Satisfaction with Open Source in Schleswig-Holstein

The Schleswig-Holstein state administration transitioned its mail system to Open Source at the beginning of October 2025. A recent study confirms that the majority of employees are satisfied with this change. The switch to Open Source was initiated as part of a comprehensive digitalization strategy aimed at increasing the efficiency and flexibility of administrative processes. The study, published in September 2026, surveyed over 1,500 employees of the state administration. Approximately 78% of respondents reported that they find the new software more user-friendly than the previous system.

This positive feedback is seen as an indicator of the success of the Open Source initiative. Another aspect of the transition concerns costs. The state administration expects to save up to 30% of IT costs in the long term by utilizing Open Source solutions. These savings are intended to be reinvested in the further development of the digital infrastructure to improve service quality for citizens. The transition to Open Source has also been welcomed by various IT experts and professional associations.

They view it as an opportunity to reduce dependence on proprietary software vendors and enhance the administration's innovative capacity. The ability to customize the source code is considered particularly advantageous. The study highlights that training for employees was crucial for the acceptance of the new software. Over 85% of respondents reported a positive experience during the training sessions. These sessions were conducted in collaboration with external professionals to ensure that all employees acquire the necessary skills.

Another positive aspect of the transition is the improvement in collaboration between departments. The Open Source solution allows for easier integration of tools that promote communication and information exchange. This has led to a noticeable increase in efficiency in workflows. The state government plans to further expand the Open Source initiative. Additional projects based on Open Source technologies are planned to advance the digital transformation in the administration.

A specific goal is the introduction of a new document management system by the end of 2027. The positive response to the transition could also encourage other federal states to take similar steps. Experts emphasize that the experiences from Schleswig-Holstein could serve as a model for other administrations. The study is seen as groundbreaking for the future development of digital administration in Germany. The transition to Open Source in Schleswig-Holstein is part of a larger trend observed in many European countries.

More and more administrations are opting for Open Source solutions to modernize their IT infrastructure and improve citizen services. According to a survey by the European Commission's Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI) from 2026, 40% of EU member states are already using Open Source software in public administration. The Schleswig-Holstein state administration plans to present the study's results in a public session on November 15, 2026. This session is also intended to serve as a platform to gather further feedback from citizens and employees and to discuss the next steps in the digital transformation.