Switzerland Plans to Reduce Dependence on Microsoft Products

(MENAFN) According to reports, Switzerland is preparing a long-term strategy to reduce its reliance on Microsoft products as part of efforts to strengthen digital independence and address concerns over data security.

As stated by reports, a spokesperson for the Federal Chancellery of Switzerland said the government intends to “reduce its dependency on Microsoft, step by step and in the long term,” according to Swiss media coverage.

Reports indicate that the decision comes even after the recent deployment of Microsoft 365 across roughly 54,000 federal administration workstations, highlighting a gradual rather than immediate transition.

According to reports, the move reflects broader debates within Switzerland about the risks of relying heavily on large global technology companies for handling sensitive government data.

Earlier internal discussions on alternative systems reportedly faced skepticism, with some officials previously questioning the need for such changes.

As stated by reports, a recent feasibility assessment concluded that switching to open-source software is technically achievable and could give government institutions greater autonomy and flexibility. The report pointed to examples such as Germany’s Schleswig-Holstein state government, which has begun transitioning parts of its administration to open-source platforms.

Reports also indicate that Swiss officials are studying similar approaches, noting that open-source systems allow for independent modification and development without reliance on major corporate providers.

Financial considerations have also played a role. According to reports, over the past decade Switzerland’s federal government and cantonal authorities have collectively spent more than 1.1 billion Swiss francs (around $1.4 billion) on Microsoft licensing fees.

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