Performance Optimisation

Info Tech adopts a 5 point methodology when completing hardware and software installations:

1. Identification

Clearly identify the objectives of the work to be performed in order to measure the project against stated outcomes.  As part of this process we clarify:

• who is going to use these systems and any security implications
• methods of access and environmental considerations such as server redundancy and client hardware; e.g. PC’s, thin clients
• impact on current disaster recovery procedures
• any inherent risk involved and proposed mitigation planning
• availability of licensing and software media and identify any application specific considerations that may impact on the overall planning for this installation
  
  
2. Planning

   Prior to a consultant beginning an installation, they should complete an installation preparation checklist (example below).

   Option	Description
   Activation	Ensure copy (physical / electronic) of all relevant software licensing.
   Media	Ensure access to application media / CD.
   Authentication	Ensure all relevant access credentials (user names passwords) are known to facilitate installation and (post-installation) testing.
   Documentation	Ensure relevant documentation is complete, up to date and readily accessible.
   Client Notifications	Ensure client informed of scheduled outages at least 5 business days prior to installation (where possible).  Re-confirm with client the evening prior (or morning of) installation as necessary.
   Isolation	Ensure all users are off the system and appropriate measures have been taken to disable non-console access to servers during installation process.
   Site Preparation	Reboot server beforehand.  Ensure that server reboot occurs in an orderly fashion (check event logs).

   
   It is also important to document pre-implementation testing results that identify any known issues to be expected and the fixes proposed or available.
   
   
3. Documentation
   
   When approaching documentation, the goal should always be to over-deliver.  Recognising that client budgets can sometimes be constrained, we integrate our documentation methodology into our professional services execution to ensure that some level of record is achievable.

   As a minimum we aim to document:

   • an application interaction diagram where to impact of our systems  is clearly shown on new and existing infrastructure relative to the overall IT environment
   • installation process to ensure reproduceable in the event of a total or partiial system rebuild
   • custom application settings including versions and service packs applied
   • impact on security including active directory
   • integration to other elements of the customers infrastructure such as Exchange and SQL services.

4. Complete
   
   As a result of the proceeding steps, the actual installation should follow a fairly tight script or checklist, assuming that the on-site pre-implementation testing has successfully been completed.
   
   
5. Revise
   
   The revision stage is generally the last 10% that most IT organisations ignore.  Critical to sign-off is:
   
   
   • complete the documentation, achieve sign-off and provide to the customer; this generally includes detailed record of all issues encountered on-site and their final resolution
   • hand-over to the next phase of the project or our help-desk for ongoing support case management
   • complete the DRP audit and ensure integrated into the policies and procedures of the customer, even if as simple as added data to tape backup and tested restore.