In 2025, a major digital transformation is taking place in France’s third-largest city, Lyon. This dynamic and economically strategic metropolis is making a significant technological shift by leaving the Microsoft ecosystem to switch to open source solutions such as Linux and OnlyOffice. Behind this bold decision lies a strong ambition: to strengthen local digital sovereignty while boosting the regional economy and guaranteeing technological freedom for public administrations. This choice, at the intersection of geopolitical, economic, and environmental issues, illustrates a European trend that is gaining traction, with Denmark and certain German states already having initiated a similar migration.
The political and strategic motivations behind the adoption of Linux and OnlyOffice by a major French city
Lyon’s decision to abandon Microsoft Office and Windows is not simply a preference for an operating system or office suite. It is first and foremost part of a digital sovereignty approach, a crucial issue on which several European governments are sounding the alarm. For several years, trust in American software vendors has eroded, amplified by concerns over data processing and national security. Fears that a company like Microsoft could, under political influence, access sensitive local government data are contributing to a growing rejection of the centralized American model. The Lyon local government highlights this point in its official communications: it is aboutguaranteeing the confidentiality and integrity of municipal information
by avoiding any critical dependence on external actors. More specifically, this strategic choice ensures better control of data flows by promoting transparent solutions used within the framework of European law, known for its stricter data protection requirements, such as the GDPR. This approach is comparable to that mentioned in the European Commission’s 2025 report, which highlights the need for Europe to leverage open source solutions as a lever for technological sovereignty. Lyon is thus following in the footsteps of Denmark and the German state of Schleswig-Holstein, where similar transitions have already been successfully initiated in favor of Linux and open source tools such as LibreOffice and OnlyOffice. Reducing technological dependence on American companies Increasing protection of citizens’ data
Compliance with the European legal framework on privacy Consolidating a sovereign digital policy These elements are not insignificant in a global context where debates on the geopolitics of data are increasing, and where digital sovereignty is seen as a pillar of a state’s power. This partly explains why Lyon is choosing to abandon Microsoft solutions in favor of open and freely auditable platforms. The robustness and transparency of Linux systems, in particular, offer a crucial advantage in this regard.
- Discover why Microsoft is abandoning its services to turn to OnlyOffice and Linux. An analysis of the advantages, new features, and consequences of this transition for users and businesses.
- What technical and functional benefits motivate the replacement of Microsoft Office with OnlyOffice?
- OnlyOffice, although less well-known than LibreOffice, stands out for its modern and collaborative approach, suited to professional environments, particularly in the public sector. This open-source office suite is certified under the GNU Affero General Public License, guaranteeing its free and transparent nature. But beyond these principles, OnlyOffice excels in its ease of integration and rich features.
- It offers extensive compatibility with Microsoft Office formats (docx, xlsx, pptx), facilitating the transition while ensuring interoperability. This feature is essential for mitigating the barriers associated with proprietary formats that could hinder adoption by municipal officials. Furthermore, its cloud-native nature now enables seamless online collaboration, with tools for simultaneous editing, advanced document management, and secure sharing. Nearly 100% compatibility with Microsoft Office formats
Intuitive and modern interface
Regional hosting options on local servers
Open source license guaranteeing transparency and auditability
Lyon has also innovated by developing, in local partnership, the “Territoire Numérique Ouvert” platform, a comprehensive collaborative solution integrating OnlyOffice with videoconferencing and file sharing tools (NextCloud). This initiative, coupled with regional hosting, strengthens the security and sovereignty of the city’s digital infrastructure.
- This technical choice is part of a pragmatic optimization because, unlike a city abandoned or stuck with a static IT infrastructure, Lyon intends to extend the lifespan of its existing equipment. Linux, with its low system resource consumption, allows the reuse of old hardware, which is also more environmentally friendly and more economical. This shift to open source solutions thus offers tangible benefits:
- Reduced licensing and software maintenance costs
- Extended hardware lifespan
- Reduced environmental footprint by reducing electronic waste
- Ability to customize and adapt software to the specific needs of public services
Technical and organizational challenges encountered during the migration to Linux and OnlyOffice
The transition from a Windows and Microsoft Office environment to Linux and OnlyOffice for more than 10,000 municipal employees is a major undertaking, requiring in-depth consideration on both a technical and human level. Migrating from one operating system to another requires a complete overhaul of working methods, tools, and the necessary training. One of the main challenges is, of course, staff training. Lyon City Hall is aware that this adaptation will not happen without solid support. Starting in June 2025, a massive training plan has been launched to familiarize users with Linux and the OnlyOffice interface, including practical workshops, tutorials, and enhanced technical support. This component is essential to ensure adoption and avoid frustrations associated with change.
