Switzerland launches open-source software pilot for federal employees

The Swiss Federal Chancellery is launching a pilot program to enhance digital sovereignty by implementing free and open-source software (FOSS) as an alternative to Microsoft 365. Following a feasibility study known as the BOSS Proof of Concept, which involved 172 testers, the government plans to roll out a sovereign office automation platform to approximately 3,000 employees by the end of 2027.

The initial phase is expected to cost roughly 9 million Swiss francs. The software suite will cover core office functions, including email, calendars, document editing, presentations, telephony, and video conferencing. This new system is intended to run alongside Microsoft 365 rather than immediately replacing it, as the pilot aims to manage expectations regarding functionality and compatibility.

While the Chancellery focuses on selected departments, the Swiss Armed Forces are reportedly moving even faster toward adopting independent software solutions. This initiative follows similar trends in Europe, such as France moving away from Windows and the Netherlands developing a sovereign alternative to GitHub.