CERN Chooses Open Source And Ditches Microsoft Software

Apart from the secure nature of the open source software, many organizations also make the switch to cut operating costs. Just last month, we reported that the Indian state of Kerala is saving about $430 million by using a Linux-based operating system in its schools.

In a related development, The European Organisation for Nuclear Research (CERN) is all set to ditch Microsoft software and adopt the open source alternatives. This shift has been planned in the wake of the tenfold increase in Microsoft’s licensing costs. Earlier, CERN enjoyed discounted academic institution pricing, which expired in March.

CERN has also published a blog post on its website that describes the organization’s plan to adopt open source software more widely and get things “back in control.” Notably, CERN has been working on a project called The Microsoft Alternatives project (MAlt) for over a year to look for the perfect alternatives.

The post mentions that MAlt’s aim is to minimize CERN’s exposure to “risks of unsustainable commercial conditions” and help other public research institutions that also face a similar kind of situation.

MAlt will start the initial changes with a pilot email service for the IT department and volunteers. If the test-run turns out to be successful, then it’ll recommend CERN to use the mail service on a wider scale. Further down the line, it’ll also explore alternatives to software like Skype, etc.

While CERN’s shift from Microsoft’s solutions is mainly due to financial reasons, the Chinese and Russian military are also planning to ditch Windows due to “national security reasons.”

Also Read: Full Linux Kernel In Windows 10 Now Available Via WSL 2