The French city of Lyon has announced an ambitious technological shift: it will gradually phase out Microsoft software in favor of free and open-source alternatives. The decision aims to reduce reliance on U.S. technologies and move toward true digital sovereignty.
According to an official statement from local authorities, the city will implement OnlyOffice as its office suite, Linux as its operating system, and PostgreSQL for database management. These tools are expected to provide greater control over data and foster technological independence.
The transition is part of the Open Digital Territory suite—an ecosystem of collaborative tools developed in partnership with SITIV (Syndicat Intercommunal des Technologies de l’Information pour les Villes) and the Lyon Metropolis. Based on open-source solutions, the platform offers services such as video conferencing and collaborative document editing, and is hosted in regional data centers. The project received €2 million in funding from France’s National Agency for Territorial Cohesion (ANCT).
Currently, thousands of public employees across nine local communities are already using this digital infrastructure, which is designed to be scaled nationally. Lyon hopes this initiative will boost the use of locally developed tools, support French tech companies, and ensure interoperability across public administrations.
City officials emphasize that the shift not only strengthens Lyon’s technological resilience but also promotes more transparent, sustainable governance aligned with the public interest.
In this context, the adoption of Linux as an operating system is particularly significant. Unlike Windows—developed by Microsoft as proprietary, closed-source software with updates managed directly by the company—Linux is open-source. This means its code can be freely studied, modified, and distributed. Available in various distributions, such as Ubuntu, Debian, or Fedora, Linux has become increasingly user-friendly, expanding beyond technical circles to a broader audience thanks to its collaborative philosophy and flexible design.
