Migration training/support costs
There's a mandate to switch to open source desktops. We have about 200 users that would need re-training and support, and I understand there's quite a shift from the familiar Microsoft desktop. How can we contain training and support costs while maintaining quality?

    Requires Free Membership to View

    Login

    When you register, my team of editors will also send you resources covering Linux administration and management; integration and interoperability between Linux, Windows and Unix; securing Linux and mixed-platform environments; and migrating to Linux.

    Cathleen A. Gagne, Senior Editorial Director

    By submitting your registration information to SearchEnterpriseLinux.com you agree to receive email communications from TechTarget and TechTarget partners. We encourage you to read our Privacy Policy which contains important disclosures about how we collect and use your registration and other information. If you reside outside of the United States, by submitting this registration information you consent to having your personal data transferred to and processed in the United States. Your use of SearchEnterpriseLinux.com is governed by our Terms of Use. You may contact us at webmaster@TechTarget.com.

Typical users usually don't have much problem moving to a Linux desktop, particularly a KDE-based one that looks a lot like a Windows desktop. The typical productivity apps (e.g., OpenOffice) are very simple to move to as well.

The major problems arise with so-called power users, especially those with complex Excel macros. I recommend that you start with a pilot set of users, perhaps 10 or 15, that reflect all types of users within the organizations. See how they do with migrating to a Linux desktop and base your practices on that.

This was first published in November 2006