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💰Munich Ditches LiMux for Proprietary Alternatives

Munich switches to open-source, saving millions

TL;DR

Munich is replacing proprietary software with open-source alternatives like Proxmox, OpenProject, and PostgreSQL. Expected to save €1.5 million annually, the move reflects a broader strategy to reduce dependence on proprietary software.

Munich is swapping out proprietary software for open-source alternatives, including Proxmox for VMware, OpenProject and XWiki for Jira and Confluence, and PostgreSQL for Oracle databases. This shift is expected to save the city roughly €1.5 million annually. The decision is part of a larger strategy to reduce dependence on proprietary software, control costs, and turn publicly funded software into a reusable public asset. Munich's approach also embraces the 'public money, public code' principle, ensuring software developed with public funding is available for others to use and improve. The city is also investing in the open-source ecosystem through initiatives like the Open Source Sabbatical program.

Munich Ditches LiMux for Proprietary Alternatives — ZDNET

Key Points

1

Munich is replacing VMware with Proxmox, an open-source virtualization platform.

2

The city is moving from Jira and Confluence to OpenProject and XWiki, saving €1.5 million annually.

3

Munich is adopting PostgreSQL as an alternative to Oracle databases, reducing licensing costs.

4

The city's IT strategy includes the 'public money, public code' principle, making software developed with public funding available for others to use and improve.

5

Munich has established an Open Source Program Office in 2024 to support the transition to open-source software.

Why It Matters

If you're a city or organization looking to reduce costs and increase control over your IT infrastructure, Munich's shift to open-source software offers a compelling case study. The city's move from proprietary to open-source solutions is expected to save €1.5 million annually, with a focus on software that can be reused by other municipalities. This approach not only controls costs but also fosters a community-driven development model for public software.

open-sourcecost-savingcity-technologyIT-strategypublic-code

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