Stationery: program for digital work (cross-border guide)
By the end of 2027, around 3,000 employees will have access to a workstation based on digital sovereignty.
Context
In a nutshell
- The Federal Chancellery launches a program for a workstation based on digital sovereignty.
- By the end of 2027, approximately 3,000 employees will have access to a workstation based on digital sovereignty.
- The funding is ensured by the funds allocated by the Parliament for the creation of a sovereign and open source Swiss platform dedicated to bureaucracy.
Key facts
- What: Program for a workstation based on digital sovereignty.
- When: By the end of 2027.
- Where: Swiss Federal Administration.
- Who: Approximately 3,000 employees.
- Amount: Approximately 9 million francs for the first phase.
The Federal Chancellery (CaF) has announced the launch of a program for a workstation based on digital sovereignty. During its session on 2 September 2026, the Federal Council was briefed on the results of a feasibility study conducted by the CaF, which demonstrated the feasibility of basing the Federal Administration's digital workstation on open source software. By the end of 2027, approximately 3,000 employees should have access to a workstation based on digital sovereignty with software that offers the basic features of Office. The funding is ensured by the funds allocated by the Parliament for the creation of a sovereign and open source Swiss platform dedicated to bureaucracy.
Basic Office features include mail
Operational details
Practical Analysis
The program for a workstation based on digital sovereignty represents a significant step towards the technological independence of the Swiss Federal Administration. The use of open-source software allows for a reduction in dependence on external suppliers and an increase in the security and transparency of digital operations. This change could also have positive implications for Swiss citizens, who could benefit from greater security and reliability in digital public services.
Implications for Public Employees
For the approximately 3000 employees who will have access to the new workstation, there will be new opportunities for training and skill development. The transition to a digital sovereignty-based solution will require a considerable investment in terms of adjustments, security checks, and platform development, as well as the development of further skills. This could involve a transition period during which employees will need to familiarize themselves with the new system.
Comparison with the Previous Situation
Before this program, the Federal Administration mainly used proprietary solutions such as Microsoft 365. The new workstation based on digital sovereignty will offer similar functionalities but with the advantage of being more secure and transparent. This change could also reduce long-term costs, as open-source software does not require expensive licenses.
Future Scenarios
By the end of 2027, the developed solution will be made available to approximately 3000 users. The results of this first phase will allow for an estimate of the costs of a possible large-scale introduction and the costs of ordinary operation. This could lead to a future decision to fully adopt the digital sovereignty-based solution for the entire Federal Administration.
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Key points
Action: What to Do Concretely
For public employees who will be involved in the program, it is important to follow the guidelines provided by CaF for the transition to the new workstation. This may include participating in training sessions and familiarizing yourself with the new features of the open source software. It is also important to monitor CaF's official communications to stay updated on the program's progress and any deadlines.
Step-by-Step Procedure
1. Attend Training Sessions: CaF will organize training sessions to help employees familiarize themselves with the new system. 2. Familiarize Yourself with New Features: Explore the basic features of Office such as email, calendar, documents, presentations, telephony, audio and video conferencing. 3. Monitor Official Communications: Stay updated on the program's progress and any deadlines through CaF's official communications.
Site Tools
For further information and support, employees can consult the CaF website, where they will find the feasibility study report and other useful resources. Additionally, you can use the salary calculator to get an estimate of your taxes and contributions.
Final CTA
To get an estimate of your taxes and contributions, use our salary calculator. This tool will help you better understand your tax situation and plan your finances.
Source: admin.ch
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does the program include for a workstation based on digital sovereignty?
- The program provides access to a workstation based on digital sovereignty for about 3000 employees by the end of 2027. Features include email, calendar, documents, presentations, telephony, audio, and video conferencing.
- What are the expected costs for the first phase of the program?
- For the first phase, the Federal Chancellery foresees costs of about 9 million francs. The funding is ensured by the funds allocated by the Parliament for the creation of a sovereign and open source Swiss platform dedicated to bureaucracy.
- What are the implications for public employees?
- For the approximately 3000 employees who will have access to the new workstation, there will be new training and skills development opportunities. The transition to a digital sovereignty-based solution will require considerable investment in adaptations, security and platform audits, as well as the development of additional expertise.