Public Sector Network Modernization in Germany: Stadt Schloß Holte-Stukenbrock Chooses VyOS

“VyOS fulfills all our requirements comprehensively. It’s been a great fit for our needs. Our favorite feature? The flexibility of the x86 platform. It gives us freedom to deploy VyOS wherever and however we need it.”
— IT team, Stadt Schloß Holte Stukenbrock

Customer Overview

Stadt Schloß Holte-Stukenbrock is a German municipal administration located in North Rhine-Westphalia. As part of a broader initiative to modernize its digital infrastructure, the IT department sought to rebuild and standardize the networks across several branch offices. Their objective: a powerful, flexible, and cost-effective solution that could be deployed reliably across diverse locations.

Challenge

The city’s IT team was tasked with rebuilding the networks of multiple administrative sites. Their existing infrastructure lacked the flexibility and scalability needed for modern municipal IT demands. They needed a robust firewall and routing solution that wouldn’t burden public sector budgets with high licensing or vendor lock-in.

Why VyOS

Having worked with VyOS in private and previous professional environments, the IT team was already familiar with its capabilities. They considered various alternatives, including proprietary solutions, but found most lacked the combination of flexibility, cost-efficiency, and hardware independence that VyOS offered. VyOS was selected for its ability to meet all of the city's technical and operational requirements. Key reasons included:

x86-Based Flexibility: VyOS can run on a wide range of hardware and virtual platforms, eliminating reliance on expensive vendor-specific devices.
Open and Affordable: Through the VyOS for Good program, the municipality was able to access VyOS free of charge.
In-House Expertise: Thanks to prior experience with VyOS, the team already had the know-how needed for efficient deployment.
Consistent Management: Standardizing on VyOS allowed for a streamlined, repeatable configuration.

Implementation

Most of the networks were built from the ground up, allowing for a clean, native VyOS deployment. In the single case where VyOS had to integrate into a legacy network, the transition was seamless. The entire rollout was handled internally without the need for professional services, and the team reported no complications throughout the process. “The onboarding through the VyOS for Good program was quick, straightforward, and seamless.”

Results

Key outcomes included:

Smooth Operations: All branch office networks now run reliably and are easier to manage.
Operational Efficiency: Familiarity with VyOS, along with its consistent configuration model, has made network management more efficient.
Cost Savings: By avoiding proprietary hardware and licensing fees, the municipality saved significant costs.

Looking Ahead

The city has been using VyOS since February 2025 and is fully satisfied with the deployment. The team would recommend VyOS to other municipal IT departments.