Summary

When deploying an application, you must build an accurate baseline pertinent to the systems and users affected by the application deployment. The baseline will help you understand the potential bottlenecks in the existing environment, and in doing so assist in defining where and when QoS resources should be allocated.

The baseline data forms the backbone for your pilot, contingency planning, and disaster planning. In addition, the pilot plan should include a number of documents that provide procedures for successfully rolling out the pilot in a business environment.

One of the most effective ways to observe how these applications will manifest themselves in a production environment is to simulate the application in a virtual model. Doing so enables you to assess the impact on the production environment and issues behind the application deployment before rollout.

In general, there are two approaches to application deployment: a big bang approach and a staged approach. The method of deployment depends on the size of the project, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. However, specific drivers may affect deployments.

The success of an application deployment depends on the response from the actual users. Therefore, you need to define quantifiable objectives to measure the success of the deployment (as reported by the users). Remember to keep these objectives simple and in line with the business requirements. Good, clear communication is fundamental to gaining and retaining support for an application deployment.