Negocio Usando Open Source

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Open source without business risk…
Top tips for a seamless Linux
desktop deployment
April 2011

© Copyright Canonical 2011

www.canonical.com

Executive summary
It’s well known that open-source software delivers some great business
benefits, from reduced licensing costs and improved hardware performance,
to streamlined systems management and highly-secure, virus-freecomputing.
In spite of all this, however, most IT managers still choose to stick with their
existing, proprietary systems on the desktop.
This reluctance to make the move to Linux is natural; especially given the
pressure IT managers are under to keep critical services up and running
24 hours a day. Often, it’s just too difficult to contemplate large-scale
technology change – even if it’schange for the better.
The purpose of this paper is to show how you can achieve the cost and
performance benefits of open-source software, without any risk of downtime
or disruption for end users. It might seem like a daunting task, but there
are actually a number of simple tips that can help you ensure a seamless,
successful, Linux deployment and maximise your returns on investment.
As withmost things, the devil is in the detail, and effective preparation
can help you make the move to Linux desktops quickly and easily. You’ll also
want to choose your Linux variant carefully, opting for something that is
fully supported, future-proof and, critically, easy to manage and maintain.
Finally, partnership is often the key to success for Linux deployments.
The software is ready andwaiting, but you’re bound to need some
professional help to deliver the best possible experience for your employees.
Read on for our top tips for ensuring a seamless Linux desktop deployment,
with no business risk.

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Contents
Open source without business risk…
Top tips for a seamless Linux desktop
deployment
Set realistic targets

5

Minimise deployment risk

6

Minimiseimpact for end users

7

Streamline systems
management

7

Get enterprise-class support

8

Future-proof your desktops

8

CONCLUSION
THE CANONICAL AdvANTAGE

9
10

SET REALISTIC TARGETS
In the past, IT managers have tried to replace proprietary desktops with Linux
lock, stock and barrel. However, this “rip-and-replace” approach often meant
administrators and end usersexperienced massive, disruptive changes across
the IT environment.
By setting realistic targets for your Linux deployment, you can minimise the
challenges typically associated with technology change. To do this, you’ll need to
understand the applications used by different teams and departments today and
identify which employees can transition most easily to Linux desktops.
It’s likely that asmall number of users in your organisation will rely on legacy lineof-business applications or other specialist software. It’s often best to leave this
type of user on their existing desktop systems to ensure continuity and minimise
disruption. However, the vast majority of information workers will be able to
adopt Linux software quickly and with minimal training.
By migrating users who can moveeasily to Linux first, you can minimise
frustration and resistance to change. Critically, you’ll also be able to ensure users
have open-source equivalents for all the tools they currently use, helping them
work productively from day one of the deployment.
An experienced commercial partner can help you set realistic targets for phase
one of your Linux desktop project, helping you make quickwins with little or no
impact on productivity. You can then turn your attention to additional target user
groups over time.

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MINIMISE dEPLOYMENT RISk
With 24x7 dependence on IT, your critical systems and data must be
constantly available for end users. An effective deployment strategy
is essential for implementing Linux desktops with no risk of disruption
or downtime.
To ensure...