The Danish Road Traffic Authority is testing a new open-source IT system that aims to make government workplaces less dependent on major tech companies like Microsoft. The move could reshape how public data is stored and managed across Denmark.
A Step Toward Digital Independence
The Danish Road Traffic Authority has begun shifting some of its 600 employees to an open-source IT system as part of a government initiative to reduce reliance on Microsoft products such as Word, Excel, Teams, and Outlook. The trial is happening under a pilot project called SIA Open, led by Statens IT, the agency responsible for managing digital infrastructure across the Danish state.
The goal is both economic and strategic. Open-source software is free to use and modify, giving users full control over updates, customization, and data storage. By moving away from commercial providers, state institutions hope to gain tighter control over sensitive data while cutting costs.
Because of that, the system allows Denmark’s public institutions to manage their own digital tools rather than depending on external licensing fees or vendor conditions. It also ensures that government data remains inside national data centers rather than being distributed globally.
Reducing Costs and Expanding Choice
Statens IT expects up to 15,000 public employees to eventually use the open-source system if the pilot proves successful. The agency sees the move as a way to introduce competition into a market long dominated by one or two major software providers. According to the project goals, not all employees require advanced productivity tools, and simpler, low-cost alternatives could meet most daily needs.
Even though Microsoft products are widely regarded for their reliability, Danish officials believe flexibility matters just as much. By fostering a more diverse digital environment, the government hopes to avoid situations where one supplier sets the terms for pricing, storage, and updates.
This strategic shift follows other steps toward digital independence in Denmark, such as the decision to increase state control of cybersecurity systems outlined in Denmark shuts down national cyber sensor network. These initiatives highlight a broader effort to localize and secure critical infrastructure.
Keeping Data at Home
At the same time, storing data on Danish servers ensures compliance with EU regulations and strengthens privacy protections. Officials say this approach protects sensitive information used in daily operations of agencies like the Road Traffic Authority.
Interestingly, the move also responds to growing public debate about data sovereignty. Governments across Europe are rethinking how much control foreign providers have over national data. For Denmark, hosting its own servers could be a statement of technological self-reliance.
Microsoft’s Continued Presence
Despite this shift, Microsoft remains deeply integrated into Danish public institutions. The company stated that its solutions are competitively priced and trusted for high security and efficiency. It also emphasized that customers can store and manage their data at European data centers operating under EU law.
Moreover, Microsoft plans to open three new data centers in Denmark from 2026, potentially expanding local options for storage under Danish jurisdiction. This move could ease data concerns for clients still dependent on its tools.
However, even with new facilities coming, the Danish government seems committed to exploring options outside the traditional ecosystem. The emphasis on open-source systems and national control points toward a long-term strategy rather than a temporary experiment.
A Broader Digital Transformation
Without a doubt, this pilot program is part of a wider transition shaping Denmark’s digital landscape. Just as internet and technology access have become essential for modern workplaces, the choice of software platforms now carries implications for security, costs, and sovereignty.
For public employees, the change might simply mean learning to use different systems. But at the structural level, projects like SIA Open represent a deliberate national effort to balance innovation with independence.
Eventually, the results from this pilot could guide policies across other government branches, paving the way for greater diversity in software solutions and a renewed focus on controlling state-owned data. The Danish government aims to stay adaptable and ensure its digital operations reflect both economic and democratic values.
Sources and References
The Danish Dream: Denmark shuts down national cyber sensor network
The Danish Dream: Best internet subscriptions in Denmark for foreigners
DR: Styrelse vil være uafhængig af Microsoft
