SoylentNews is people
SoylentNews
Submission Preview
German State of Lower Saxony Plans to Switch From Linux to Windows
Another German state plans switch back from Linux to Windows [theregister.co.uk]
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 [theregister.co.uk] 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 [heise.de]) 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 [soylentnews.org]
Munich Switching From Linux to Windows 10 [soylentnews.org]
German Documentary on Relations Between Microsoft and Public Administration Now Available in English [soylentnews.org]
