Futures

Lyon’s Shift to Open Source: Moving Away from Microsoft Software for Digital Sovereignty, (from page 20250727d.)

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Summary

The French city of Lyon is distancing itself from Microsoft as concerns over data privacy and digital sovereignty grow in Europe. Lyon plans to replace Microsoft software with open-source alternatives like ONLYOFFICE and switch from Windows to Linux systems. This digital sovereignty initiative also includes the launch of the open-source platform Territoire Numérique Ouvert (TNO), which incorporates various collaborative tools such as Jitsi, Nextcloud, Zimbra, Chamilo, and Matrix. TNO currently serves thousands of employees in local governments and is designed to maintain control over public data within regional data centers. The project received €2 million in funding from the Agence Nationale de la Cohésion des Territoires (ANCT).

Signals

name description change 10-year driving-force relevancy
Rejection of Microsoft in Europe Growing unease among European nations towards dependence on Microsoft software. Shift from reliance on an American tech giant to open source alternatives. In a decade, Europe could have a robust ecosystem of local tech solutions dominating the public sector. Concerns over data privacy, digital sovereignty, and governmental surveillance drive this change. 4
Transition to Open Source Software European governments moving towards open source solutions for critical services. Decreasing reliance on proprietary software in favor of open source alternatives. Ten years from now, open source software may be standard in public institutions across Europe. The desire for control over data and reduction of vendor lock-in influences this trend. 5
Local Data Sovereignty Practices Countries like France are ensuring data sovereignty through local hosting. Transition from global data cloud solutions to locally hosted data services. Regional data centers could become the norm, enhancing data control and privacy for governments. National security concerns and privacy regulations are motivating this shift. 4
Investment in Digital Sovereignty Initiatives Significant funding allocated to projects promoting digital sovereignty. Increase in public funding for local tech solutions and sovereignty initiatives. Funding for digital sovereignty could pave the way for a new tech industry in Europe. Government recognition of the importance of sovereignty in technology drives investment. 3

Concerns

name description
Data Privacy Risks Growing concerns about data privacy due to reliance on foreign tech giants like Microsoft.
Digital Sovereignty Dependence on American technology may undermine national efforts for digital sovereignty and self-determination.
Service Interruptions Vulnerability to service interruptions from proprietary software can affect essential public services.
Governmental Surveillance Fear of potential governmental surveillance through centralized platforms owned by foreign corporations.
Transition Challenges Shifts to open-source alternatives may face technical and organizational hurdles during transition.
Funding and Resources Dependence on public funding for open-source projects raises concerns about sustainability in the long term.

Behaviors

name description
Rejection of Proprietary Software European regions are increasingly moving away from Microsoft products in favor of open source alternatives due to concerns over data privacy and surveillance.
Adoption of Open Source Solutions Cities are adopting open source software tools like ONLYOFFICE, Nextcloud, and Linux-based OS to enhance digital sovereignty and control over data.
Local Data Center Utilization Services are being hosted in regional data centers to ensure control over public data and compliance with digital sovereignty standards.
Collaborative Open Source Platforms Initiatives like the Territoire Numérique Ouvert illustrate the move towards open-source collaborative platforms for public sector use.
Public Sector Digital Sovereignty Municipalities are prioritizing digital sovereignty in their technology choices to mitigate risks associated with foreign tech providers.

Technologies

name description
Open Source Software Software that is released with a license that allows anyone to inspect, modify, and enhance it, promoting transparency and user control.
ONLYOFFICE An open-source office suite enabling document editing, sharing, and collaboration, providing an alternative to proprietary software like Microsoft Office.
Linux-based Operating Systems Open-source operating systems that provide flexibility and control over computing environments, reducing reliance on proprietary systems.
Territoire Numérique Ouvert (TNO) An open source collaborative platform that integrates various tools for local government services, enhancing digital sovereignty.
Data Sovereignty Solutions Strategies and technologies ensuring that sensitive data is controlled according to national regulations and standards, addressing privacy concerns.
Regional Data Centers Local data storage facilities that ensure better control and security of data for regions, promoting data sovereignty.
Collaborative Tools (Jitsi, Nextcloud, Zimbra, Chamilo, Matrix) A suite of open source tools facilitating communication and collaboration, essential for modern digital governance.

Issues

name description
Rejection of Proprietary Software Growing trend among European cities and countries to move away from Microsoft and proprietary software due to data privacy and sovereignty concerns.
Adoption of Open Source Alternatives The shift towards open source software like ONLYOFFICE and Linux shows increased preference for customizable and cost-effective solutions.
Digital Sovereignty Increased emphasis on controlling public data and minimizing dependence on foreign tech companies reflects a rising priority for digital sovereignty in governance.
Local Data Hosting The move to host services in regional data centers highlights a growing trend for ensuring data control and compliance with national standards.
Funding for Open Source Projects Government funding for local open source initiatives, like the €2 million for TNO, signals financial support for digital independence.