In this phase, appointed teams determine the best methods for automatically installing the specified configuration for a pilot or trial rollout. Planning for this pilot program involves creating the automated installation process, determining the logistics of testing, and preparing a training plan for users. The following checklist outlines the tasks in planning the pilot rollout.
Planning the Pilot Rollout
Task | Team | Start week | Duration |
1: Use Server-based Setup to install Windows 95 source files on a server. Make setup choices based on your client configuration, including whether you will run a shared copy of Windows 95 from the server, or run Windows 95 locally on the client computer. Perform the following steps: Set up the distribution server Set up the client from the network See Chapter 4, "Server-Based Setup for Windows 95," for step-by-step instructions. Document any changes to this process. | Planning, Installation | Week 6 | 1 day |
2: Create and test an automated installation by creating a setup script to predefine settings for Setup. Document the key parts of the setup script that vary by installation. | Planning, Installation | Week 6 | 2 days |
3: Determine and test how you will push the installation from the server without having to touch the client computers. (See Chapter 5, "Custom, Automated, and Push Installations") Options: Modify login scripts on the server. Use management software such as Microsoft Systems Management Server. Send a setup script (batch file) that runs Windows 95 Document the process for the rest of the Installation team. | Planning, Installation | Week 6 | 3 days |
4: Evaluate the Windows 95 installation process for opportunities to upgrade or improve your organization's existing technology infrastructure. For example, a system management software tool can help you administer computers on the network more easily, and it can help with the push installation process. | Planning, Executive | Week 7 | 2 days |
5: Document in checklist form the logistics of the pilot installation, such as the total time for installation, the new software or tools to be purchased, the group selected as the pilot users, and the scheduling of specific installations. Use this prior to the rollout to make sure you are completely prepared. Document goals for the pilot rollout to be used as evaluation criteria for rating the success of the rollout. | Installation, Planning | Week 7 | 3 days |
6: Send a memo to your users to clearly explain how the installation process will affect their daily work schedule and describe the differences they will see after the installation is completed. | Planning | Week 7 | 1 day |
7: Develop a user training course (or hire a training vendor to prepare one). Use the Windows 95 Help and Introducing Microsoft Windows 95 (supplied with the Windows 95 distribution disks) to "jump-start" your training efforts. | Planning, Support, Training | Week 6 | 5 days |
8: Establish a support plan for the pilot user group. This includes the names and phone numbers of persons to contact for assistance, a short list of the top questions and answers, and troubleshooting tips. | Planning, Support | Week 7 | 5 days |
9: Set up the lab or classroom with computers for training. | Training | Week 7 | 2 days |
10: Edit the Windows 95 Help file (if appropriate) to include any company-specific information. Repeat this after the pilot rollout is completed. | Planning, Support | Week 8 | 4 days |