The International Centre for Free and Open Source Software has released a handbook for migrating computers from proprietary platforms to free software platforms.

This is meant for government departments, institutions, public sector undertakings, and other organisations intending to migrate to free or open source-based software operating systems.

Earlier this month, the Kerala government had issued an order recommending that Government departments and institutions migrate to free software in view of the withdrawal of support to Windows XP.

The government order stipulates that government and quasi-government institutions migrate to free software-based platforms, unless there are unavoidable reasons to defer the migration.

“We would like to support the action initiated by the IT Department in the migration,” says Satish Bau, Director of the International Centre.

The handbook, currently in draft form, is for use by any institution that would like to minimise disruption during this transition.

Free software communities here and abroad may suggest improvements so as to make it even more relevant in the true spirit of free/open source software, Satish Babu added.

The handbook provides information on planning and gearing up for the transition, identifying potential problem areas (such as legacy hardware and software), and the recommended steps for making the transition.

It would also require training and capacity building measures for staff which may be arranged using local open software-based institutions in the government and private sectors.

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