German state replaces Microsoft Exchange and Outlook with open-source email

The German state of Schleswig-Holstein has replaced Microsoft Exchange and Outlook with an open-source email solution, underscoring Europe's push for digital sovereignty. This move aims to reduce reliance on proprietary software from US-based tech giants and enhance control over critical infrastructure. The new system, based on open-source technologies like Univention Corporate Server and Postfix, provides email, calendar, and contact management functionalities. This transition aligns with the European Union's efforts to establish strategic autonomy in the digital domain, reducing vulnerabilities and ensuring data sovereignty. The decision reflects growing concerns about privacy, security, and the potential for foreign influence or interference when using software developed outside of Europe. By embracing open-source alternatives, Schleswig-Holstein seeks to assert its digital independence and set an example for other European states to follow. This move is part of a broader trend in Europe, where policymakers are increasingly prioritizing the development and adoption of homegrown digital solutions to bolster their technological self-reliance and resilience.