How NOT to migrate your home/office users into Linux and Open Source apps

by Clair on June 1st, 2008

My take on the topic How not to be a Linux evangelist but this one in the context of migration:

Don’t change the operating system on the computers without warning. You might incur the wrath of the users. Give them ample time to back up their data, as well as learn something about the new OS.
Don’t leave your sys ad alone in doing the migration process. What I mean here is that there should be enough coordination between the sys ad, management and human resources so that you could come up with a good migration strategy. The said parties might have specific concerns. As such you need to find ways to make the transition easier. It would be great if you could create a tech support team for that transition stage. It could be a small group of early adopters or users who are already familiar with the OS. :)
Don’t leave the users hanging. Especially when they need help. When they get frustrated, the more resistance you will receive from them. However, don’t treat them like babies either or they will be too dependent on you. Your team of sys ads and tech support will not be able to handle it if you do that.
Don’t force the users without even the slightest training. I think this will cause more headache for you. And less productivity.
Don’t do the migration without any plans. If you have a really big organization, you’d probably have to divide the migration process into phases.

Some of these items I learned the hard way, through experience. Some are from the experiences of other people around me.

Got any tips to share? Just post them in the comments section. :)

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