Schleswig-Holstein opts for OpenTalk

Open source video conferencing solution to be rolled out across all state authorities

Investment in digital sovereignty and security: open source video conferencing solution in all state authorities

Kiel/Berlin, June 23, 2025 – Following a successful pilot phase, the German state of Schleswig-Holstein is now rolling out the German open-source video conferencing solution OpenTalk across all state agencies. This will give around 2,000 administrative staff access to a data protection-compliant and secure alternative to international providers. The decision underscores Schleswig-Holstein's consistent commitment to open source software in the public sector.

From proof of concept to statewide implementation

The project, coordinated by the State Chancellery, implements the state government's decision to strengthen digital sovereignty through the increased use of open software. “With OpenTalk, we have full control over our communication channels and data,” explains Dirk Schrödter, Minister and Head of the State Chancellery in Schleswig-Holstein. “This is a decisive advantage over proprietary solutions from international providers – especially in the sensitive area of public administration, where we work with sensitive data on a daily basis.”

Following a six-month proof of concept with over 200 users in selected government agencies, the platform will now be gradually rolled out to all state institutions by the end of 2025.

Tried and tested with specific administrative functions

“OpenTalk was designed from the outset to meet the highest demands of the public sector,” explains Peer Heinlein, Managing Director of the Heinlein Group and OpenTalk.

“The successful implementation in Schleswig-Holstein confirms our approach of developing a video conferencing solution that sets new standards in terms of security and administration-specific functions such as audit-proof coordination, seamless integration into existing IT landscapes, and user-friendliness.”

Technical advantages for the public sector

OpenTalk is operated entirely on-premises for Schleswig-Holstein in the BSI-certified Twin Data Center (TDC), which guarantees the highest security standards and complete control over data. The multi-client architecture enables centralised operation for all ministries, state authorities and participating municipalities under one roof.

The technical strengths of the solution include full GDPR compliance with hosting in Germany and open interfaces for integration into state data networks and administration systems. Particularly noteworthy is its barrier-free use in accordance with BITV 2.0.

With this project, Schleswig-Holstein once again confirms its pioneering role in the implementation of open source solutions in the public sector and sends an important signal for digital sovereignty in Germany.

About OpenTalk

OpenTalk is the video conferencing solution for anyone who values digital sovereignty and data protection. OpenTalk can be operated both in your custom data center (on-premises) and on our servers in Germany (SaaS). OpenTalk consistently implements the requirements of the GDPR and is aimed at public authorities, educational institutions, providers, and companies. Behind OpenTalk is the Heinlein Group with around 30 years of experience in secure communication.

Find out more at https://opentalk.eu
 

About the Heinlein Group

The Heinlein Group, based in Berlin, stands for digital sovereignty, data protection, and open source. It brings together the brands Heinlein Support, mailbox.org, OpenTalk, and OpenCloud, which offer Linux expertise, personal consulting, and innovative solutions for secure communication and independent IT infrastructure. Whether email services, video conferencing or file management – the Heinlein Group's products are GDPR-compliant, flexible and state-of-the-art. For over 30 years, companies, public institutions, educational institutions and providers have trusted the expertise of the Heinlein Group. With its offerings, it enables maximum control and transparency, promotes digital independence, and drives sustainable IT development.