The team preparation phase involves gathering the resources, including equipment, software, and staff, to properly plan for testing and evaluating Windows 98. Members of the Support team should receive training during this phase.
The deployment project manager participates in the Executive team and leads the Planning team. Although this individual is usually the head of the Information Systems department, the executive committee may find a more appropriate individual, depending on the organization.
When setting up the Planning team, it is important to include a set of individuals representing the groups involved in the deployment process. This includes people from the Corporate Support and Employee Training departments, the Corporate Standards Committee, and key Installation team members. Individuals from the Finance and Accounting group will need to take part in planning and evaluation later on, but need not be assigned to the team for the full duration of the deployment process.
Your Installation team should include an applications expert who can evaluate 32-bit applications run with Windows 98.
Obtain Windows 98 during this phase. Microsoft recommends that you purchase the compact-disc version, so that you can use the administrative software tools not provided on the floppy disks.
You must survey a representative sample of your network to identify the hardware and software typically used on client and server computers. By doing this sample inventory of your company’s active equipment, you can accurately simulate the organizational environment in the lab. Such a simulation helps you make broad decisions about your company’s computing infrastructure, such as choice of protocol or the default desktop configuration as it pertains to applications.
Software management tools are available to query computers on the network for hardware and software configurations. For detailed information about a large number of computers on a network, use a system management program, such as Microsoft Systems Management Server, to conduct the inventory.
To evaluate and test the Windows 98 installation process effectively, set aside enough physical space and assemble a sufficient number of computers to test everything from automated Setup to hand-tuning options for the local computer. In addition, if your network environment includes the use of portable computers that dial in to the company, or if you use additional servers or mainframe computers for business data, make sure that the lab computers have full access to the network and an analog phone line.
It is important that you test and implement all Windows 98 features comprehensively in the lab with all mission-critical and non-critical business applications before moving to the pilot installation.
By reviewing specific portions of the Microsoft Windows 98 Resource Kit, the Installation and Planning teams can gain an extensive understanding of Microsoft Windows 98 features and functionality. A review of the Getting Started guide included in the box and of the chapters contained in Part 1, "Deployment and Installation " of the Microsoft Windows 98 Resource Kit, can provide the teams with the information necessary to evaluate product features for system configuration.
Support team members must become familiar with all information in the Microsoft Windows 98 Resource Kit to prepare for their role in the deployment process. For extensive training, team members can receive instruction at a Microsoft Authorized Technical Education Center (ATEC) and participate in the Certified Professional program. Call (800) SOLPROV or (800) 765-7768 for information about authorized training offered for Windows 98 and the Certified Professional program, and for referral to a local Microsoft Solution Provider ATEC.
For additional information about Windows 98, particularly the background of its design and the history of its development, team members can read Inside Windows 98 from Microsoft Press. This book contains guidelines and tips for applications developers working with Windows 98.
For other training information, see Appendix I, "Windows 98 Resource Directory. "