The pilot program helps you identify problems that may impede or delay deployment and also helps you determine the resources you will need. A successful pilot program can help your final deployment of Internet Explorer run more smoothly. To conduct the pilot program, you need to:
Before the pilot installation begins, the training and support teams must become skilled users of Internet Explorer and any additional browser components that you plan to install. First, give the teams access to the browser software so that team members can explore the functions and features on their own. Then, decide how you want to train the teams.
Some team members might already be proficient with earlier versions of Internet Explorer or third-party browser software, while others may not be skilled in this area. Consider self-paced and instructor-led training options, based on the skill levels of your team members and the types of information you want to present. A classroom that allows hands-on practice is recommended when you instruct teams about more complex browser functions. If an external company is instructing your training and support teams, make sure that their representative is informed about any company- or job-specific policies or applications for Internet Explorer.
After training, encourage team members to work with Internet Explorer every day. Continue to provide follow-up information and practice exercises so that team members are confident in their knowledge and ability before you start the pilot program.
Inform the users about the pilot program. Explain the benefits of migrating to Internet Explorer 5, and describe the overall plan and process by which each group or department will make the move. Then, users can anticipate and plan for the Internet Explorer installation.
Announce the pilot program well in advance of the start date, and follow up your announcement with several reminders. Conduct meetings with the pilot group managers and with the entire group to set their expectations and to answer any questions. Provide a deployment presentation that explains how users will install Internet Explorer. Describe any installation options that users can select, and explain how users can get support if they have any questions or issues.
Conduct Internet Explorer training. Training and support for the pilot program should simulate - on a smaller scale - the user training for the final deployment.
Encourage users to visit the Microsoft Windows Technologies Internet Explorer Web site for more information. If you implement a training Web page on the Internet or intranet, use a memo or e-mail letter to broadcast the URL and a description of the training page to users. Be sure to explain how users can benefit from visiting your training page.
The schedule for the pilot installation should simulate the schedule for the final deployment. As you conduct the pilot installation, you may need to revise the schedule because certain tasks take more or less time than expected, some tasks need to be added, or some tasks can be eliminated. Use the revised pilot schedule for projecting the final deployment timetable, and then update the deployment plan with the new schedule information.
Before you begin the pilot installation, make a backup copy of all files on the pilot computers. Then, perform the pilot installation in the same way that you expect to install Internet Explorer during the final deployment.
To implement the pilot installation, you will perform the following tasks:
Use the appropriate distribution methods to deploy the custom package of Internet Explorer that you created and tested in the lab. For example, you can send an e-mail message to users that directs them to the download site where they can follow instructions to download the custom package. Another option is to include a batch file as an e-mail attachment and instruct users to double-click the batch file to install the custom package. If you are using compact discs or floppy disks, you can distribute them to the users and provide e-mail instructions about how to install the custom package from this media.
In addition to the technicians responsible for conducting the pilot installation, you might want to assign additional technicians to measure, observe, and test the installation. By tracking the time per installation, handling problems that arise, and identifying areas for improvement or automation, these individuals can help ensure the success of both the pilot and final installations.
After Internet Explorer is installed, these technicians can test system capabilities, such as remote administration, to make sure that all functions are operating correctly. They should monitor the pilot computers for performance, stability, and functionality, and highlight any inconsistencies with the lab configuration. Also, they should document ways to improve the installation, training, and support processes.
Staff the support team with some of your best technicians and dedicate them to the pilot program for the first few weeks. These technicians could be members of your existing help desk, staff members that you have trained as subject matter experts, or representatives from an external vendor that you have hired to provide support services to browser users. The assigned technicians should carry pagers or be available by phone to assist users at all times. The support team should also monitor the progress of the pilot program.
Track the volume of support calls during the pilot program to gauge the effect of deploying Internet Explorer on your support staff. Make sure to document all user trouble calls and problems, as well as the staff resources required to support pilot users. Then, use your experience during the pilot program to plan the support resources for the final deployment. You may want to plan for additional staffing, or use this information to revise the final deployment schedule.
