What facilities do I need to realise the web-based information system?

So far we have looked at the overall framework of an information system that uses XML as a common file format. In the last session, we considered data conversion issues. Just to briefly summarise, the main aim of the data conversion process is to convert all required legacy data from the old information system into the new system. Data conversion is critical and can lead to many input errors in the new data set. After data has been entered, it should be verified and validated at the earliest opportunity. For large quantities of data, it may not be feasible to perform the conversion in one go. In such cases, it is important to maintain data integrity whilst the legacy data is being converted. Also it is important to bear in mind that whilst data is being converted, no new data should be entered into the legacy system. Don't forget that you should cleanse your data first before migration.

Once you have considered how you are going to deal with legacy data, you must think about how the new system will be implemented. Here is a checklist of some of the activities:

1. Verify that each user installation was prepared to accept the new computer equipment and facilities

2. Receive and install the new hardware/software/networking equipment and facilities

3. Configure and verify the new hardware/software/networking equipment and facilities

4. Test the equipment and facilities with the standard installation scripts and test cases to ensure that they work properly in both a standalone and integrated mode of operation

5. If necessary, verify that any special computer supplies have been received in sufficient quantities in each user area

6. Produce the final hardware/software/networking installation report

Learning Activity 1:

Get into groups of three or four people. Using the XML tutorial and the work you did for your assignment, think about what facilities you would need to install a web-based information system.

Here are some prompt questions for you to answer:

• List the resources - what would you use?

• What would be the impact of the system on existing hardware?

• What would be the impact of the system on existing software?

• Would you need to invest in new equipment?

• How would you justify your expenditure to the Accounts department?

• What would you expect from the existing users?

Can you think of anymore questions that you might want to ask?

Learning Activity 2:

Take the questions you have answered and assign them to the following categories:

• Activity ID

• Resources

• Human

• Hardware

• Software

• Investment

• Justification

• Payback period

Now, try and represent your data as an XML file. Open up MS Notepad and type in the following:

<?xml version=""1.0""?>

<project>

<activityid>

<resources>

<human>What would you expect from the existing users?</human>

Try and complete the exercise in your groups. Verify that your XML file is well-formed.

For this exercise you might want to do a little bit of research. You can do this as an individual, or you might join up with a few colleagues and share your results.

The basic information can be found in the following text:

Chapter 6, A Methodology for Client/Server and Web Application Development, First Edition, Roger Fournier, Yourdon Press, p351-354, ISBN 0-13-598426-2.

However this is only a starting point and you are advised to look further for other resources, such as alternative texts or on the internet.

Once you have completed your research and made some notes, try the review questions below.

As a guide, this piece of learning should take about two hours to complete.

Review Questions

Test your understanding of this topic with the following questions.

What steps should you take when you are converting legacy data?

What items should you check for before implementing a web-based information system?

Which operational issues should you consider during the information system installation? (Hint: how can the business carry on working if the information system is disrupted)