Basic Migration Strategies

Most people are cautious about making major infrastructure changes, especially when it is a business infrastructure. Infrastructure migration includes changes in the computer networks and software setups,etc. Migrating to open source software might seem hard at first,but there are ways with which you can introduce Open Source Software into your business without risk. Here are a few guidelines for the migration to the Open Source Software.


Decision dilemma

The most important thing to consider while thinking about a Migration is how important is the migration is and how it is going to change your business ?. It's better to decide whether you want to make a switch or not. Before making a decision ask yourself these questions.

• Is the client's employee population strictly dependent on a third-party application, plug-in, or devices that are only supported on proprietary platforms such as windows?

• Has the client intensively developed custom applications based on native
  Win32 APIs and programming environments, such as Visual Basic® or
  other Windows scripting languages?

• Is the client's entire employee population dependent on advanced Microsoft Office-based functions (for example, dependencies on complex macros)?

If the answer is yes to any of these questions, then the open source solution might be a less-suitable alternative. However if your decision is to move on with the migration you can do it, but it will require a more complex strategy that will require a careful consideration.

If the answer is no then you can proceed to the migration to open source software without any doubt.

NB : source of the questions - Linux Client Migration Cook Book v2

Slow and steady wins the race!

You can start the migration with simple changes, there will be a few services that can be replaced initially without much changes in the existing infrastructure. For instance you can add programs like Open Office, Firefox and Thunderbird without removing MS Office, Internet Explorer and MS Outlook in your desktop machines, this will help your employees test drive and learn open source software. It's also good if you can try a dual boot option where you can tryout Linux distributions while still running windows.

The easiest way to determine whether open source software is right for business, is to run it along with your normal programs.This has an added advantage, even if you experience errors and trouble learning to use new software, it won't interrupt your normal business.

Moving to Linux Distributions

Once you decided to use open source software on a daily basis, and you are used to it. Then you can start thinking about the operating system migration. It may sound difficult, but most Linux distributions can be installed without any hurdles.You can either dual boot your system with windows and Linux by installing Linux in a hard drive partition without affecting windows or you can tryout the Linux using some Live Linux CD.

Try some Live Linux Distributions

If you are still afraid of changing the operating system, then you can try some Live Linux distributions - Live distributions can run an operating system from a CD or DVD- to get familiar with Linux operating systems. The advantage of using Live distributions is that you can try the operating system without making any change in your computer.

Ubuntu is an easy to use Linux Distribution. You can either download your copy of operating system or you can order a free CD of Ubuntu from their site.There are a number of Live distributions available, like SUSE,Knoppix,etc..

Take some time to getting used to the new operating system, since they have a little different look and feel.

Large scale Migration

Once you are familiar with the open source operating system and software and if you are planning for a major infrastructure change to open source technologies, then you might consult any local open source consultants, They may be able to assist you in the migration process by helping you choose the best solutions and strategies needed to establish the new infrastructure to flourish your business.

Enterprise Enlightenment!

Computers and ITES (Information Communication Technology Enabled Services) are essential for every enterprise, no matter how big or small it is. Few years ago the only choice for IT infrastructure was to either run legitimate versions of proprietary software or use the pirated versions. But now Linux and other open source software are slowly dominating the business world, with their low cost high quality products. A recent survey revealed more than 50% of the web servers are using open source solutions such as Apache and MySql.

How Open Source Works ?


Open Source Softwares are softwares maintained by community developers (millions of them spread across the globe) rather than by a company, the source code of the Software will be openly shared, so that any one who is interested can develop, customize or enhance the software.

Read the Open Source Definition


Why Open Source ?


Open Source applications are evolved into powerful and quality products that can run on already existing hardware.

Other features include :

• Low Requirements - open source applications require low memory and processing power (exceptions prevail) than the alternative applications need to provide similar performance.

• Customizable - they are highly customizable. So that the user can create custom softwares based on the open source software to keep up with his standards or requirements.

• Stability - compared to other proprietary alternatives, open source technologies are stable and less error-prone.

• Secure - open source softwares are secure compared to its proprietary competitors.

• Support - with strong online communities and forums, open source technologies are naturally the best supported software.

• Low Cost - open source technologies helps us to setup infrastructures for almost free of cost.
  

How Open Source can help Business ?

As the recession put pressure on companies who are spending money on software infrastructures, which needs to be replaced soon within a few years time. This is where the freely available, high quality open source solutions lends a helping hand.There is a rich number of open source applications are available today for Web Servers, Databases, Content Management, Security, Development tools, etc. Open Source also helps to reduce maintenance cost and upgrading charges.Usually the softwares will be replaced or upgraded in recent years in almost all software infrastructures.

• If you are planning any software purchase, you might check if there is any open source alternative available.In most of the cases Proprietary companies provide limited functionality software for low cost and later when you realize that you need more functionalities, you need to pay more for it. If there is an open source alternative is available, it will be almost free of charge, even if the software is a subscription based one it will cost only very less compared to the proprietary alternative.

• If you are looking at operating costs, open source offers the least expensive computing environment for small business. In such cases open source also offers more scalability and efficiency at low setup and maintenance cost.

• Open Source solutions can also help organizations to develop custom applications based on the existing Open Source applications. This provides more flexibility for organizations.

• Companies can reduce licensing fee required to pay for the proprietary technologies. Most likely these technologies will be replaced with newer versions in short period of times, which requires purchase of license again.

There are a million ways open source technologies can help your business grow, we'll discuss some of them in this blog later.

Subscription based Open Source Softwares

There are subscription based Open Source Softwares, usually they are of very low rate compared to it's proprietary competitors. Red Hat is one of the biggest commercial open source company with revenue exceeding $500 million.

Difficulties in using Open Source Software

However, working with open source software comes with a lot more hardships than working with proprietary software. Companies that aren't working with commercial open source vendors or consultants will have to face a lot of hurdles on the way than they may be used to. But still there are lots of communities local and global available to help people who makes use of open source software, so no need to worry.

Read More Success stories

• Read some Ubuntu success stories

• Read success stories about SugarCRM and Asterisk

• Read how open source movement has changed education
  

Keep coming back to this blog. I'll update it with some how-to articles and other articles to help you in your transformation to Open Source Technologies.