/>Former Microsoft bastion Hamburg's decision is particularly telling, say observers.The trend towards open-source software on government computers is gathering pace in Germany. In the latest development, during coalition negotiations in the city-state of Hamburg, politicians have declared they are ready to start moving its civil service software away from Microsoft and towards open-source alternatives. The declaration comes as part of a 200-page coalition agreement between the Social Democratic and Green parties, which will define how Hamburg is run for the next five years....…/>Former Microsoft bastion Hamburg's decision is particularly telling, say observers.The trend towards open-source software on government computers is gathering pace in Germany. In the latest development, during coalition negotiations in the city-state of Hamburg, politicians have declared they are ready to start moving its civil service software away from Microsoft and towards open-source alternatives. The declaration comes as part of a 200-page coalition agreement between the Social Democratic and Green parties, which will define how Hamburg is run for the next five years....WW…

/>Munich's flip-flop back to open source is the latest sign of Germany's political sea change over proprietary software.In a notable U-turn for the city, newly elected politicians in Munich have decided that its administration needs to use open-source software, instead of proprietary products like Microsoft Office. "Where it is technologically and financially possible, the city will put emphasis on open standards and free open-source licensed software," negotiated between the recently elected Green party and the Social Democrats says. The agreement was finalized Sunday and the parties...…/>Munich's flip-flop back to open source is the latest sign of Germany's political sea change over proprietary software.In a notable U-turn for the city, newly elected politicians in Munich have decided that its administration needs to use open-source software, instead of proprietary products like Microsoft Office. "Where it is technologically and financially possible, the city will put emphasis on open standards and free open-source licensed software," negotiated between the recently elected Green party and the Social Democrats says. The agreement was finalized Sunday and the parties...WW…