Switzerland Tries OpenDesk as Part of Microsoft Diversification Efforts

The Swiss government is running a trial of OpenDesk, an open-source workspace tool, as part of efforts to reduce reliance on Microsoft software. The trial aims to shift 3,000 government employees away from Microsoft 365 for core office functions by the end of next year.

This move comes amid wider digital sovereignty efforts across Europe, driven in part by fears of US overreach and a desire to boost resilience following serious outages. France has started shifting away from US software for government purposes, while one German state has switched four out of five administration computers away from Microsoft.

The feasibility study that led to the trial suggested that shifting to open-source software is possible, but noted limitations around video conferencing and significant adaptations and security work would be required. The Swiss government has partnered with the German state of Schleswig-Holstein, which has already shifted much of its workstations to OpenDesk.

OpenDesk offers workspace tools via a web browser, including documents, email, project management, and identity management. The shift is not meant to replace Microsoft 365 entirely, but rather to target employees responsible for critical business processes and ensure the government can continue operating even if Microsoft goes down.