Infrastructure Field Guide
"When you mechanize a mess, you get a mechanized mess."
- Unknown
If you want to have a computer system that will be proud of you, you have to get this stuff right. You don't want to pay too much for but you don't want to pay too little either.
Fortunately, this form can help you. It's not about all the features, functions, and usability of your system. Instead, it's about the impact of the features, functions, and usability of your system. This form will help you communicate with your business, your suppliers, and your users.
Links on the form lead to explanations of each section.
The Impact Points come from the business. How many users? Where are they? How secure? 24/7? Growth?
The Architecture Components comprise the infrastructure you that costs you money, time, scalability, and compatibility. Your IT department, consultant, and vendors have to manage these to your satisfaction.
The Vendors are always involved with products and services. Their goals and priorities don't always match yours. You need to know the vendors and their responsibilities during and after your project. You have to make sure they understand your requirements. (This form will help) You want to avoid finger pointing.
Download the Field Guide as a printable Excel 2000 document
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