Post on 27-Mar-2015
Cost-Effective Software Deployment
Ralph Brackert, Ph.D.
Baseline Data Systems, Inc.
CEO, CTO
Law Office Accelerator
Booth 617
Baseline Data Systems, Inc.
3625 Del Amo Blvd. Suite 245
Torrance, CA 90503
www.lawofficeaccelerator.com
Baseline Data Systems, Inc.
3625 Del Amo Blvd. Suite 245
Torrance, CA 90503
www.lawofficeaccelerator.com
Discussion Background
Based on working with our customers
Baseline Data Systems12 years of developing and delivering
consumer and enterprise softwareOver 500,000 installationsThousands of network installs
What is Software Deployment?
Everything the customer does to get the users up and running on the software. TestingPlanningCustomizationDistributionData MigrationTraining
The Big Picture
Software Developer Perspective
Has expectations on how the customer will use the software once running.
For most, how the software gets there is an afterthought.
Pressure to work on the feature list ‘check marks’.
The Big Picture
Purpose of Deploying Software
The purpose of deploying software in a business is ROI in the form of: Increased Revenue Money Saved Time Saved
If the software can’t be quantified (explicit ROI) or rationalized (implicit ROI) to one or more of these, it should not be deployed.
The Big Picture
Costs of Successful Software Deployment
Or: “How did $300 per seat turn into $1000 per seat, and over a year to roll out?” Consumer vs. Consultant based software Initial purchase and maintenance fees Initial and on-going staff and service fees Training materials, time, fees Other new hardware and software, plus setup Data Migration Customization IT and end user productivity loss
The Big Picture
Success Hinges on Software Evaluation
A Conservative Approach Ensures:Satisfied Firm: Happy Partners and End
UsersSmooth, Quick Adoption (Migration and
Training)Conformance with Existing SetupCustomization ROI “The End” Exists
Road to Successful Deployment
Evaluate, Don’t Trial
Don’t waste time “playing” with the software.Not Trained = FrustrationNo one right there to help you.Get more demos.Ask more questions.
Bigger Firms: Buy with Contingency
Road to Successful Deployment
Satisfying the FirmUsers: “I can’t wait to get it!”Address Business Problems “Every month we spend a lot of time doing…” “When I get a call, I can never find…” “Every day I have to…” “To send a package, it takes…”
Not Features “Is there a checkbox to…” “Does it link to…” “Can I click on a button that…”
Write down 10 biz problems before starting.
Road to Successful Deployment
#1 THING TO REMEMBER
IS THIS CONCEPT
Data Migration
Avoiding the rollout that keeps on rolling! Clean up what you’ve got before you start. Don’t be afraid to ‘clean house’.
Software Developer What tools are provided? Is there an existing plan or method? What migration training/services are there? Third party assistance? (watch the $$) The Software Developer is usually the expert.
Road to Successful Deployment
Conformance Evaluation
What does it work with, or not work with? Hardware Requirements Existing Software Requirements Compatibility with Existing Software Required New Hardware and Software Security Risks (web!) Network Traffic
Know the issuesUse Company History as Benchmark
Road to Successful Deployment
Customization
The Money PitFocus on Solving Business ProblemsKnow the ROI (include maintenance)Avoid “Wouldn’t it be cool if…” Implement what people will use
What alternatives are there?Typical Customization vs. Baseline’s CIT
and Macro Suite
Road to Successful Deployment
Training
Maximizing ROI Biggest impact is mandatory training. If your firm doesn’t want to train, don’t buy it.
Software Developer What training materials are there? What documentation is there? Available training services? Are there third party trainers? (watch the $$) The Software Developer is usually the expert.
Road to Successful Deployment
Knowing “The End”
Have a well-defined end point.You know when you are done.Set user expectations.Adhere to a schedule.Maintain a budget.Measure the impact of mid-stream
changes.
Road to Successful Deployment
Distribution Requires Planning
Simplify with a Written Plan Conformance TestingPhased RolloutCoordination with Other Projects InstallationData MigrationTraining
Software Distribution
Conformance Testing
Know the ProblemsSetup Typical End-User Systems Install All User AppsYou Can’t Test EverythingAnything is Possible
Software Distribution
Planning a Phased Rollout
Integrate with Other Projects, Training, and MigrationPrioritize the RolloutSmall Pilot Group: representative of the
entire rolloutMust HavesVIPs require perfection
Turn the crank!
Software Distribution
What Impacts Distribution Choices?
Every Situation is Different
Influencing factors includeAvailable IT ResourcesCurrent Firm/IT ‘Convention’System StandardizationSoftware Developer Provisions
Software Distribution
Standardization
Locking Down or Standardizing the Environment Every firm should have some form of Standardization. Even if the standard is ‘no standard’.
Less flexible for userEnables more sophisticated Distribution MethodsEnforce Standardization
Software Distribution
Installation Overview
Manual Distribution
Email Enhancements
Write Scripts
Using a Web Site
Disk Imaging
Microsoft Solutions
Third Party Tools
Software Distribution
Impact of Web-Based Solutions
What is a Web-based solution anyway? Internet vs. IntranetClient support: HTML? DHTML? Scripting?
Components?Security and Liability Issues
Everything still applies!
Solve Business Problems
Software Distribution
Final Thoughts
Common Characteristics of Successful DeploymentsFocus on Business Problems, Not
Features (think ROI)Expect Service Costs: 33% to 66% of
Enterprise ISV revenue is services.Enforce Mandatory TrainingEnforce StandardizationDefine the End Point