Satisfaction with Open Source in Schleswig-Holstein

The state administration of Schleswig-Holstein switched its mail system to Open Source in October 2025. This decision was positively received by many employees, as a recent study shows. The transition to an Open Source system is intended to not only increase efficiency but also improve the transparency and security of communication within the administration.

The study, published in September 2026, surveyed over 1,000 employees of the state administration. The results show that more than 75 percent of respondents are satisfied with the new solution. The user-friendliness and adaptability of the system, which ease the daily work of employees, were particularly highlighted.

Positive Feedback and Improvements

A central aspect of satisfaction is the ability to customize the mail system to the specific needs of the various departments. Many employees report improved communication and faster information exchange. The Open Source solution allows users to make individual adjustments, leading to higher acceptance.

The transition to Open Source was also seen as a step towards a modern and future-proof administration. Employees appreciate the independence from proprietary software vendors and the associated cost savings. The state administration of Schleswig-Holstein plans to implement further Open Source solutions in other areas to further increase efficiency.

Training and Support for Employees

To support the transition to the new mail system, comprehensive training was offered to employees. This training has helped employees quickly familiarize themselves with the new software. Feedback on the training was predominantly positive, and many employees felt well-prepared to use the new technology.

In addition to training, technical support teams were also established to assist employees with questions and issues. This support has contributed to a smooth transition and made employees feel confident in using the new system. The combination of training and technical support is seen as a model for future IT projects in the administration.

The positive response to the Open Source transition in Schleswig-Holstein could serve as a model for other federal states. The state administration has already received inquiries from other administrations interested in a similar transition. The experiences from Schleswig-Holstein could thus have far-reaching effects on the digitization of public administration in Germany.

The study on employee satisfaction with the new mail system was conducted by an independent research institute. The results will be further analyzed in the coming months to identify possible improvements and adjustments. The state administration of Schleswig-Holstein plans to incorporate the findings of the study into its future digitization strategies.