This is the first time we’ve heard of the technology, which went by Project OGRS at Apple. It reportedly used the 900 megahertz radio spectrum, often used by the utility, oil and gas industries. Sources told The Information that it was designed to use Intel cellular modems. It’s unclear why Apple shelved the project, but it could have something to do with Apple exec Rubén Caballero leaving the company earlier this year. Sources told The Information that Caballero was in charge of the project and considered it “his baby.” It could also have something to do with Apple’s plans to switch to Qualcomm modems.

Hopefully, this isn’t the last we see of the walkie talkie feature. Apple already has a Walkie Talkie Watch app. And a similar iPhone feature would likely be a popular addition.

In its blog post, CERN said “MAlt’s objective is to put us back in control using open software.” Its goal is to break CERN’s dependency on commercial vendors and “keep hands on the data.” The multi-year project will begin with a pilot mail service for the IT department and volunteers this summer. If that goes well, CERN will migrate all of its staff to the new mail service. It also plans to move Skype for Business clients and analogue phones to a softphone pilot.

While Microsoft agreed to ramp up CERN’s fees over a ten-year period to help the institution adapt, CERN said in a blog post that the costs are not sustainable. It also points out that it’s not alone; many other public research institutions face a similar dilemma with private sector vendors. In launching MAlt, CERN hopes to play a “pioneering role” among its peers. “While the Microsoft Alternatives project is ambitious, it’s also a unique opportunity for CERN to demonstrate that building core services can be done without vendor and data lock-in,” the company wrote. If vendors continue to increase rates, we may see more institutions going the way of open source software.

Engadget has reached out to Microsoft for comment.