9.1 Disposition Phase

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Disposal actions should be implemented to either eliminate a large part of a system or close down a system and end the life cycle process. The system in this phase has been declared surplus and/or obsolete and is or will be scheduled for shutdown. The chief emphasis of this phase will be to ensure that data, procedures, and documentation are packaged and archived in an orderly fashion, making it possible to reinstall and bring the system back to an operational status, if necessary, and to retain all data records in accordance with corporate policies regarding retention of electronic records.

The Disposition phase represents the end of the system's life cycle. It is usually initiated by the SPMO when a product is ready to be replaced or taken offline. A Disposition Plan should be prepared to address all facets of archiving, transferring, and disposing of the system and data (as described previously). Particular emphasis shall be given to proper preservation of the data processed by the system so that it is effectively migrated to another system or archived in accordance with applicable records management regulations and policies for potential future access. The system disposition activities preserve information not only about the current production system but also about the evolution of the system through its life cycle.

The objectives for all tasks identified in this phase are to retire the system, software, hardware, and data. The tasks and activities actually performed depend on the nature of the project. The disposition activities are performed at the end of the system's life cycle. The disposition activities ensure the orderly termination of the system and preserve vital information about the system so that some or all of it may be reactivated in the future if necessary. These activities may be expanded, combined, or deleted, depending on the size of the system.

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