After a pilot project with 172 volunteer staff members, the Swiss federal government is now testing the replacement of Microsoft 365, a popular software suite, with an open-source alternative on 3,000 computers. This shift, part of a broader digital strategy, will affect about 7 percent of the roles within the Chancellery, the administrative body overseeing the federal government. The new system, called OpenDesk, is developed by the German Centre for Digital Sovereignty (ZenDis) and is specifically tailored for public administration. According to a spokesperson for the Chancellery, OpenDesk is being used because it is designed for government needs and is available at no cost to the Swiss federal administration. The transition is expected to be completed by the end of 2027, with the possibility of expanding its use in the future if the pilot is successful. The Chancellery has emphasized that while OpenDesk is a viable option for certain roles, it is unlikely that the entire local administration could fully replace Microsoft 365. According to officials, no current alternative allows for an easy and complete replacement within the existing IT infrastructure. As a result, the migration will focus first on civil servants handling sensitive or essential processes. This phased approach allows the administration to assess the effectiveness of the new system before considering broader implementation. In the long term, the government is not ruled out from exploring Swiss-developed solutions. Companies such as Infomaniak, a Swiss firm, offer their own complete software suites that could be considered for future use. Additionally, Swiss companies may be engaged to provide advisory services, integration support, training, or other related activities that accompany the use of open-source tools. This approach aligns with a broader goal of enhancing digital sovereignty and reducing reliance on foreign software providers. Separately, the Swiss Cyber Command, a military unit focused on cybersecurity, is reportedly aiming to fully replace Microsoft 365 with OpenDesk by 2026, according to the tech-focused publication It's Foss. This initiative reflects a growing concern about cybersecurity risks associated with foreign software and a push toward more secure, locally controlled digital solutions.