[Linux-Discussion] Re: chance for linux in local govt- county gov asks question
- From: John Madden <weez@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: linux-discussion@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Sun, 6 Jan 2002 16:53:42 -0500
> My cousin's husband heads information systems for a county
> govenment outside Philly. Although a long-time Windows
> proponent he was ranting when I saw him over Christmas at the
> unconscionably arrogant and avaricious treatment he'd
> received recently at the hands of Microsoft: usurious pricing,
> retroactive charges, over-licensing requirements, threats of
> having to re-license already purchased products for failing to
> meet unreasonbale decision deadlines, arbitrary
> discontinuation of products ... and is anybody surprised?
No, I don't think anyone here is surprised. :) This is the same story
that a lot of companies are telling, and I suppose it's about damn time,
eh?
> Anyway, he wants to migrate to Linux eventually. But it is
> daunting to move 2000+ PCs and users and customized Access
> databases and scripts from Windows to Linux. What companies
> are in the business of doing this? Has anybody attempted this
> or does anyone know of any success stories?
Just about any consulting company ought to be able to provide such
services (moving crapccess databases to postgresql or mysql).
They should, instead, hire a programmer to work permanently on
implementing replacement solutions. I don't think this is something that
should be done as a "migration" with a set time schedule, where a company
comes in, does the work, and leaves. I see it as a continuous process,
and for that you need in-house savvy.
Split the job up into phases based on user groups. An HR department, for
example, is a fairly distinct piece of the whole with their own distinct
application and desktop needs. Find out what applications they need and
re-write them. Roll the new applications into production one at a time
(next paragraph is key for this to be applicable). When all applications
have been moved and users have been trained on their new desktop
interfaces, move them to their new workstations. Then move onto the next
group.
My recommendation is to make all of these applications web-based. The
benefits of web-based as opposed to client, gui-based applications are
staggering, but here's one that should mean something to them: if they
ever have to switch OS's again, they won't have to rewrite any
applications. :)
As for the desktop migration: Any experienced (and perhaps creative)
sysadmin could handle the 2000-user desktop migration, provided they make
the switch to diskless workstations. (A couple of central servers, 2000
diskless x window boxes - Largo, FL just made a switch to this sort of
setup, and it's been a huge success story.). The typical desktop PC
setup, on the other hand, would require a lot of manpower to do things
like OS installations, user support, etc. Again, these people should be
in-house, not a consulting agency.
You may or may not be able to re-train your existing staff, and you
probably don't want to try. You certainly won't need your windows
administrators anymore, so you can let them go after this migration is
complete. The long-term cost savings benefits of a Linux solution will
easily pay off the difference of having to employ both unix and windows
people in the interim.
This sounds like an exciting project. Make sure they hire the right
people though, no matter how much they cost.
John
--
# John Madden weez@xxxxxxxxxxxxx ICQ: 2EB9EA
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