The Netherlands is working to reduce its dependence on Microsoft by designing a specific Linux distribution for its administration. The project, called DAWO, is based on NixOS, a modular distribution known for its stability. Several municipalities are already testing this solution to replace Windows 11, but no total migration has been announced yet.
This initiative is part of a desire for digital autonomy, which several European countries have been reflecting on for a few years. However, switching from Windows to Linux is like changing the foundations of a well-established house. It requires method, patience, and rigor.
The Netherlands creates DAWO: a tailored Linux environment for administration
DAWO stands for Digital Autonomous Working Environment Government. This initiative aims to provide a complete, sovereign, and secure workstation. Based on NixOS, DAWO aggregates the operating system, office tools, and cloud services for public administrations.
The choice of NixOS is not trivial. This distribution offers unique configuration management with its declarative system. It’s like having a detailed plan for each workstation, ensuring coherence and simplified maintenance. Thus, 80 to 90% of configurations can be reused from one workstation to another, avoiding the need to reinvent the wheel for each deployment.
Why choose Linux instead of Windows 11?
The pressure to replace Windows with a free solution largely arises from sovereignty issues. Windows 11 imposes its rules, automatic updates, and dependence on Microsoft services, which are often criticized for the control exerted over data. Administrations want to avoid becoming captive users.
By embracing open source, total transparency is prioritized. The code is auditable. Security is not a puzzle imposed by a foreign vendor, but a project managed by local teams. It’s a turning point comparable to a farmer who finally decides to cultivate his own field instead of buying wheat from elsewhere.
The technical challenges of migrating to DAWO and Linux
Shifting an entire administration from a system like Windows 11 to a tailored Linux distribution is no small feat. People often think about the incompatibility of professional applications or user habits, but there’s also the question of equipment.
Most administrative machines are not all recent. DAWO has the advantage of being suitable for slightly older computers that do not meet the new hardware requirements of Windows 11. This compatibility is an undeniable plus. However, a nationwide migration requires careful management—it’s like driving a convoy through winding roads; one must know how to anticipate each turn.
A project still in the experimental phase
Currently, eight Dutch municipalities, including Amsterdam, are testing DAWO in real environments. This pilot deployment allows for identifying difficulties under real conditions and refining the distribution. A stable version is not expected before the end of 2027.
Despite this timeline, this experimentation clearly shows that the Netherlands takes the issue very seriously. They do not want to simply copy traditional open-source solutions but rather create a software infrastructure adapted to the specific needs of their administration.
What impacts for the digital future in the Netherlands and Europe?
This transition to DAWO illustrates the growing trend in Europe to disengage public institutions from the GAFAM. Digital sovereignty issues are becoming a crucial strategic concern. More than a simple migration, it is a repositioning of administrations in their IT control.
In practical terms, complete control of the IT environment allows for rapid adaptation of tools, application of tailored security policies, and avoidance of hidden costs associated with external dependency. A good example of this principle is provided by the declarative system of NixOS, which facilitates updates and recovery of states while minimizing human errors.
To better understand this dynamic and the associated issues, some articles provide detailed insights: Windows 11: the Netherlands distances itself from Microsoft and The Netherlands builds its own Linux to leave Windows.
What is NixOS and why is it chosen for DAWO?
NixOS is an innovative Linux distribution that uses a declarative configuration management system. This allows for great coherence between workstations and simplified maintenance of systems, ideal for large-scale deployments like in administrations.
What are the benefits of switching from Windows 11 to Linux in public administration?
Linux offers more control, better security, and avoids reliance on a single vendor. It also helps avoid constraints imposed by Windows’ automatic updates and customize the environment according to specific needs.
Does the DAWO project concern the entire Dutch administration?
Not yet. For the moment, eight municipalities are testing DAWO in an experimental framework. A total migration of the administration to DAWO has not been decided, and the stable version is not expected until the end of 2027.
How does DAWO assist in terms of hardware?
DAWO is compatible with older computers, which is an advantage over Windows 11 that requires more recent hardware. This facilitates the reuse of existing equipment and avoids significant costs for renewing workstations.
Where can I find more technical information about the migration to Linux in the Netherlands?
Several specialized articles provide detailed analyzes on the subject, including a complete technical analysis and feedback on the deployments.
Source: forum.lesnumeriques.com