Tell a Friend01.01.06
What is the key to a successful IT project? C/D/H just celebrated its 15-year anniversary, so with some reflection upon 15 years of project work, I'd like to share our formula for successful IT projects. We've found that there are certain constants that embody and create value:
As an example, the following project engagement highlights the purpose and foundation of these 'IDEAS' principles.
A C/D/H manufacturing client recently acquired an overseas company that owned a facility here in the States. Our client decided to integrate the new location into its technology infrastructure. A critical part of that effort was to migrate users' email from Lotus Notes to Microsoft Exchange. But email was not the only component to migrate; they also needed to simultaneously convert file and print and directory services to Microsoft Windows Server 2003/Active Directory. C/D/H was asked to design and test the email migration and document the process so that the client could execute the migration themselves. C/D/H delivered a solution that we believe displayed our IDEAS principles.
Integrity
Give unbiased advice, motivated only by what benefits the client. The client had not decided whether the larger Notes environment based overseas would be migrated to Exchange. They needed a solution that was agnostic as to what the end-state would be. We found that the free Microsoft migration tools were designed with the assumption that the entire Notes environment would be migrated. Therefore, after testing multiple third-party solutions, we recommended the Quest Notes Migrator for Exchange because it provided the utmost data integrity and the most seamless coexistence experience. Because we do not resell Quest or any other product, they could trust that our recommendation was based on their best interests.
Dependability
Deliver what you promise, on time. Test and re-test to make sure the solution works. We had one month to complete the migration design and proof of concept lab. We delivered on schedule, and did not compromise the testing plan. A detailed test matrix was created with dozens of functionality and performance metrics, and then we rigorously applied it to multiple migration approaches.
Expertise
Provide inventive solutions based on existing knowledge, training and experience. To support long-term (but not necessarily permanent) coexistence, the client needed a directory synchronization approach that was simple to administer, but wouldn't break the bank. We designed a custom synchronization process based on deep knowledge of Active Directory internals that used free tools to perform a daily directory import and export.
Accessibility
Listen to the client, and work hand-in-hand with their staff to custom-fit the solution to their needs. We started the engagement with a lengthy design and envisioning meeting, and returned to the conference table repeatedly as we refined the approach. We also worked closely with the engineers to ensure no element of their environment was overlooked. While we were not responsible for designing the directory services migration, our constant communication with the Directory Team created a process to quickly mail-enable Active Directory users as they were migrated; this helped avoid potential migration pitfalls.
Security
Inspire trust by respecting and protecting confidential information. An acquisition is particularly sensitive from a security perspective, and few systems contain more confidential information than email. C/D/H worked closely with the client to ensure that all email remained private throughout the migration.
Even the best technical solution can be hindered by poor communication, and that may have been particularly true in this case since C/D/H was "handing off" the migration effort to our client. C/D/H provided detailed documentation and step-by-step instructions refined by rigorous testing, which allowed them to perform the migration seamlessly and without surprises. C/D/H is proud to have played a role in this successful project.
Ultimately, these are the C/D/H IDEAS that make technology work.