Switzerland Seeks to Reduce Dependence on Microsoft Products

Istanbul (ANTARA) - Switzerland plans to gradually reduce its dependence on Microsoft products as part of a long-term effort to strengthen its digital sovereignty and address data security issues, according to local media reports.

A spokesperson for the Federal Chancellery stated that the government aims to “reduce its dependence on Microsoft, step by step and in the long term,” according to a Swissinfo report on Sunday (19/4).

According to the report, this marks a strategic shift despite the recent launch of Microsoft 365 across around 54,000 workstations in federal agencies.

The move comes amid growing debates about reliance on big technology companies and the security of sensitive government data.

Previous efforts to explore alternatives have faced internal resistance, with some officials reportedly dismissing them as unnecessary experiments.

A recent feasibility study found that transitioning to open-source software is possible, offering authorities greater control and flexibility.

Germany has emerged as a reference point, with the state of Schleswig-Holstein having shifted its administration to open-source systems.

Swiss officials are also examining similar models, as open-source platforms allow users to modify and develop software independently of large corporations.

Financial dimensions have also drawn attention. Over the past decade, the Swiss federal government and cantons have spent more than 1.1 billion Swiss francs (Rp42.1 trillion) on Microsoft licences, according to a previous investigation.