---
type: concept
title: Migration to Open Source
tags: [strategy, open-source, migration, it-governance]
related: [vendor-lock-in, proprietary-software-risks, linux]
created: 2026-07-01
updated: 2026-07-01
sources: ["output/rz_uni_greifswald_de_support_dokumentation_it_informationssicherheit_opensource.md"]
---

# Migration to Open Source

The **Migration to Open Source** is a strategic framework adopted by the **Universitätsrechenzentrum (URZ)** to transition the **Universität Greifswald** from proprietary software ecosystems to open-source alternatives. This transition is designed to enhance IT security, ensure data privacy, and eliminate financial dependencies on single vendors.

## Multi-stage Migration Concept
The URZ employs a phased approach to minimize disruption while moving toward a fully open environment:

1. **Format Migration:** Prioritizing the use of **OpenDocument** formats (e.g., `.odt`, `.ods`) for data exchange to ensure long-term accessibility and interoperability.
2. **Document Accessibility:** Transitioning central administrative forms to be compatible with free, open-source PDF viewers.
3. **Application Migration:** Replacing proprietary suites with open-source equivalents, specifically promoting **LibreOffice** (instead of MS Office) and **Mozilla Thunderbird** (instead of MS Outlook).
4. **Hybrid Interoperability:** Implementing web-based solutions to allow the editing of proprietary MS Office documents to maintain compatibility during the transition.
5. **Operating System Migration:** The final stage involves replacing the Windows desktop environment with **Linux**.

## Infrastructure Shift
Beyond the desktop, the migration includes critical backend changes, most notably the replacement of **Windows Active Directory Domain Controllers** with **Linux** servers utilizing **Samba**.
