Overview of a Deployment Process

There is more than one way to deploy Windows 98 in an organization. This chapter describes the following deployment process for Windows 98:

• Reviewing Windows 98
• Preparing the Planning and Support teams
• Identifying the preferred network-client configuration
• Performing lab tests of the client configuration
• Planning the pilot rollout
• Conducting the pilot rollout
• Finalizing the rollout plan
• Rolling out Windows 98

For the purpose of illustrating this deployment process, this chapter uses five teams: Executive, Planning, Installation, Support, and Training. Your organization may or may not have teams that resemble the ones presented here, but the information presented here should help you come up with your own deployment process and teams.

• The Executive team includes the deployment project manager (usually the head of the Information Systems department) and members of the executive committee of the corporation. This team must include one or more individuals with decision-making authority over company policies and procedures.
• The Planning team includes the deployment project manager, key Installation team members, and a representative from each of the Support and Training teams.
• The Installation team includes technicians and individuals who will be conducting the installation. This team must include a specialist in 32-bit applications who can evaluate the proposed Windows 98 configuration for compatibility.
• The Support team includes staff of the help desk or Support department, and select individuals from the Planning team. This team develops a plan for supporting Windows 98 during and after deployment, integrating new methods and processes as needed into the existing support scheme.
• The Training team includes individuals responsible for user training.