Another German state plans switch back from Linux to Windows
The German state of Lower Saxony plans to follow Munich's example, and migrate a reported 13,000 users from Linux back to Windows.
Apparently undaunted by the cost of the Munich switch (which we reported in January could be as much as €100m), Lower Saxony is considering making the change in its tax office. The state seems to expect a much cheaper transition, with Heise (in German here) reporting the first-year budget is €5.9m, and another €7m further out.
The tax office argues its decision is driven by compatibility: field workers and teleworkers overwhelmingly use Windows, while the OpenSUSE variants are installed on its office workstations. The office workstations are also ageing and due for replacement, something that helped open the door for Windows.
Related: Linux Champion Munich Takes Decisive Step Towards Returning to Windows
Munich Switching From Linux to Windows 10
German Documentary on Relations Between Microsoft and Public Administration Now Available in English
(Score: 1, Informative) by Anonymous Coward on Sunday July 29 2018, @04:49AM
You may have Pro/Engineer in mind which has been rebranded as Creo Elements/Pro [wikipedia.org]. Haven't used it myself but heard lots of good things, one of which was "runs on Linux". Alas, this was in a former life as a draftsman and while the license costs for Pro/E have stayed firmly in the ludicrous realm, checking on the Wikipedia article reveals that Linux is no longer supported.
Guess automotive and aerospace - the target market for ridiculously expensive 3D CAD software - won't let go of Windows :(