Windows to Linux server migration
Not every workload needs Windows Server licences. Web servers, reverse proxies, DNS, monitoring, file services and many databases run as well or better on Linux at no licence cost. The ones that should stay on Windows are Active Directory, .NET Framework apps and anything a vendor only supports there.
We evaluate each workload, move the ones that fit and leave the rest, so the result is fewer Windows licences and no broken applications.
At a glance
| Good candidates | Web servers, DNS/DHCP, monitoring, file shares (Samba or NAS), PostgreSQL/MySQL, Docker hosts |
|---|---|
| Stay on Windows | Active Directory, RDS, .NET Framework, SQL Server (or migrate to SQL on Linux) |
| Tools | Samba AD-joined shares, SQL Server on Linux, pgloader |
| Savings | Windows Server and CAL licences, often the largest line |
What RackLedge does
- Workload assessment
- Migration and parallel run
- Licence true-up after decommission
How we work
Linux fleets stay healthy through automation and discipline. We build servers from a standard image with Ansible, patch them on a schedule with a staging ring, keep SELinux or AppArmor on, and log everything to a central collector. The result is a fleet that looks the same everywhere and can be rebuilt from Git.
Migrations, whether CentOS to Rocky, RHEL 8 to 9 or Windows to Linux, are done per workload with a test pass, a cutover window and a rollback. We coordinate with application vendors and keep the paperwork for compliance.
Subscriptions and licences are reviewed as part of the work. Plenty of businesses pay for RHEL where Rocky would do, or run unsupported CentOS where a subscription would satisfy an auditor. We fix both directions.
Related services
More on linux and red hat
Frequently asked questions
Can Linux join Active Directory?
Yes, with SSSD or Samba winbind. Users log in with domain credentials and shares honor AD groups.
Need a hand with this?
Tell us what you are running and what is slowing you down. You get a straight assessment and a plan, with no obligation. Support desk is staffed 24/7.