Lyon Drops Microsoft Office to Boost Digital Sovereignty
▼ Summary
– Lyon will gradually replace Microsoft software with open-source alternatives like Only Office, Linux, and PostgreSQL to reduce dependency on U.S. solutions.
– The city aims to achieve digital sovereignty by transitioning to free and interoperable software.
– Lyon will use the Territoire Numérique Ouvert suite, developed with SITIV and Métropole de Lyon, for its digital needs.
– The Territoire Numérique Ouvert suite is already used by thousands of employees across 9 local governments.
– Lyon joins other European cities like Copenhagen and Aarhus, which recently abandoned Windows and Microsoft Office.
The city of Lyon is making a bold move toward digital independence by phasing out Microsoft Office in favor of open-source alternatives. This strategic shift aims to reduce reliance on U.S.-based software solutions and strengthen local control over digital infrastructure.
Officials confirmed the transition will involve adopting Only Office for productivity tools, alongside Linux for operating systems and PostgreSQL for database management. The decision aligns with broader efforts to achieve digital sovereignty, ensuring the municipality isn’t locked into proprietary systems vulnerable to external pressures.
Lyon isn’t navigating this change alone. The city will leverage Territoire Numérique Ouvert, an open and interoperable software suite developed in collaboration with SITIV (Intercommunal Union of Information Technologies for Cities) and the Lyon Metropolis. Already in use by thousands of employees across nine local governments, this platform demonstrates the scalability of decentralized solutions.
This move mirrors a growing trend among European cities prioritizing self-reliance. Earlier this year, Denmark’s two largest municipalities, Copenhagen and Aarhus, announced similar plans to abandon Windows and Microsoft Office. Lyon’s decision underscores a wider push toward public-sector tech autonomy, challenging the dominance of global software giants.
By embracing open-source tools, Lyon aims to foster innovation while maintaining control over its digital ecosystem. The transition signals a commitment to long-term flexibility and cost efficiency, setting a precedent for other cities considering similar steps.
(Source: Next)
