Implementation

The singular objective of the implementation phase is to bring to the customer a complete and fully functioning system that has been carefully and completely documented and thoroughly tested .

In the Implementation phase, project members write the software programs needed by the system, they set up the servers, install the database software, and get the schemas built and working, and so forth. If the system is going to utilize a COTS application, the application is installed and configured.

Testing occurs in the implementation phase. We've covered some of the testing phases (Unit, System, and User Acceptance) in previous chapters. In the Implementation phase, project members make very sure that the system is fully tested so that it is validated to work as expected. Larger systems may require several phases of testing.

Note  

In a software development methodology known as agile development , testing techniques are utilized that allow for testing while the software modules are being created. In this way, programmers can discover problems earlier than at unit testing time and thus push code out the door faster. See www.agilealliance.com/home for more info on agile software development.

There are several other smaller elements involved with the Implementation phase. In this phase, data from old systems is converted and ported to the new system. Users of the system are trained in its functionality. Users are also actually migrated to the new system.

Additionally, system designers will go through a process called Systems Evaluation , in order to evaluate and report that the system does indeed meet the previously identified requirements.

The Implementation phase most closely maps to the Guide to the PMBOK 's Execution and Controlling process groups.

Getting Your Hands Dirty with SDLC-Implementation

Now that you know what your new landscape is going to look like, you've got a blueprint and all the associated documentation you need to make your yard look fantastic!

You go to your local garden supply store and pick out all of the supplies that you need that you can directly transport home. You also order the delivery of the mulch, soil enhancer (sheep manure), turf, and stones you need-things you can't haul home in your personal vehicle. You also rent the specialized equipment you'll need, like the tiller.

While awaiting the delivery, you go about doing all of the preparatory work you identified earlier-things that you can get done in preparation for the big stuff. You till the area where you're going to plant grass. You also dig out the flower beds and lay down the edging that will serve as the boundary for your stone paver patio and walkway. You run the sprinkler system from the grass and sprinkler hose (bubbler system to conserve water) for the plants. You plant the shrubs, flowers, and bushes. You place the statuary.

When the delivery truck(s) arrives, full of big mounds of sand, soil enhancer, mulch, and paving stones, you begin the heavy work of hauling the soil enhancer to the grass beds, then tilling anew to make sure the soil is augmented and ready for the turf delivery folks. You apply the mulch to your garden beds and then lay down the sand in your paving stone areas so you have a nice even surface with which to lay down your pavers. The turf delivery people show up and lay down the sod.

After weeks of work, you test the entire system by walking around in it to make sure you're happy with how it looks, then you plop down in your chaise lounge with a tall, cool drink and slip into a much-deserved nap!