- On a technical level, integrating open source applications into an ecosystem where proprietary software sometimes persists can pose interoperability issues. Some business tools remain, in many cases, tied to Windows or specific Microsoft suites. Therefore, technological bridges, such as virtual machines, containers, or application virtualization, had to be developed to ensure smooth operation.
- Training and upskilling municipal employees
- Temporary coexistence of proprietary and open-source software
- Adapting business tools to ensure compatibility
Managing files and documents with secure migration to onlyOffice
Ensuring business continuity without prolonged interruption
A preliminary study prior to the migration also helped identify critical documents, prepare backup procedures, and restore data to ensure its integrity during the process. Managing user profiles and adapting scripts and automations were also complex issues that required close collaboration with local IT teams. Despite these challenges, the systems team was able to capitalize on the experience gained in other similar projects, particularly in European administrations, and relied on an ecosystem of local developers specialized in open source. This approach promoted regional employment and directed contracts toward partners in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, thus contributing to a virtuous economic and digital circle.
Discover why the move away from Microsoft in favor of OnlyOffice and Linux is attracting user interest. Explore the benefits of an open source alternative and the reasons for this strategic shift in the digital workplace.
- The Economic and Ecological Impacts of Migrating to Linux and OnlyOffice in a Large Municipality
- Beyond the purely technological aspect, this change has significant economic benefits for the city. By awarding more than 50% of public procurement contracts to local and French companies, the municipality promotes regional and agricultural economic development. This responsible public procurement policy aims to maintain investment in the local economy, thus supporting SMEs and startups specializing in the development or training of open source software.
- The Linux model also guarantees short- and long-term savings on licensing costs and IT maintenance. For example, unlike Windows, Linux does not require a paid license and relies on a permanently active community that produces patches and updates.
- These savings can be reallocated to other public priorities, such as the development of specific applications or the upskilling of employees.
- The ecological impact of the migration is also noteworthy. Extending hardware usage thanks to the lightweight nature of Linux distributions significantly reduces electronic waste, which is a major urban pollution issue. The city thus avoids a form of planned software obsolescence linked to the cumbersome updates of proprietary systems.
Reducing software licensing and maintenance costs
Promoting the local economy through contracts awarded to regional SMEs
Promoting sustainable practices in public procurement
This digital responsibility approach is part of a broader effort to reduce the overall digital footprint
and foster digital sovereignty that directly benefits citizens. This is an inspiring model for other French and European local authorities undergoing a digital transformation. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvHFMotTybc The symbolic and prospective impact of Lyon’s decision on the future of European digital sovereignty
Beyond the practical realities, the switch of the third-largest French city to Linux and OnlyOffice marks a symbolic turning point in the fight for technological freedom and data sovereignty in Europe. This initiative is part of a continental dynamic driven by the idea that we must gradually free ourselves from American domination of sensitive digital infrastructure.
- Lyon is thus acting as a pioneer, paving the way for a wider adoption of Linux solutions in the public sector, capable of guaranteeing transparency and security. The “Open Digital Territory” project is an example of successful pooling, where online collaboration is developed in a short circuit, within a favorable and secure European legal framework.
- This transformation also illustrates a broader movement, that of a growing awareness that open source constitutes a key lever for successful digital transformation without compromising autonomy. European governments, from both technical and political backgrounds, are now increasingly exploring alternatives to Microsoft Office and Windows to limit their exposure to risks related to international politics.
- A strong signal in favor of free and open solutions.
- A model that can be replicated by other European cities and states.
Strengthening European sovereignty over its digital data. Contributing to the growth of the local and regional open source ecosystem. In this sense, Lyon’s choice heralds an era in which public authorities can finally consider complete independence from American giants for their critical infrastructure. This development could ultimately lead to a lasting change in the European technological landscape, fostering the emergence of a truly autonomous digital culture. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hA0f6mT_kjo