Lyon, France, has made a significant move towards digital sovereignty by dumping Microsoft Office and Windows for OnlyOffice and Linux. The city aims to achieve greater independence from American-based companies and reduce dependence on Microsoft software. This decision is part of a broader strategy to promote local economic development and protect citizens’ data.
The motivation behind Lyon’s move is largely driven by concerns over data security and the risk of being influenced by US politics under President Donald Trump. European governments have lost trust in Microsoft, fearing that their data could be compromised or that services might be shut down on Trump’s behalf.
Lyon’s Deputy Mayor for Digital Policy, Bertrand Maes, stated, “We are proud to place Lyon on a trajectory of digital sovereignty… to protect citizens’ data.” The city’s collaboration suite, Territoire Numérique Ouvert (Open Digital Territory), is being developed in partnership with local organizations and will be hosted in regional data centers.
By adopting Linux and OnlyOffice, Lyon expects to save costs by extending the lifespan of municipal hardware and reducing electronic waste. Over 50% of public contracts for the project have been awarded to companies in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, ensuring a significant boost to the local economy.
Lyon’s migration to Linux is being closely watched as a potential blueprint for other municipalities seeking greater digital independence and sustainability. The move may finally lead to a “Year of the Linux desktop” as governments seek to diversify their IT infrastructure away from US-based companies.
Source: https://www.zdnet.com/article/this-city-is-dumping-microsoft-office-and-windows-for-onlyoffice-and-linux-heres-why