Migration Case Studies
This section examines real-world government migrations away from Microsoft products towards open source alternatives, analysing 10 major case studies across Europe spanning from 2004 to the present. The research reveals that large-scale migration is technically feasible, economically beneficial, and politically achievable, but requires careful planning, sustained commitment, and realistic execution timelines.
Comparative Summary of All Migrations
| Government | Scale | Timeline | Scope | Current Status | Classification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| France Gendarmerie | 90,000+ desktops | 2004–2013 | Full stack (apps + OS) | Operational (17+ years) | Exemplar Success |
| Munich LiMux | 15,000 desktops | 2004–2013 | Full stack (apps + OS) | Restored open source preference (2020) | Cautionary Tale |
| Schleswig-Holstein | 90,000 users | 2021–present | Comprehensive (apps, email, collab, OS pilot) | Active migration | Current Exemplar |
| Denmark | Ministry-level | 2025–present | Office suite primarily | In progress | Pragmatic Pilot |
| Italian Defence Ministry | 150,000 PCs | 2015–2016 | Office suite (LibreOffice) | Completed | Rapid Deployment |
| Italian Regions | Regional scale | 2012–present | Office suite + infrastructure | Operational | Regional Pioneers |
| Barcelona | Municipal scale | 2017–present | Comprehensive (apps, infrastructure, procurement) | Operational | Municipal Innovation |
| Switzerland (EMBAG) | Federal level | 2023–present | Legislative mandate for open source | Active implementation | Legislative Model |
| Estonia (X-Road) | National scale | 2001–present | Government interoperability platform | Operational (24 years) | Native Open Source |
| Netherlands | National evaluation | 2024–present | Microsoft alternatives assessment | Evaluation phase | Assessment Phase |
Detailed Case Studies
France Gendarmerie
The gold standard of government open source migration. 90,000+ desktops migrated over nine years with a phased applications-first approach. Operational continuously for 17+ years, saving an estimated 40% on total cost of ownership.
Read the France Gendarmerie case studyMunich LiMux
A technically successful migration that was reversed through political pressure and vendor lobbying. Now restored to open source preference, Munich illustrates both the feasibility and the political risks of large-scale migration.
Read the Munich LiMux case studySchleswig-Holstein
The most comprehensive active migration in Europe. 90,000 users transitioning to LibreOffice, Nextcloud, Open Xchange, and piloting Linux desktops. Provides the most current evidence of modern migration methodology.
Read the Schleswig-Holstein case studyDenmark
A pragmatic ministry-level pilot focused primarily on office suite migration. Demonstrates how smaller-scale initiatives can validate approaches before broader national rollout.
Read the Denmark case studyEuropean Evidence
Consolidated analysis of six further European migrations: Italian Defence Ministry, Italian Regions, Barcelona, Switzerland (EMBAG), Estonia (X-Road), and the Netherlands assessment.
Read the European evidence analysisConsolidated Analysis
Proven Technology Stacks
Cross-referencing the technology choices across all 10 case studies to identify the most proven and reliable open source components for government deployment.
View proven technology stacksCritical Success Factors
Distilled lessons from all case studies identifying the common factors that determine success or failure in government open source migrations.
View critical success factorsKey Findings
- Scale Proven: Governments have successfully migrated between 5,000 and 150,000 workstations
- Longevity Demonstrated: France’s Gendarmerie has operated 90,000+ open source desktops continuously for 17+ years
- Cost Savings Realised: 40% total cost of ownership reduction consistently achieved; Munich saved €11.7 million
- Optimal Approach: Phased “applications-first, OS-later” methodology over 18–36 months
- Critical Success Factor: Comprehensive training programmes identified as the primary determinant of user adoption