Solutions Options

Before deciding which solution to use, it's important to assess each solution by looking each solutions strengths, weaknesses, impact of change and estimated costs. Ideally this should also encompass a gap analysis, risk analysis as well as looking at any current issues and dependencies which may affect each of the solution.

Strengths & Weaknesses.

An assessment of the strengths of each proposed solution is carried out, followed by determining the weaknesses if any, tailoring both if possible to the organisation. This section tries to provides a high level view with minimal use of technology, so stakeholders can appreciate the pros and cons of a particular solution.

Impact of change

The changes required to implement the solution within the current environment are summarised. For example, if Microsoft App-V was going to be used as a solution for application virtualization, the change required would be 'to incorporate Microsoft App-V streaming servers, sequencing tools and integrate with Active Directory'.

Estimated costs

Estimation which encompasses not only the hardware and software costs but looks at the licensing, support and maintenance, some of which is chargeable annually. Break the cost down to a per user cost, so it's easy to see which solution offer the best value.

Recommend an option based on whether it's strategically the right thing for the customer or if it's not strategically possible, look at a tactical option. A strategic option may not be able to be phased in completely, so a tactical approach may be required to ensure requirements can be met.

Using a Technology Evaluation Environment (TEE) is a useful way in deciding the merits of each solution, allowing options to be quickly assembled and evaluated.

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