Managing the Migration Process

2. Planning

Planning, the second phase of the MSF process model, is perhaps the most important activity in a migration project. Careful planning can make the difference between a smooth transition to IIS 5.0 and a rocky one. During this phase, the project team defines:

• What solution the project team will deliver. The solution is defined in the form of a functional specification document.
• How the solution will be developed, tested, and deployed, in the form of a master project plan.
• When development of the solution will begin and when its deployment will be completed, in the form of a project schedule.

As part of this process, you will gather information about current services, define the new service offering, as well as assess resource needs and time requirements for carrying out the project. These activities will yield the information you need to build a functional specification, as well as a master project plan, and a project schedule. The project team’s acceptance of the project plan is the milestone signifying completion of the Planning phase.

See the following:

• Team Roles during the Planning Phase
• Gather Information
• Define the New Service Offering
• Assess Resource Needs
• Build the Master Project Plan
• Draft the Project Schedule
• Check Your Assumptions

© 1997-1999 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.