Thiruvananthapuram, June 2: <\/p>\n
The International Centre for Free and Open Source Software has released a handbook for migrating computers from proprietary platforms to free software platforms. <\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
We would like to support the action initiated by the IT Department in the migration, says Satish Bau, Director of the International Centre. <\/p>\n
The handbook, currently in draft form, is for use by any institution that would like to minimise disruption during this transition. <\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n