff.

The decision comes as European countries prioritize digital sovereignty, with France dropping Windows 10/11 for a Linux-based operating system earlier this year. Professor Matthias Stürmer at Bern University of Applied Sciences expressed concern over the risk of data leaks from systems controlled by foreign governments.

Rising license costs are also attributed to the Swiss switch, but data protection is the primary concern. Microsoft's Sovereign Cloud offers similar features, ensuring customer data stays in Europe under European law, but this hasn't convinced governments like Germany, France, and now Switzerland to stick with the company.