North Carolina, South Carolina

Software Deployment

After a software solution is designed, developed, tested, validated, and documented, one more vital task remains: deployment. The software deployment experience is often the first opportunity for an application to make a positive impression on the end user. From the user's perspective, the best deployments are automated, seamless, and transparent.

Hardware Configuration

Frequently, software systems will have specific hardware configurations. New and unfamiliar technologies may be in use. Security, policy, database integration, and many other hardware and software configuration adjustments may be required. Productive Technology's skilled consultant has excellent troubleshooting skills to conquer the toughest configuration scenarios.

Software Packaging

How best to distribute your application? Choices include Microsoft installer (MSI) packages, copying the application files, using third-party tools, and other methods. Some considerations a consultant can help you address include:

• Assessing the number and type of target systems to receive the installation
• Evaluating the level of difficulty in accessing the target systems
• Considering security limitations to performing software installations
• Noting the skill level of the users, and any involvement they may have with the installation
• Considering the method of and frequency of future software updates
• Evaluating any extensive tasks to be performed in conjunction with the software deployment; databases, scripts, or other related software installation or upgrades
• Listing and verifying all dependent software versions and hardware requirements
• Assisting with test installations and troubleshooting installation problems

Performance Tuning

Certain performance issues may become apparent only during an extended real-world deployment. Prudent deployment strategy includes pilot programs, where a limited deployment to carefully selected target systems evaluates the system in an actual production environment. Your consultant can guide your staff in setting up an adequate pilot testing program.

During the pilot, performance adjustments can be made to suit the actual conditions encountered. A skilled and experienced consultant can effectively perform this important service, allowing your staff to focus on the larger deployment effort.

Hosting Service Deployment

Web-based applications often function best under a hosting provider. Their fault-tolerance, availability, and cost are difficult to match in many in-house data centers. Whether you are deploying a new application to a hosting service, or are migrating existing applications to a service provider, Productive Technology can assist. We understand web servers, service providers, and can advise on the benefits and limitations of a wide range of deployment options.

When your staff needs ongoing maintenance and support for remotely-hosted applications, Productive Technology will custom-craft a service level agreement that suits your company's needs at an affordable cost.

Knowledge Transfer

Deployment can be an ideal time to ramp-up the knowledge transfer process. When consultants have a software system ready to deploy, and your staff is poised to assume ongoing maintenance and support, effective knowledge transfer is vital. Productive Technology's consultant will clearly and carefully explain the necessary information to your staff, shortening their learning curve and easing the transition toward using and supporting the new system.

Knowledge transfer can consist of group presentations, Q&A sessions, and one-to-one mentoring. Productive Technology's consultant can also create documentation, manuals, and systems reference material to target any level of user.

Maintenance and Updates

Software deployments should always consider maintenance and upgrades. How will the updates be deployed when they occur? How large will the files be, and do bandwidth considerations exist? Are distributions over CD or other media feasible. Will automatic deployment be appropriate? Must an administrator or a user be present for the upgrade?

Productive Technology's consultant can help you think through these and many other important considerations. Properly considered, a carefully planned and executed software deployment will lay the foundation for years of valuable service from your software system.