Using the Methodology

Project Guide

Comsys-TIM is designed in a modular fashion so that organizations with in-house redevelopment techniques may incorporate these into the overall process. Where in-house methods are either in common use, addressed in more detail or environmentally dependent, organizations can insert these methods into the Comsys-TIM.

One point to emphasize is that the techniques defined under the Comsys-TIM redevelopment framework apply to an infinite variety of project types. In order to frame tasks and steps within the scope of specific project initiatives, analysts simply refer to one or more of the redevelopment scenarios. Initial entry into Comsys-TIM, especially for the inexperienced user, should be through Comsys-TIM scenarios.

Comsys-TIM has been developed as a reference manual and guide. When organizations undertake a redevelopment endeavor, the tasks defined within Comsys-TIM provide a "what to do" guide for various redevelopment tasks. It also helps place existing or proposed redevelopment tools within a much larger perspective.

However, Comsys-TIM is not a replacement for training on a particular vendor tool, good management practices or new development methodology. The last point is particularly essential when using Comsys-TIM Transformation tasks to support replacement/migration efforts.

Training Users

For anyone just becoming familiar with Comsys-TIM, it is suggested that they review certain pieces of material based on their role within the organization. Senior IS management should read the executive summary, this introduction, the Enterprise Redevelopment Planning overview and scenario sections of interest. Applications management should review this introduction, the overview of each stage, the Inventory/Analysis stage and scenario sections of interest.

Managers and analysts chartered with cost and quality quotas should review the Inventory/Analysis and Positioning stages along with the Application Stabilization scenario. Individuals responsible for actually planning and performing redevelopment projects should use Comsys-TIM as a reference guide, focusing on particular areas of interest for the project at hand. Finally, anyone working in the new development arena should review the functional assessment tasks of Inventory/Analysis, all of the Transformation stage and the Application Replacement scenario.

Roll Out

It is important to profile the type of organization that can benefit from Comsys-TIM and the internal target audience. Any organization with a large installed base of existing application systems undergoing projects related to one or more of the Comsys-TIM redevelopment scenarios will find Comsys-TIM of value. Furthermore, any individual within an IS organization that is responsible for legacy applications should be aware of Comsys-TIM.

The Executive Summary should be distributed to management so that they may ascertain the value of the systems redevelopment approach. Beyond that, a central redevelopment coordinator should work with various IS applications managers to determine how Comsys-TIM applies to their unique project requirements.

The Comsys-TIM step-by-step approach to systems redevelopment should be carefully reviewed by every organization with a significant investment in legacy systems and attempting to implement strategic information change requirements. The remainder of this document offers additional information on the Systems Redevelopment Methodology and how it provides breakthrough approaches to the legacy systems dilemma.