Conversion Strategies Four Possible Methods l Abrupt Cutover

Conversion Strategies

Four Possible Methods l Abrupt Cutover l Parallel Conversion l Location Conversion l Staged Conversion

Abrupt Cutover l As of a specific date the new system is installed. No Looking Back l Previous versions of the text called this the “Crash” method.

Abrupt Cutover Advantages v. Lowest Cost (If it works) v. Ensures everyone uses new system v. Benefits achieved at earliest possible time

Abrupt Cutover Disadvantages l Highest Risk

Parallel Conversion l Run both the old and new systems for a specified period of time.

Parallel Conversion Advantages l Safest Method l Major problems resolved before implemented

Parallel Conversion Disadvantages l Highest Cost l High Demand on Resources l Potential to “hang on’ to old system

Location Conversion l May convert with one (or more) locations at a time l First site is called a “Beta” site

Location Conversion Advantages l Minimizes Risk l Bugs worked out at first location l Remaining sites can usually convert by abrupt method.

Location Conversion _ Disadvantages l Delays benefits l Increased Cost l Must co-exist with existing system l Implementation Team committed longer l Costs higher

Staged Conversion l Various portions or versions of the system are installed one a time l Each version is installed as it becomes available

Staged Conversion Advantages l Relatively safe l Able to resolve problems on a limited scale l Minimizes immediate impact on users

Staged Conversion Disadvantages l High Cost l Resources committed Longer l Must maintain previous systems l Benefits Delayed l Problems encountered in new releases may require correcting previous systems implemented

Reminder l Your team must select one or a combination of these methods for your team project