Gradual Workstation Migration to Linux OS Maintaining Hardware and Software Compatibility

This paper describes a solution of the gradual migration to Linux OS of the MS Windows based IT infrastructure. The migration is workstation oriented while the the network and server infrastructure remain based on Microsoft technologies. The user applications and local peripherals remain unchanged and fully functional. All shared network resources can be used by the workstations and the majority of applications is installed on Intranet servers. Users and asset management is accomplished through the MS Active Directory. Three migration methods for applications are presented. Installed Linux OS is enhanced with the new program that makes virtual interfaces which enable virtualized applications to use local peripherals. Hardware and software compatibility with the previous MS Windows workstation is maintained while the stability and security of the whole infrastructure is increased.