Administrative and Public Institution PCs Replaced with Open OS Instead of Windows

Gradual Rollout Policy... Most Expected to Use by 2026
Approximately 70 Billion Won Budget Savings Anticipated

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunju Lee] Starting at the end of this year, computer operating programs used by administrative and public institutions will be replaced from Microsoft (MS) Windows to open-source operating systems (OS).

The Ministry of the Interior and Safety announced on the 4th that it plans to introduce open-source OS from October.

The open-source OS will be introduced using private cloud services scheduled to begin in the second half of the year. It is a method of using the internet in a cloud-based virtual PC environment, where the PC is not placed on the desk but accessed remotely from the data center only when needed.

With the introduction of the open-source OS, the number of PCs used by one central government official will be reduced from two to one. Currently, for security reasons, one official uses two PCs: one for administrative work and one for internet use.

The Ministry of the Interior and Safety plans to gradually expand the use of open-source OS starting this year. From 2026, most officials are expected to be able to use the open-source OS.

The ministry expects that the use of open-source OS will save more than 70 billion KRW annually and make it easier for domestic companies to enter the PC operating program market, which is currently monopolized by foreign companies.

Choi Chang-hyuk, Director of the e-Government Bureau at the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, said, "Government demand for open-source OS will provide opportunities for related domestic companies to participate in the market and invest in technology, helping to expand the private cloud market and create a new software ecosystem. We will closely consult with related ministries to achieve this."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.