Slashdot Mirror
Avoiding Microsoft Lock-ins?
bayduv1n asks: "My company relies on WinNT primarily for workstations, file servers, and print servers. In my opinion, Linux based solutions are close to offering a viable alternative. I'm sure that management, however, would like to see mainstream acceptance in the corporate world before considering a migration from the current environment. With the Linux drum beating louder and louder, I would like to make recommendations that would leave our future options *open* and avoid locking into MS technology. I consider a lock-in anything that makes it difficult to migrate. One example of a current lock-in is the macros written for Excel. These would require significant effort to migrate to Staroffice Calc. Implementing MS Metadirectory Service could also be classified as a lock-in. My question is: 'What recommendations can I make now to make it easier to migrate to Linux in a couple of years?'"
Going along with that same idea, make sure that anything you show them is in solid, working condition. Don't get eager and demonstrate a beta-quality product. Make sure that what you show them is something that demonstrates the good points of linux (just like selling anything else).
I also agree with the slow migration tactic... Start with a few servers (like print servers, etc.) Allow your admins to have time to configure/setup "stuff"... let them get really intimate with linux and grow to understand it. Once you have it in place here and there, migrate the person at the switchboard to linux (they only play solitaire and surf the web anyways), etc.