Linux And Open Source Pioneer Munich Is Already Replacing Free Software With Microsoft’s Products

Earlier this year in March, it was reported that European open source pioneer Munich had decided to ditch Linux and adopt Windows operating system. Later, after the WannaCry attack, Green Party warned that a move to Windows is too risky.

In the latest development, according to a report from Tech Republic, Munich has already started making efforts to make a move to Microsoft products. As per a city council source, the city has begun its work to switch to Microsoft Exchange and replace the open source Kolab suite. Kolab was first installed as a result of a 4-year project, which was completed in January 2017.

A similar development was also spotted by German news website Heise, which concluded that the new email system being used by the city of Munich was none other than Microsoft Exchange.

However, the IT @ M Director Karl-Heinz Schneider said that the information regarding the products used on the administration computers can’t be provided due to security reasons.

This move has also attracted attention from the free software activists. “In the city council meeting in February, Lord Mayor Reiter has said that the back migration is only to be examined,” said Matthias Kirschner, the President of the Free Software Foundation Europe (FSFE).

Whatever might be the final outcome of these developments, it’s really disheartening to note that an open source champion is moving away from free technologies. What are your thoughts on this matter? Don’t forget to share your views and feedback.

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