- Lyon has confirmed the plans to plug some Microsoft software
- European and open source software are preferred alternatives
- Other European cities are making similar movements
The third largest city in France, Lyon, is the last European city that has abandoned the Microsoft office in favor of open source software alternatives.
It is a movement that is gaining ground in Europe, since countries seek to reduce their dependence on American software amid continuous geopolitical tensions, while increasing sovereignty.
At the same time, the elimination of Microsoft will allow Lyon to extend the useful life of its hardware to reduce its environmental impact, with open source software with less likely to impose dates at the end of life as the next deprecation of Windows 10 in October 2025.
Lyon moves away from Microsoft
In an online note, Lyon’s office explained that it would move away from Microsoft software to Onlyoffice, developed by a group of Latvia developers, as well as Linux and Postgresql.
As part of the movement, Territire Numérique Ouver is also being adopted as an alternative for videoconference and office automation.
It is believed that the Lyon government uses around 10,000 people, which makes this a colossal change that may require large amounts of resentment and improvement. Munich previously tried a similar switch, but then reversed the movement due to compatibility and dissatisfaction problems of users.
Even so, with EU-US tensions in a historical maximum, the movement is gaining traction once again.
Schleswig-Holstein of Germany recently announced plans to end Microsoft software contracts, including equipment, with the neighboring cities of Copenhagen and Aarhus, they also also explore the options.
Microsoft has enough customers in their orders books so you don’t have to worry about losing Lyon, with movement instead of marking a symbolic change. However, if more European cities begin to turn their backs on Microsoft, the American technological giant could begin to see financial impacts.
Techradar Pro He has requested thoughts on the ongoing European trend, but we do not receive an immediate response.
