Author: Adrienne Fichter | Source: Die Republik | Publication Date: 31.10.2025 | Summary Reading Time: 3 minutes
Executive Summary
Army Chief Thomas Süssli opposes the federal Microsoft cloud migration and demands an independent IT infrastructure for sensitive data. The resistance is based on security concerns regarding US data access and lack of digital sovereignty. The Federal Chancellery maintains its cloud strategy despite repeated criticism from the Federal Audit Office. Recommendation for Action: Companies should reconsider their own cloud strategy and evaluate alternative solutions for critical data.
Core Issue & Context
Two years ago, the Federal Chancellery decided to migrate the entire federal administration to the Microsoft Cloud, which has already drawn criticism from the Federal Audit Office multiple times. Army Chief Süssli has now publicly opposed this course and demands an independent IT solution for security-critical data.
Key Facts & Figures
• 90% of all army data is classified as "internal" or "secret" and may not/only restrictively be processed in the Microsoft Cloud • September 18, 2025: Süssli sends official letter of objection to the Federal Chancellery • Multiple criticism from the Federal Audit Office due to insufficient data protection and security provisions • 2026: Planned feasibility report for open-source alternative "Open Desk" • International examples: Austrian Federal Army and German federal states already use open-source alternatives
Stakeholders & Affected Parties
Directly affected: Swiss Army, Federal Administration, Federal Chancellery, Federal Office of Information Technology, Systems and Telecommunication
Industries: Public administration, IT service providers, cybersecurity providers
International dimension: Trend toward digital sovereignty in European governments
Opportunities & Risks
Risks of current Microsoft solution: • Black box problem: Unclear data flow to US government • Dependency: Possible "deactivation" by US government in emergency situations • Security vulnerabilities: Insufficient confidentiality classification
Opportunities of alternative solutions: • Digital sovereignty: Independent control over critical IT infrastructure • Open-source alternatives: LibreOffice and Open Desk as proven solutions • Cost savings: Süssli criticizes cost-benefit ratio of Microsoft 365
Relevance for Action
Immediate measures: Süssli demands "fastest possible exit strategy" from Microsoft Cloud and examination of a private cloud solution
Strategic implication: The conflict shows growing tensions between digitization efficiency and national security in public administration
Time-critical aspect: Project "Boss" for evaluating open-source alternatives is already underway
Fact Check
✅ Verified: Austrian Federal Army actually uses LibreOffice as Microsoft alternative ✅ Confirmed: German federal states Schleswig-Holstein and Thuringia have partially switched to open source ✅ Documented: Letter from Süssli was made accessible through Freedom of Information Act
Bibliography
Primary source: • Der Armeechef stemmt sich gegen Microsoft - Die Republik
Additional sources: • Digitale Souveränität in Gefahr: Schweizer Armeechef warnt vor Microsoft 365 - Clarus News • Zentrum für Digitale Souveränität - Open Desk Lösung • LibreOffice - Open Source Office Suite
Verification status: ✅ Facts checked on 03.11.2025