- Denmark will have out of Microsoft’s grip and turn to Linux and LibreOffice for independence
- The Danish government chooses open source rather than the supplier’s lock-in and foreign technical control
- LibreOffice may be free, but can it match Microsoft Office’s compatibility?
Denmark is embarking on an ambitious effort to reduce its dependence on proprietary software from foreign tech giants by transferring its government systems away from Microsoft offers Windows and Office 365.
The Danish Ministry of Digitization is reportedly planning a phase migration to Linux operating systems and LibreOffice for office productivity.
The initiative is driven by concern over digital sovereignty and the strategic risks of depending on foreign providers, especially those based in the United States.
Danish officials quotes widely used open source office package LibreOffice as the best alternative to Microsoft Office for their needs.
The ministry aims to gain greater control over software updates, data storage and security while avoiding supplier-in.
This effort is not just about cutting down costs, although reduced license fees are expected to provide financial benefits.
According to minister Caroline phase, the core target is strategic: to protect Denmark’s digital infrastructure from the uncertainties of geopolitical tensions and the risk of disturbed access to US-based services.
The move is in line with a broader trend throughout Europe, where governments are increasingly cautious with the long-term consequences of depending on foreign tech companies.
Denmark’s initiative is not without a precedent. More than a decade ago, Germany, especially the city of Munich, tried to replace Microsoft products with Linux and LibreOffice.
Despite the first enthusiasm, the project was eventually reversed due to compatibility problems, the user’s dissatisfaction and challenges in maintaining productivity.
Given this story, observers can question whether Denmark’s approach can produce different results.
However, the Danish government seems to continue with greater caution. The development will be gradual and the ministry has stated that it will temporarily return to Microsoft tools if serious disturbances occur.
This pragmatic attitude indicates a willingness to prioritize operational continuity rather than strict adherence to the transition time line.
While LibreOffice is often described as the leading alternative to Microsoft Word, its real performance in government settings remains a topic of debate.
Compatibility with Microsoft Office documents and user customization for a new interface can pose significant challenges.
Likewise, while Linux is often praised as a powerful and secure operating system, its stability and support may vary depending on the distribution chosen.
Ultimately, Denmark’s initiative represents a broader political and technological experiment, one that raises important issues of control, resilience and the future of national digital infrastructure.
Whether it will succeed where others have stumbled, to see, but what is clear is that the move is less about software preference and more about who holds the keys to government technology.
Via Guru3d
