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Linux - A Strategy for Transitioning



Linux represents a computing environment that is independent of suppliers, robust in production and able to meet user needs more cost effectively than any other environment before.

NCSS, as a user of Linux, has recognised that few users can transfer their businesses to a totally Linux environment in one transaction or "Big Bang". Mostly, users need to create a roadmap for the future and work at that over time, cognisant of budgets and skills.
NCSS has both the experience and skills to guide and assist Users in Linux transitioning.
The NCSS " Road Map" is structured as follows:


  • Conduct a survey to determine User compliance with current supplier licensing. This survey identifies the commercial exposure to the User of any non conformance. It also identifies the items most in need of a "technology refresh" and hence exposure in the event of failure. Older software may no longer be available, nor the license keys and current hardware may not support a replacement environment .
  • Identification of applications that are candidates for conversion to a state of the art applications environment such as .NET.
  • .NET is regarded as the future of Web based applications and is independent of operating system and browser environments. It is the enabling application of the future and an essential consideration for application extension/conversion or rewriting. NCSS offers design and development in this environment.
  • Identification of server environments that can be transferred easily. Web servers, Database servers, Mail servers are the "easy" candidates for server level transitioning.
  • NCSS recommends consideration of Apache Web servers. Apache is the most stable and offering of choice for 70% of currently installing Web servers.
  • NCSS' browser offering is Mozilla/Firefox. A browser that installs in both Microsoft and Linux environments. Users can become familiar with Mozilla or the derivatives prior to migrating to a Linux Desktop.
  • Ximian "Evolution" is the NCSS Mail offering. Being a very stable it environment, Ximian installs with the same level of complexity less than other Mail offerings.

  • Identification of Users that have minimal transfer impediments such as those who only require Web, Mail and Office applications. These End Users represent the logical starting point of Transitioning as the environments are closest to software commonly in use.
  • Identification of applications that will not run in a Linux environment such as Microsoft specifically developed bespoke applications. These are generally, heavily embedded in the business. These may be essential applications such as Accounting suites and Production Control systems.
  • For these users NCSS provides transitioning products such as Citrix MetaFrame, a product that allows Microsoft and other applications to co-exist in a Linux environment. Other transitioning products such as VMWare deliver similar capabilities but can be delivered to lower volumes of Users.
  • Typically, Users have a limited suite of program environments outside the suite mentioned above. These are ready candidates for immediate transfer after induction and training in the Linux environment.

  • Identification of a training regime for all end users to ensure positive take up of the Linux desktop.
  • NCSS regards that End User induction into the company "Road Map" for Linux Transitioning is essential. It ensures awareness of the company goals and their role to play in the the process of Transition.
  • NCSS Linux Transitioning Courses can be run on the User's site or at one of NCSS' facilities.

  • Upon completion of surveys, NCSS presents a step by step plan and the User signs off on an Implementation schedule with milestones and exit options.
  • Timing, training and budgets are agreed prior to the Road Map being implemented and at the milestone points evaluation of integration and achieved savings are validated prior to the commencement of the next phase.




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