Transferring Linux Skills to Your Solaris UNIX Staff: Ten Tips for CIOs

Migrating from Solaris to Linux can be scary. We look at everything from Linux training to hardware competition.

Solaris accounts for almost half of all Non-Linux UNIX installations, but more and more organisations are abandoning it for Linux. Here are our top ten tips for making that migration run smoothly.

Migrating from Solaris to Linux can be scary. We look at everything from Linux training to hardware competition.

Solaris accounts for almost half of all Non-Linux UNIX installations, but more and more organisations are abandoning it for Linux. Here are our top ten tips for making that migration run smoothly.

1. Don’t panic

Shifting your core IT services to a new operating system can be scary, but don’t worry. Plenty of organisations have moved from UNIX Solaris to Linux, and the problems are well known. After all, they’re both versions of UNIX, and there are Open Source support specialists out there that can provide you with the support you need to ensure the transition is as seamless as possible.

2. Pick which Linux you want to move to

While all versions of Linux are similar, they aren’t all the same. Take a look at the available options and see which is right for you. Deciding early will help your technical staff know what’s coming, and let them develop the right skills. Take a look at ITworld’s roundup of the best enterprise Linux distributions.

3.  Consider Linux Training

Some of your staff may already be familiar with Linux, others won’t be. Speak to them and find out what training they’ll need to perform at their best under Linux.

4. Are you going to need more staff?

A new system may need more personnel, or personnel with a more appropriate skill set. Plan early so that any new hires can help make sure you make the right choices.

5. Do you need to run your own IT systems? 

The migration could be the perfect time to outsource your technical operations to allow you to focus on your core business.

6. Stay up-to-date

From Google to Facebook, Linux is being used by most of the world’s largest providers of computing services. As such, it’s developing far faster than any other operating system has ever. If you keep up to date with the latest technologies, you can benefit from these developments.

7. Take advantage of competition

Linux is a much more open ecosystem than Solaris – this means that there are far more companies competing for your business on both hardware and software. You should be able to take advantage of this competition to get value for money.

 8. Understand your apps

Any custom written software you run will have to be ported. This isn’t generally too difficult, but understanding the problems early will help mitigate any risks. The Linux Foundation provide a guide.

9. Don’t go it alone

Whichever route you go down, there are organisations that can help you out. Whether it’s Linux Training, or full outsourcing, or anything in between, bringing in a good Linux and Open Source support specialist like Linux consultancy, LinuxIT, can save you a great deal of time and money.

10. Go for it! 

There are some significant cost benefits for moving to Linux. The exact amount will depend on your setup. If you still need convincing, check out this guide from TechTarget.