Deep into Munich's Linux F/OSS migration

LiMux components

Operating system: The core operating system is Debian GNU/Linux Sarge with the 2.6.17 kernel. It's a stripped version that doesn't use the often crammed-with-seldom-used-freebies distribution methodology employed by 'commercial' releases of Linux. Instead, a sparse, conservative approach is used. Munich is lucky to have Debian programmers and kernel hackers in the local area to call on for help and expertise. It's no coincidence that the last Debian release party was in their building, SchieBl says.

Office applications: Projekt LiMux uses OpenOffice.org 2.0.4 for 'office automation' applications. Interoperability with current Microsoft Office 97 documents is reasonably assured. Desktop KDE 3.5 and Xorg are the basis for a graphical user interface, not the Xfree86 originally included in Debian's Sarge release. Mozilla Thunderbird 1.5.x and Firefox 1.5.x are used for mail and browsing.

Mail and X.500 authentication service is performed by a Critical Path mail server, and a replacement e-mail service may or may not take place in the future. The LiMux model doesn't use a thin-client approach focused towards heavy server-based applications, rather a mixture of client side application s coupled to Web and client-server applications. The 'fat client' approach pushes processing towards the selected client applicationss, rather than browser-based analogs of 'fat client' applications.

Desktop hardware: The current standard issue is a standard 32-bit i386 machine (64-bit in the future) with a 40G to 80GB hard drive, 512MB of dynamic RAM, and a 15 to 17-inch flat screen display. The type of machine varies, changing every six months by contract. USB drives (flash sticks/dongles) are permitted, and other user hardware add-ons are allowed and are departmentally approved.

Network profile and resources: Network use methodology is by fat client, except for PC access through APIs to Oracle (on Sun hardware) or Adabas (on a Seimens BS2000) mainframe via terminal or Web-based connectivity. Connectivity and authentication comes via CriticalPath's X.500 directory services and Sun's PC-Netlink with Lightweight Directory Access Protocol.

Munich uses an IPV4 network infrastructure with standard Cisco routers. Mobility is allowed, but not home-worker VPN connectivity. This simplifies security concerns at the possible risk of reduced productivity, some would say, but carrying home USB flash/memory drives is approved for data transfer where it's permitted by departmental policy and governing law.

Key to productive administration and system delivery is a new tool, built for Projekt LiMux. Debian's Fully Automatic Installation (FAI), a PHP script, is integrated into a tool developed by Gonicus tool called GOsa2. GOsa2 allows LiMux administrators to install preconfigured client payloads from an image repository, a great convenience. GOsa2 also uses a database for systems and application control settings for desktops, such as display resolutions, desktop-specific printing settings and installed applications.

Oddly, there's not a great deal of connectivity between the municipal network and the three major universities in Munich. Instead, Munich's hotbed of F/OSS developers have been lending time and expertise towards the success of Projekt LiMux largely outside of the auspices of the local universities.

LiMux intangibles

More than a third of the overall budget allocation in the LiMux project is dedicated towards training for LiMux, its applications, and towards online learning resources. Team leaders of Projekt LiMux have designed their own training methodology, done in modular/topical format. Personal training comes first, then eLearning/CBT/online reinforcement.

As an example, basics are covered for common OpenOffice matters such as file management (open, closing, searching, and so on), then specifics, such as building and managing forms, is a specific eLearning module.

LiMux futures

Munich faces the same issues that other adopters of free and open source software must deal with: the specter of constantly re-arising software patent issues, application conversion and migration issues, and the gradual weaning process from historically used applications.

There's an additional dependency on core application providers, both the fruits of the Debian community (known for its deliberative conservatism), the evolution of OpenOffice, as well as the myriad other applications that are in use today, and might be envisioned for the future. Migration from existing applications, and the training processes needed to bring users to a comfort level for the mainstream choices made for Projekt LiMux is a huge part of both the budget and effort behind the migration in Munich, a step that may help to ensure its success.

Projeckt LiMux is a bold and brave move, but one that was also conceived in an open and highly deliberative process. It's for those reasons, and a listener's attitude that will help ensure its success.

Henderson is principal researcher and managing director of U.S.-based Extremelabs.