The transition from software Microsoft's move to open source alternatives has several advantages, one of which is reduced licensing costs.
Another is to control the code since it is not locked down like Microsoft's software and operating system code. So there are quite a few who are thinking about the transition from the closed ones programs of Microsoft to something more transparent.
Munich, for example, uses a Linux operating system and open source alternatives to city services. Apparently another German city is seriously considering making the same decision.
Hamburg is reportedly looking for ways to adopt open source software on public computers in a bid to reduce dependence on paid products and become one of the pioneering cities of a new digital age.
A Publication from the German Der Standard mentions that the project is still in the early stages, so there aren't many details, although the transition to open source seems to be only a matter of time.
What's not clear is whether Hamburg is planning a full transition to open source or just a partial transition that would see the city replace software like its productivity suite Microsoft Office with alternatives such as LibreOffice.
If what Hamburg is planning is a complete transition to open source, then Linux could replace Windows. There are currently no details on whether the city wants to use an existing distribution or develop its own as was done in Munich.
Munich, developed a project of his own that he named LiMux to switch to open source software, replacing Microsoft Office with OpenOffice initially and later with LibreOffice.
