The Mecklenburg-Vorpommern state government is migrating its operations from Microsoft SharePoint to the open-source platform Nextcloud [1].
This transition represents a broader effort by German regional authorities to achieve digital sovereignty. By reducing reliance on proprietary software from U.S.-based corporations, the government aims to maintain greater control over its data and infrastructure.
The shift to free and open-source software (FOSS) is already underway in several departments. According to reports, around 5,000 staff are using their new FOSS tools for chat [1]. This move follows a pattern of diversifying the technological stack used by public administrations to avoid vendor lock-in.
Mecklenburg-Vorpommern is not alone in this strategic pivot. The state of Bavaria is also considering alternatives to Microsoft products as part of its own push for digital independence [1]. These efforts signal a growing trend across Germany to prioritize software that allows for local hosting, and full transparency of the source code.
While the transition involves significant technical hurdles, the state government has prioritized the move to Nextcloud to ensure that public data remains under regional jurisdiction. The migration is part of a long-term strategy to modernize the state's digital architecture while upholding strict data privacy standards.
Officials said the move is necessary to ensure the government is not dependent on a single provider for critical communication and collaboration tools [1].
“around 5,000 staff are using their new FOSS tools for chat”
The migration by Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and the interest from Bavaria reflect a systemic shift in European public sector procurement. By moving toward open-source alternatives, these governments are attempting to mitigate the geopolitical and economic risks associated with relying on a few dominant global tech providers, effectively treating digital infrastructure as a matter of national security.
