Migrating to or from FreeBSD takes more than copying files and flipping switches. It’s about understanding the architectural differences between systems, how each handles users, services, filesystems, and networking, and then rebuilding your environment cleanly so it performs the way it should. I handle FreeBSD migrations for businesses moving from Linux, macOS, or other Unix-like operating systems, as well as those transitioning away from FreeBSD to another platform.
Most of my clients choose FreeBSD for its consistency, performance, and long-term stability. It’s predictable, clean, and built to scale without the chaos that can creep into Linux distributions over time. Others find themselves needing to move applications or servers off FreeBSD to fit new environments or vendor requirements. Either way, I plan and execute migrations that preserve uptime and data integrity while improving performance and maintainability.
I start with an audit of your existing systems, identifying what needs to move and how it’s configured. That includes filesystems, network interfaces, daemons, cron jobs, services, and user data. Then I build a migration plan that maps every element to its proper place in the target environment. Whether it’s a single server or a full network, every configuration is tested before it goes live.
Migration services include:
- Linux to FreeBSD: Full conversion of systems, applications, and configurations to native FreeBSD equivalents.
- FreeBSD to Linux or macOS: Controlled migrations while preserving service uptime and configuration integrity.
- Filesystem Migration: ZFS setup and conversion, rsync-based replication, and live data transitions.
- Service Porting: Mapping Linux daemons, cron jobs, and init scripts to FreeBSD rc.d or systemd equivalents.
- Network Configuration: Transitioning interfaces, routes, firewalls, and VPNs with minimal downtime.
- Application Compatibility: Identifying and resolving POSIX differences that affect scripts, binaries, or dependencies.
- Testing and Validation: Dry-run testing to confirm all services start, log, and perform correctly before final cutover.
Every migration is treated like surgery: careful preparation, no wasted movement, and full verification before closing up. I handle the details so your team can focus on what the system is actually meant to do. The goal is always the same—move cleanly, avoid surprises, and end up with a faster, more stable setup than before.
FreeBSD offers a solid foundation for long-term infrastructure, and when migrations are done properly, you don’t just end up on a new OS—you end up with a cleaner system, clearer structure, and fewer points of failure.
If you need to migrate production servers, consolidate multiple systems, or bring FreeBSD into your existing Linux-based network, I can handle the full process from planning to final deployment.